The McMartin Preschool trial was one of the most infamous and controversial child sexual

abuse cases in American history.

The case, which began in 1983, involved allegations of widespread abuse and satanic rituals

at the McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California.

This series will discuss difficult themes of sexual abuse and pedophilia by recommend

proceeding with caution.

It was a hot summer day in August 1983.

Judy Johnson's son would soon be returning from school.

She had planned a whole day with her two-year-old, Billy, starting with bath time and heading

into lunch and then coloring.

When Billy entered the house though, Judy could tell that something was off.

As she took his clothes off to give him a bath, she noticed something.

Her eyes widened and panic set in, as she reached for the phone and dialed the police.

9-1-1 with your emergency.

Speaking with an officer, Judy Johnson choked out the words,

My two-year-old son has been molested at the McMartin Preschool.

The McMartin Preschool was a premier daycare, an education center, beloved by families,

in which both parents worked and had full social lives in Manhattan Beach, California.

The school was run by several members of the McMartin family, including founder Virginia

McMartin, her daughter Peggy McMartin Bucky, and her grandchildren, Raymond Bucky and Peggy

Ann Bucky.

Billy had been attending the school for quite some time, but this was the first time she

...