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Sneak peek: The Chowchilla Kidnapping

July 09, 2020 / 03:48

This episode discusses the 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping, featuring the harrowing experiences of the children and their bus driver Ed Ray. Key topics include the initial abduction, the atmosphere of fear, and the eventual rescue efforts.

The episode opens with a vivid recollection of the day of the kidnapping, as a six-year-old describes the sudden shift from a carefree summer day to a terrifying encounter with masked men. The bus driver, Ed Ray, is highlighted for his calm demeanor during the crisis.

Listeners hear about the children's reactions as they are taken hostage, including the chilling moment when the kidnappers boarded the bus. The fear and confusion of the children are palpable as they realize the gravity of the situation.

The episode also covers the extensive search efforts led by law enforcement and the emotional turmoil faced by the parents of the missing children. The community's response to the crisis is emphasized, showcasing the collective anxiety and determination to find the children.

Finally, the episode concludes with the eventual rescue of the children and the long-lasting impact of the event on their lives and the community.

TLDR

The episode recounts the 1976 Chowchilla bus kidnapping and the children's terrifying experience during the abduction.

Episode

3:48

00:00:06

[Music] [Music] at six years old I had never been in darkness like that before it was just pitch black like the dark

00:00:26

was touching me engulfing me like I was actually inhaling the darkness [Music] ciao Chula in 1976 was a Cowtown

00:00:48

you could drive through the heart of town in about 30 seconds very close-knit community everybody looked out for each

00:01:01

other people didn't lock their doors there was nothing to fear I didn't know what fear was I still have a hard time

00:01:14

grasping the way that my life changed on July 15th just another average summer day very hot

00:01:24

going to summer school and that day we got to go to the town swimming pool got back on the bus ready to go home our bus

00:01:34

driver was Ed ray we all called him Edward he was just you know a really nice man the buses had the windows down

00:01:47

the hot summer breeze the kids were laughing and singing we dropped a few kids off at their normal stops and then

00:01:55

I can remember the bus stopping at a stop sign Edward went to go around a white van that was parked in the road we

00:02:05

just assumed that that van was broke down until Edward opened the bus door and masked men jumped on with guns

00:02:14

[Music] the first man came on the bus and he had a gun ed Rea said what's going on and he said

00:02:24

shut up and moved to the back I remember telling him that if he didn't get me home on time my dad would be on him like

00:02:31

stink on skunk you know I wasn't afraid of anything I didn't know I needed to be

00:02:37

and then another man came on the bus and he had a sawed-off double-barreled shotgun the shotgun filled me with

00:02:49

terror [Music] the masked man had pantyhose pulled over their face it was a very distorted look

00:02:58

I remember scrunching back down in my seat and thinking I really don't want to see this where their eyes were it almost

00:03:06

looked Hollow it was like looking at death one of the kidnappers got into the driver's seat

00:03:16

and the bus started moving again I started to think I wonder where they're taking it 26 schoolchildren and

00:03:28

their bus driver have vanished anguish parents President Ford hundreds of searching police are asking the question

00:03:35

where are the children

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

85
Most shocking
80
Most dramatic
80
Most intense
80
Best concept / idea

Episode Highlights

A Day Like Any Other
A summer day turns into a nightmare when masked men hijack a school bus.
“I can remember the bus stopping at a stop sign...”
@ 01m 55s
July 09, 2020
The Vanishing
26 schoolchildren and their bus driver disappear, sparking a nationwide search.
“26 schoolchildren and their bus driver have vanished...”
@ 03m 28s
July 09, 2020

Episode Quotes

I remember telling him that if he didn't get me home on time...
Sneak peek: The Chowchilla Kidnapping
It was like looking at death.
Sneak peek: The Chowchilla Kidnapping

Key Moments

Summer Day01:22
Bus Hijacking02:10
Vanished Children03:28

Tension Over Time

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown