The Santa Claus Kidnappings | The Disturbing Case of Amber Daniels

"Is he going to kill us?"

On the early morning of December 4th, 1997, 10 year old Amber Daniels is standing in the middle of a dirt road, barefoot, in her pyjamas, faced with an impossible choice: run away on her own from the man who kidnapped her, or stay with him to try and save her sisters. What happened to her family the previous night, now known as the Santa Claus killings, would only be solved because of Amber’s courage, and she would make sure her kidnapper will pay for what he took from her.
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Uncover what true crime documentaries don’t show you: real cases and real people, but with a new twist. This is Unseen.
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Music Content ID: Identifyy

[thegriffin]

It's actually incredibly critical that he tells her it's okay if she doesn't pick a photo. One problem with photo lineups is that people can feel a need to pick something, which can lead to a false identification. One technique I've heard is that they show the photos one at a time but without letting the victim see how many there are.

[amandafazio-jstl]

He wasn't crying out of guilt, he shed tears because he was sentenced to death!!!

[ruqayyahqadri]

Amber is a hero. Incredible courage and love for her siblings.

[Cresenta]

I feel so bad for the parents, and Amber. They really recovered from an alcohol addiction and turned their lives around, becoming loving guardians not only to their own kids but also other children in need, only to die like this. It's so unfair and sad. They deserved better :(

[geraldstamour]

As a sexual abuse survivor myself, I have NOTHING but respect for Amber Daniels for her courage in exposing the evil that she experienced!

[heartless]

Being a victim of sexual abuse, I did the same thing when my abuser told me he would do the same to my sister. I was 12 and my sister was 10 (almost 11) i understand why Amber did what she did.

[persephoneblack]

The fact that someone can be THIS evil just to satisfy their sick and twisted desires is really horrible and hard to reconcile. Knowing that evil exists just to exist.... Poor Amber and her siblings. She was tough though, very tough. Not many adults could do what she did.

[justicewillprevail]

The sadness I can see from Amber's eyes. She was such a sweet courageous little girl. I hope she lives a very blissful fruitful life. Her parents would be proud of her.

[SolLunaris]

I get why the death penalty can take so long to be implemented but come on. He murdered 4 and raped a child. That child is a grown woman now so why is this guy still alive?

[ash_tray]

What an incredible and brave sister. Braving the brunt the sexual assault and risking her life to save them. A true leader at such a young age. It’s absolutely disgusting that anyone could do something so awful to such little babies.

[ddarii]

the fact that her mom and step dad changed their life and bettered themselves and helped other children. it’s so sad, they didn’t deserve this at all. may they all rest in peace ❤️🕊️

[SilentThundersnow]

Why can't she be angry? Victims can be angry at the abuser and still love their family. Two things can be true. I hate it that people try to force forgiveness on victims of child abuse. Haven't we been forced enough already??
Also, sometimes the past affects you even if you decide not to let it define you. Stop demanding that victims heal themselves on everyone else's schedule. It's blaming them if they aren't able to 'hurry up and be fine again.'

It can take a lifetime, and you can pass through stages of grief more than once.

[franki]

This is one of the most brutal home invasions I’ve ever listened too (and I listen to A LOT of true crime)

[G.G.GG]

Dear Amber, we lost my granddaughter to violence. I can't even imagine how you have come through this multiple trauma, multiple abuse. But-what choice, right? May You be blessed with comfort and the good memories along with all the heart - wrenching times. Love to you and your siblings.

[lmd]

Wow! Never underestimate the strength or courage of a child! I’m proud of you Amber, and I’m so sorry for all that you and your family have gone through.

[thelastgreyhawk]

What a sweet innocent little girl she was. How anyone can look at her, and wish to do something like this to her and her family is almost unfathomable. Furthermore how such a monster still hasn't had its breathing privileges revoked is beyond me.

[dankification]

I’m glad UNSEEN uses the name of the victim instead of the POS killer

[dervfall]

“I stopped crying, because I didn’t want him to hurt them, ” that just broke my heart..

[DianeLake-swym]

what a strong little girl and young woman. She overcame and did not let this destroy her. Instead she took the lessons of her mama and poured that into love for her own child.

[ShayyButter]

that is heartbreaking hearing how as a 10 year old, she has to force herself to stop crying while being assaulted to protect her younger sisters ):