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

This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and murder of children and suicide.

Extreme caution is advised for listeners under 13.

August 6, 1956, was the typical summer morning in Southern California.

Even at 7 a.m., an oppressive heat was creeping into the crisp mountain air.

Brenda Howell's bicycle climbed a winding canyon path through the San Gabriel Mountains.

It wasn't easy, and the 11-year-old was already out of breath.

Brenda was determined to keep up with her friend, Don Baker,

but no amount of determination seemed to make up for their two-year-age difference.

Finally, Brenda caught a break. Don jumped off his bike near a large clearing.

She just had to make it there.

Minutes later, she arrived. But as she left her bike to join Don,

she felt a strange prickling shoot down the back of her neck.

Something wasn't right. Brenda offered Don water from her canteen,

but he didn't respond. He was focused on a thick curtain of trees and shrubbery before them.

Then a twig snapped. Was it a bear or mountain lion?

Whatever it was, Brenda didn't want to know. She stumbled backward toward her bike,

and whispered that Don should do the same.

But Don didn't seem to share her worry, even as a man emerged from the trees.

Brenda squinted. There was something familiar about him, and suddenly,

Brenda's fear evaporated. It was her big sister's husband, Mack.

But Brenda's relief didn't last long.

...