Ep 5. The Chowchilla Kidnapping
- TVPG
- October 12, 2019
- 42 min
In season 32 episode 5 of the true crime documentary series 48 Hours, viewers are taken back to 1976 when one of the most notorious kidnappings in U.S. history took place. On July 15th, 26 children and their bus driver were held captive under a moving van for 16 hours in a quarry in California's Central Valley.
The episode, titled "The Chowchilla Kidnapping," explores the horrifying events leading up to the day of the kidnapping and the aftermath that followed. Journalist Peter Van Sant speaks with several of the victims who share their emotional memories of the incident, including how they coped with being trapped in a small hole underground for hours.
Through interviews with law enforcement officials, family members of the kidnappers, and survivors, the episode dives deep into the intricacies of the case. It delves into why the three young men who committed the kidnapping - Fred Woods, Richard Schoenfeld, and James Schoenfeld - carried out the crime and how they managed to pull it off.
The episode also examines the critical role played by a combination of law enforcement agencies and civilians in the successful rescue operation. With the help of the community, investigators were able to track down the kidnappers and free all of the victims.
The episode features archival footage and photos from the time of the kidnapping, as well as interviews with key players in the case. Viewers will hear from detectives and prosecutors who were involved in the investigation, as well as attorneys for the kidnappers.
Despite being originally aired in 2019, "The Chowchilla Kidnapping" remains a significant episode in the show's history. It highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies and ordinary people working together to solve cases and demonstrates how the human spirit can endure and triumph in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Overall, "The Chowchilla Kidnapping" is a shocking and emotional episode that takes viewers on a journey through one of the most unforgettable crimes in U.S. history.
