This is a frightening revelation, a case history of the public immolation of an innocent Los Angeles family that is suddenly overwhelmed by mindless evil. Early on, we are schooled to believe in the innate ideals of American justice. Yet the McMartin family, which operated a small child-care facility not unlike those we've ourselves seen in our own neighborhoods, one day becomes caught up in the gears of a monstrous machine powered by unreasoning vengeance. One can only imagine the McMartins' horror as their world instantly turns into a helpless, waking nightmare of slander and violence. Almost totally friendless as they become engulfed by the evil that has found them, they face national hatred and vilification, prison, and personal ruin. "Indictment" has become a classic textbook study of the McMartins' ghastly descent into the dark side of American jurisprudence and media hysterics. As such, it transcends entertainment, and stands as a warning.
This was written on January 18, 2000. It was on this day ten years ago that Raymond Buckey and his mother Peggy McMartin Buckey were finally cleared of the 52 criminal charges of which they had been accused since 1984.
See this film.
This was written on January 18, 2000. It was on this day ten years ago that Raymond Buckey and his mother Peggy McMartin Buckey were finally cleared of the 52 criminal charges of which they had been accused since 1984.
See this film.