# True Crime S4 Episode 2: The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-housewife-did-it-6383720/true-crime-s4-episode-2-the-chowchilla-bus-kidnapping
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-housewife-did-it-6383720/true-crime-s4-episode-2-the-chowchilla-bus-kidnapping.md
Podcast: [The Housewife Did It](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-housewife-did-it-6383720)
Published: 2026-01-20T06:02:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/housewife-did-it/episodes/True-Crime-S4-Episode-2-The-Chowchilla-Bus-Kidnapping-e3dshge
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/dfd7c154/podcast/play/114230222/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-0-19%2F879328d0-1f3a-2b49-ff89-e48bd15d486a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-housewife-did-it-6383720/episodes/true-crime-s4-episode-2-the-chowchilla-bus-kidnapping
Duration seconds: 3840

## Resource

On July 15th, 1976, 55-year-old Ed Ray was driving a school bus loaded with children home from Dairyland Elementary School in Chowchilla, California. Although it was Summer, the school system had set up some field trips, and on this day, they had been visiting the Chowchilla Fairgrounds swimming pool. These kids LOVED this summer school session. They were able to do arts and crafts, ceramics, and water sports. Some of the kids had even started a petition to extend summer school by 2 weeks because they were enjoying it so much. At around 4 PM, a van cut the bus off and blocked it in the middle of the road. When Ray stopped, three men with nylon stockings covering their faces, armed with shotguns, got out of the van and climbed aboard the school bus. One of the students thought it was a joke, and threw his hands up, shouting “We didn’t do it!” But it soon became clear this was a serious ordeal. Some of the children ducked down behind their seats, and many of them began crying. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @housewifediditpod Check out our website and merch at https://the-housewife-did-it.square.site We have an exciting opportunity for EVRY-one! Use this link to get $$ off your next order on Evry Jewels, or use discount code MARY788 on any orders, including sale items! Sources: House of Horrors: Kidnapped (S2E7; Buried Alive) Chowchilla Crime Junkie Wikipedia

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