Due to the graphic nature of this episode, listener discretion is advised.

This episode contains discussions of murder, sexual assault, and child abuse

that some listeners may find disturbing. Extreme

caution is advised for listeners under 13. In the fall of 1983, the parents of

Manhattan Beach, California were in a state of sheer panic.

That August, one of the children at the McMartan preschool had come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against an adult at the school.

Over the next several weeks, the school sent a letter about the alleged abuse to the 200 children who attended

McMarton, and more and more instances of abuse were uncovered.

The details the children told their parents were horrible and parents were determined to

root out everyone responsible.

Therapists and law enforcement began interrogating the children of the school.

Unfortunately, it seemed like the children were reluctant to talk about what happened to them.

Some didn't even know about the things

they were asked, but the interviewers reassured them and encouraged them to be brave. They

cajoled and flattered, insisting the young kids help them get to the bottom of things.

They reminded any reluctant kids that everyone else was helping.

But one of the children, Witness number 107,

didn't have any of the puzzle pieces

the adults insisted they hand over.

They didn't have anything to say.

Still, the interviewer was determined.

They reminded Witness 107 about a game that some of the other children had told them about,

...