Stuff You Should Know The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping
Feb 8, 2022
Dive into the chilling details of the Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping, the largest domestic kidnapping in U.S. history. Relive the harrowing 11-hour ordeal faced by 26 children and their bus driver. Discover the captors' blunders that led to their downfall and the community's struggle during this panic-inducing event. Experience the courage and teamwork shown by the survivors during their miraculous escape. The podcast also delves into the backgrounds of the kidnappers, revealing unexpected motivations and the long-lasting impacts on victims and the community.
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Chowchilla Kidnapping Overview
- The Chowchilla bus kidnapping was the largest domestic kidnapping in US history, occurring in 1976.
- It involved 26 children and their bus driver, Ed Ray, in a small California town.
The Hijacking
- On July 15, 1976, a school bus driven by Ed Ray was hijacked.
- Three armed men in pantyhose forced Ray and the 26 children into vans.
11-Hour Ordeal
- The kidnappers drove the children for 11 hours in modified vans.
- They then transferred them to a buried moving truck trailer in a Livermore quarry.