Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes,

listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of murder, rape,

and sexual violence that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

June 2nd 1985 was a warm day in Somonoc, Illinois. Located on the outskirts of Chicago, this small village was a quiet peaceful farm town,

where most neighbors didn't bother locking their doors.

Tall oak trees swayed in the breeze as squirrels darted across the branches

gathering acorns. Beneath them, eight-year-old Opel Horton rode her pink

bicycle down a gravel road.

Opel's friend and second grade classmate, Missy Ackerman,

pedaled alongside her.

Opel giggled as Missy, who was missing two of her front teeth,

Flash a grin.

Missy's birthday was in less than two weeks,

and the pair made guesses about what kind of cake her mom would bake.

As the girls debated, the dust from an approaching vehicle caught

Opel's attention. She and Missy stopped their bikes on the side of the road and

waited for it to pass, but instead of driving by, the beat-up blue car

stopped right beside them.

Scruffy 28-year-old Brian Dugan

got out of the car and asked the girls for directions.

...