About this episode

The episode revisits the Chowchilla kidnapping on its 50th anniversary, exploring the crime and its lesser-known aspects.

A school bus never makes it home. Twenty-six children and their driver disappear without a trace, sending a small California town, and the nation, into panic. On the 50th anniversary of the Chowchilla kidnapping, we revisit the crime everyone remembers... and the story almost no one knows. Subscribe to The Binge today to get this episode ad-free and unlock 60+ true crime series instantly. Subscribe directly at GetTheBinge.com — or if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, tap "Subscribe" at the top of the show page. For important links from the episode, check out our source material here.  Remember "The Fake Stalker?" The unbelievable story of a pregnant newlywed who claimed her husband's ex was stalking her is the subject of Netflix's upcoming documentary A Toxic Love Story. Jonathan Hirsch will be sitting down with Michelle Hadley herself next week—and Patreon subscribers can submit questions for the interview here. Follow Crime Scene on socials!  Instagram: @thebingecrimescene | @thebingetruecrime  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebingecrimescene Crime Scene is hosted by Jonathan Hirsch and Cooper Moll.  Instagram: @thisisjonathanhirsch | @bycoopermoll Learn…

Sponsors

The Binge

More episodes of Crime Scene

• The Snare, from ABC News · July 15, 2026 · 30 min
• The DA Killer · July 9, 2026 · 43 min
• The Real Fugitive: Murder of the Fourth of July · July 2, 2026 · 40 min
• Where is Kristin Smart? · June 25, 2026 · 45 min
• BONUS: Inside the Mind of Rex Heuermann — with Dr. Joni Johnston · June 18, 2026 · 35 min
• Gilgo Beach Killer · June 18, 2026 · 44 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Crime Scene podcast page.