The McMartin Preschool Scandal Changed How We Investigate Child Abuse
The infamous McMartin Preschool trial epitomized the daycare abuse hysteria of the 1980s. What began with unsubstantiated allegations by a mentally ill parent spiraled into a seven-year legal battle, costing $16 million and leaving lives shatteredâwithout a single conviction. Through flawed investigations, suggestive interviews, and sensational claims, the case raised critical questions about justice, credibility, and the power of mass panic. Join us as we explore the events, the fallout, and the lessons learned from one of Americaâs most controversial trials. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS:Frank Pira as Police ChiefLee Rawles as Kee MacFarlaneKen Sutherland as 9th Circuit AppealsConrad Saam as Professor Douglas LinderDoreen Wiley as Attorney Lael RubinJon Enge as Attorney Dean Richard GitsEvan Dicharry as Attorney J. Daniel DavisGyi Tsakalakis as Dr. Michael MaloneyGeorgia Well as Peggy Buckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode Details
About This Episode
The infamous McMartin Preschool trial epitomized the daycare abuse hysteria of the 1980s. What began with unsubstantiated allegations by a mentally ill parent spiraled into a seven-year legal battle, costing $16 million and leaving lives shatteredâwithout a single conviction. Through flawed investigations, suggestive interviews, and sensational claims, the case raised critical questions about justice, credibility, and the power of mass panic. Join us as we explore the events, the fallout, and th...