26 Kids Buried ALIVE in School Bus Kidnapping! (1976)

The Chowchilla school bus kidnapping in 1976 is the biggest and boldest mass abduction in American history.

On July 15, 1976, in Chowchilla California, 26 children and a school bus driver from Dairyland Elementary school, were kidnapped and buried alive in a box truck buried in Livermore.

The kidnappers? Three wealthy young men who wanted some extra cash. But why would they target a school bus full of kids? Who would put children through such a terrifying experience that would later leave many of them psychologically scarred for life?

In this episode of True Crime Recaps, we’re digging into this unbelievable story and explaining what those children and bus driver, Frank Edward Ray, went through that horrifying day.

Stay tuned for all the crime, in half the time.

#ChowchillaBusKidnapping #AbductionStory #TrueCrime

⏱️CHAPTERS⏱️

00:00 - 01:18 - Intro
01:18 - 10:22 - The kidnapping
10:22 - 11:41 - Arrests and convictions
11:41 - 14:16 - Aftermath
14:16 - 14:42 - Outro

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[TrueCrimeRecaps]

Did you hear about this case before? Ed and those children were so brave for fighting their way to survival!

[kriskrissss]

So happy this is a survival story. Brave Michael and Ed saved them all! Thanks for another great recap 👍

[sherrialford]

I remember that happening I was 16 living in California. They were brave children. I think those kids should have been given millions for what they went through.
God Bless Ed for getting those children back to their families.

[madampolo]

I can't imagine the fear the parents had for their kids. The kids were so brave, and the bus driver was a true leader.

[stacin]

What an amazing group of brave kids. The bus driver, Ed, and Michael are heros! All of them are heros. Their courage is an inspiration!

[Sandi-kemi]

I remember when this happened. My family owned school buses and we were on high alert after this. It was a scary time. The guys that did that should have never gotten out of prison. They caused a lot of damage to those children, and their families.

[lisapop]

Such an insane story. I heard about this when I was a kid in the 80s. It was so terrifying.

[annking]

Best Mother's Day ever now that you posted. Thanks Amy and Chris.

[Nicole_Jewell]

Wow what a remarkable story of bravery. Thanks for the recap.

[JulieAiken]

This was the best summary of the Chowchilla case I've heard. Short and succinct, yet chilling and uplifting. Thank you for another great recap!

[furmisl]

I was 18, living in the next town - Pleasanton, the night the victims were able to escape. It was unconscionable to kidnap a busload of CHILDREN, and then to bury them at the Gravel Pits. At that time, Isabel Ave and Stanley Blvd were as desolate as could be; the Pits operated 24/7, which was a god-send for the victims. Truly a miracle that Ed Ray and the kids succeeded in their own recovery.
Living walking distance from the Pits, in those days, it was 'safe', but this horrible case rocked Pleasanton and Livermore. Our communities would never be the same. Just like all the children and Ed Ray; they were all robbed of a safe and good life. My heart continues to go out to them.

[jojocanon]

Very 1st time hearing about this story! That's what I absolutely love about this channel! They bring light to cases that never get spoken about. The sheer bravery of Ed & the children is unbelievable & to release those men who are clearly dangerous blows my mind. Scary.

[therealdeal]

I was 15 when this happened and I grew up in California so I knew about it. It was a distant memory and I hadn't thought about it for a long time. Thanks for covering this case. It really sucks that the brothers ended up getting paroled and that the chief mastermind will as well. And the fact that they have massive inheritances is insult to injury. Anybody who would concoct such a horrible scheme that could have killed all 27 people should never be able to get out of prison. We need a victim's law that guarantees wealth of criminals to go to victims.

[padensposies]

My husband eas supposed to be on that bus, but his mom kept him home that day from school

[misska]

Imagine being a kid & getting back on the school bus & then these monsters completely ruined/traumatized these poor children. I can't even imagine the fear level the parents felt (no words). Praise God they weren't "physically harmed."
Such a horrific story. Burying them alive is just evil. I can't believe they're all not in prison.
They're all heroes 💪🏼💪🏼👍👏
Since they're rich they should file a suit against him/them. Ugh!!!
God bless 👑🙏🏻🕊🌹🌹

[elad]

I remember when this case unfolded. For the first few hours there was wild speculation and conspiracies. Some even thought the bus driver was involved.
Such a relief when the children and bus driver escaped and were found.

[WickedWest]

In case these scumbags read this . "May you ALL rot in HELL!"
To the brave kids may you all be blessed ♥️ May the brave bus driver may you rest in peace🙏
Thanks for always bringing us all the crime in half the time. Look forward to your stories 💜

[leylamoody]

What an amazing story! The bus driver and children are all heroes. Thank you for this excellent recap! ❤️

[elleterskelter]

Dang Chris, I knew this story but the way you told it gave me chills. I swear every video y'all do gets better and they were already very high quality. Whether it's Amy getting more confident when she's telling the story or you telling it more dramatically, you guys just keep getting better. Way to turn it up to 11❤️

[lauraswann]

I am so glad this is a survival story.