On July 15, 1976, in Chowchilla, California, a bus of 27 people was hijacked. The bus driver, Ed Ray, along with 26 children aged from 5 to 14 were abducted. They were returning from a swim outing when a van stopped in front of them. Two of the men got out and boarded the bus. One held a gun to Ray while the other drove the bus. The third man stayed in the van and followed them. The victims were driven around for 11 hours before being buried alive inside a trailer underground in a rock quarry.
The Kidnappers
After two weeks, the police arrested the three kidnappers. Frederick Woods was the son of the rock quarry owner where the children were buried. James and Richard Schoenfeld were his accomplices. They were all from wealthy families but had a plan to make themselves wealthy. They planned to kidnap the children and hold them in the trailer for a $5 million ransom. However, they never got the chance to make their demands since the phone lines were down. Investigators found their plan written down on paper, a draft ransom note, and a list of the children’s names and ages. All the evidence was found inside Frederick Woods’ home.
On July 25, 1977, they pleaded guilty to kidnapping for ransom. All of them were sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. They attended a combined 60 parole hearings throughout their time in prison. Richard Schoenfeld was eventually granted parole 36 years after the kidnapping. A few years later, James Schoenfeld was also granted parole. Frederick Woods was the last to be granted parole in 2022 after many failed attempts, for his part in the Chowchilla kidnapping.
A Local Hero
Edward Ray, the bus driver, became known as a local Chowchilla hero. 16 hours after being buried alive, Ray and two other students managed to escape. They dug their way through the ground. Once they were out, they realized they were in a remote location, 100 miles from where they started. They went for help and found a watchman at the rock quarry. Just before dawn the next morning, all the kids were safely secured out of the trailer. They were escorted to a nearby facility to hold them until the initial investigation was complete.
Ray began receiving a lot of local and national media attention. However, he remained modest and continued to do his job. He was put in a terrible situation that day but still managed to get all the kids to safety. Sadly, he passed away in 2012 at the age of 91. However, he is still remembered to this day. In 2015, the City of Chowchilla, renamed a park after him to honor his heroism. They found it fitting for his character and what he enjoyed doing in his free time.
Final Thoughts
On July 17, 1976, the victims of the Chowchilla kidnapping were saved. The children feared for their lives as they were forced off the bus and into two separate vans. They could not see where they were going nor did they know if they would make it out alive. Some have still not recovered from the trauma they endured that day. The community of Chowchilla is forever haunted by the horrific events that took place.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
