1 00:00:01,835 --> 00:00:05,130 (dark brooding music) 2 00:00:05,130 --> 00:00:06,881 (dramatic music) 3 00:00:06,881 --> 00:00:10,427 - [Narrator] Three young boys take a trip downtown all 4 00:00:10,427 --> 00:00:12,554 by themselves for the very first time. 5 00:00:13,805 --> 00:00:15,974 - The boys say they're going to see a movie, 6 00:00:17,267 --> 00:00:19,185 but they wander all over the place. 7 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:21,604 - [Narrator] Little 8 00:00:21,604 --> 00:00:23,648 do they know their first unsupervised outing 9 00:00:23,648 --> 00:00:25,025 will also be their last. 10 00:00:27,110 --> 00:00:28,611 The boys don't come home that night, 11 00:00:29,904 --> 00:00:32,991 and no one knows where they could be until two days later 12 00:00:34,284 --> 00:00:35,994 when their bodies are discovered. 13 00:00:37,537 --> 00:00:40,790 - They're naked and piled up in the ditch like cordwood. 14 00:00:42,292 --> 00:00:44,002 - [Narrator] It will take almost 40 years 15 00:00:44,002 --> 00:00:46,546 for investigators to figure out what happened. 16 00:00:47,672 --> 00:00:50,050 Will it be too late for justice to prevail? 17 00:00:53,762 --> 00:00:56,097 (tense music) 18 00:00:56,097 --> 00:00:58,433 - The unsolved ones, we have to stand up. 19 00:00:59,934 --> 00:01:02,687 - And approach these cases in a way outside the box. 20 00:01:03,605 --> 00:01:05,440 - Let the world know those out there 21 00:01:05,440 --> 00:01:06,941 that did commit a murder, you know, 22 00:01:06,941 --> 00:01:08,068 there are people that are coming after you. 23 00:01:09,360 --> 00:01:10,361 - There's just a lot of good people trying 24 00:01:10,361 --> 00:01:11,488 to do the right thing. 25 00:01:12,489 --> 00:01:13,615 - Because it's something that you have 26 00:01:13,615 --> 00:01:15,283 to be passionate about. - Solve this. 27 00:01:16,659 --> 00:01:19,453 Bring some peace to the family, at least. Just doing my job. 28 00:01:19,453 --> 00:01:22,081 (tense music) 29 00:01:25,584 --> 00:01:28,462 (tense brooding music) 30 00:01:28,462 --> 00:01:32,050 - [Narrator] On the night of Sunday, October 16th, 1955, 31 00:01:32,050 --> 00:01:37,097 Malcolm Peterson and Anton Schuessler, Sr. go 32 00:01:37,097 --> 00:01:38,807 to the Jefferson Park Police Station 33 00:01:38,807 --> 00:01:41,101 in Chicago to report their sons missing. 34 00:01:43,311 --> 00:01:45,730 - Sergeant George Murphy is manning the front desk 35 00:01:45,730 --> 00:01:47,357 when the two fathers come in. 36 00:01:48,066 --> 00:01:49,692 They're quite upset, 37 00:01:49,692 --> 00:01:52,112 but Sergeant Murphy does his best to get all the facts. 38 00:01:53,655 --> 00:01:55,448 - [Narrator] Earlier that afternoon, 39 00:01:55,448 --> 00:02:00,120 Robert Peterson, age 14, John Schuessler, age 13, 40 00:02:01,454 --> 00:02:03,540 and Anton Schuessler Jr, age 11, 41 00:02:03,540 --> 00:02:07,127 leave their middle class homes on Chicago's northwest side 42 00:02:08,794 --> 00:02:11,005 and head downtown to see a movie. 43 00:02:12,549 --> 00:02:13,800 They don't come home. 44 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:17,470 - Even though the boys haven't been gone long enough 45 00:02:17,470 --> 00:02:18,721 to be considered missing, 46 00:02:18,721 --> 00:02:21,141 Sergeant Murphy makes a telephone call 47 00:02:21,141 --> 00:02:24,602 to police headquarters to get the hunt for the boys started. 48 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,524 - [Narrator] When the boys don't turn up that night 49 00:02:29,524 --> 00:02:33,153 or the next day, their parents pray for their safe return. 50 00:02:37,574 --> 00:02:39,200 On Tuesday, October 18th, 51 00:02:39,200 --> 00:02:42,162 Mrs. Peterson goes to two TV stations 52 00:02:43,413 --> 00:02:44,873 to record messages pleading for help 53 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:47,333 to find the missing boys. 54 00:02:47,333 --> 00:02:50,211 They schedule the messages to air that evening, 55 00:02:52,422 --> 00:02:53,923 but before they do, 56 00:02:53,923 --> 00:02:56,467 the Cook County Sheriff's Office receives a call 57 00:02:57,635 --> 00:02:59,345 that a gruesome discovery has been made 58 00:02:59,345 --> 00:03:00,763 in the Robinson Woods area 59 00:03:01,681 --> 00:03:03,975 of the Cook County Forest Preserves. 60 00:03:04,559 --> 00:03:07,187 (tense music) 61 00:03:08,855 --> 00:03:11,566 - When liquor salesman Victor Livingston goes 62 00:03:11,566 --> 00:03:14,194 to a wooded area west of the city to eat his lunch, 63 00:03:15,778 --> 00:03:17,614 something on the side of the road catches his eye, 64 00:03:18,823 --> 00:03:21,201 three bodies piled on top of each other. 65 00:03:23,036 --> 00:03:24,621 - [Narrator] He rushes to a nearby tavern 66 00:03:24,621 --> 00:03:26,748 to report what he's found. 67 00:03:27,832 --> 00:03:29,584 (tense brooding music) 68 00:03:29,584 --> 00:03:31,336 When they arrive on the scene, 69 00:03:31,336 --> 00:03:34,881 investigators find the bodies of three naked boys lying 70 00:03:34,881 --> 00:03:38,218 on their backs in a two-foot-deep ditch. 71 00:03:39,719 --> 00:03:42,222 - They're smudged with dirt and blood. 72 00:03:43,765 --> 00:03:47,018 The oldest boy appears to have been slashed 14 times 73 00:03:47,018 --> 00:03:49,020 in the head with what appears 74 00:03:49,020 --> 00:03:52,190 to be an ax or a hunting knife. 75 00:03:53,274 --> 00:03:55,652 The other two boys have been struck in the face 76 00:03:55,652 --> 00:03:59,948 with what appears to be the flat part of a knife. 77 00:03:59,948 --> 00:04:01,824 - I don't think anyone is ever prepared 78 00:04:01,824 --> 00:04:07,163 to see a sight like that, three kids dead dumped in a ditch. 79 00:04:08,623 --> 00:04:10,750 The fact that they're naked makes it much more shocking 80 00:04:10,750 --> 00:04:12,293 and raises the question. 81 00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:17,882 Is this a sex crime? Many are convinced it is. 82 00:04:20,009 --> 00:04:21,970 - [Narrator] In spite of the more visible wounds, 83 00:04:23,346 --> 00:04:24,764 marks on the victims' bodies suggest their cause 84 00:04:24,764 --> 00:04:27,141 of death to be strangulation. 85 00:04:28,517 --> 00:04:31,896 - Marks on the victims' necks suggest strangulation 86 00:04:31,896 --> 00:04:35,275 by bare hands in the case of the two youngest boys 87 00:04:36,609 --> 00:04:39,153 and a cord or rope in the case of the oldest. 88 00:04:40,654 --> 00:04:42,740 They've been dead since Sunday night. 89 00:04:44,075 --> 00:04:46,202 - The coroner, Walter E. McCarron, 90 00:04:47,202 --> 00:04:50,290 theorizes about the dirt and marks on the bodies. 91 00:04:51,916 --> 00:04:55,295 - At first, the boys are bound and gagged with adhesive tape 92 00:04:56,754 --> 00:04:58,172 and held captive in a filthy place. 93 00:04:59,089 --> 00:05:01,259 Later, they're dumped in the forest. 94 00:05:03,094 --> 00:05:04,971 - [Narrator] McCarron believes they're transported 95 00:05:04,971 --> 00:05:07,432 to the fores in a vehicle of some sort. 96 00:05:07,432 --> 00:05:11,019 - Marks on the backs of Anton and Robert suggests they 97 00:05:11,019 --> 00:05:15,231 were lying on a rubber mat in the rear of a car. 98 00:05:17,190 --> 00:05:20,194 Anton's back also exhibits burn marks, 99 00:05:20,194 --> 00:05:23,448 which might be made from dragging him across pavement. 100 00:05:25,283 --> 00:05:27,076 - [Narrator] While examining the three bodies, 101 00:05:27,076 --> 00:05:30,121 investigators notice a tire track on the ground. 102 00:05:31,748 --> 00:05:34,334 They call a forensics team to the crime scene. 103 00:05:36,878 --> 00:05:39,839 - Investigators make a plaster cast of a tire track 104 00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:41,632 in the parking area near the ditch 105 00:05:41,632 --> 00:05:44,344 and send it to the crime lab for comparison. 106 00:05:45,678 --> 00:05:48,097 (tense music) 107 00:05:48,097 --> 00:05:52,017 - Surprisingly, the examination of the bodies shows no signs 108 00:05:52,017 --> 00:05:53,353 of molestation, 109 00:05:54,771 --> 00:05:57,315 which is contrary to what the investigators were expecting. 110 00:05:59,025 --> 00:06:01,569 - If it's not a sex crime, what is it? 111 00:06:04,113 --> 00:06:06,199 - [Narrator] Sadly, for all confirmed, 112 00:06:06,199 --> 00:06:08,743 the victims are identified as Robert Peterson, 113 00:06:08,743 --> 00:06:12,372 John Schuessler, and Anton Schuessler Jr, 114 00:06:14,499 --> 00:06:16,541 leaving their families inconsolable. 115 00:06:18,878 --> 00:06:22,298 At the morgue, Anton Schuessler Sr. cries out 116 00:06:22,298 --> 00:06:25,593 and collapses when he sees his sons. 117 00:06:27,470 --> 00:06:29,389 Malcolm Peterson sobs quietly 118 00:06:30,264 --> 00:06:32,433 while identifying his son's body and says, 119 00:06:34,060 --> 00:06:36,062 "We were more like buddies than father and son. 120 00:06:37,146 --> 00:06:38,398 He was a good boy." 121 00:06:41,192 --> 00:06:42,902 Robert Peterson is the oldest child 122 00:06:42,902 --> 00:06:45,029 of Malcolm and Dorothy Peterson. 123 00:06:46,863 --> 00:06:48,199 He has three siblings. 124 00:06:48,825 --> 00:06:50,952 His dad works as a carpenter, 125 00:06:50,952 --> 00:06:54,288 and the family of six lives comfortably in their home 126 00:06:54,288 --> 00:06:56,290 on the northwest side of Chicago. 127 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:00,420 Robert loves sports, especially baseball. 128 00:07:01,921 --> 00:07:04,424 He plays in the Pony League in nearby Norwood Park. 129 00:07:06,092 --> 00:07:08,761 Robert attends James B. Farnsworth Elementary School 130 00:07:09,762 --> 00:07:10,888 where he's in grade eight. 131 00:07:12,306 --> 00:07:15,476 John and Anton Schuessler Jr. are the only children 132 00:07:15,476 --> 00:07:18,438 of Eleanor and Anton Schuessler Sr. 133 00:07:19,939 --> 00:07:22,108 They live in a brand new bungalow 134 00:07:22,108 --> 00:07:23,943 on the northwest side of Chicago. 135 00:07:26,195 --> 00:07:28,906 Anton Sr. loves his sons more than anything. 136 00:07:30,450 --> 00:07:32,368 He says, "They're my life." 137 00:07:34,787 --> 00:07:36,205 Like their friend Robert, 138 00:07:36,205 --> 00:07:38,916 they attend James B. Farnsworth Elementary School 139 00:07:40,251 --> 00:07:43,379 where John is in grade eight and Anton is in grade six. 140 00:07:45,089 --> 00:07:47,258 All three are good students whose work 141 00:07:47,258 --> 00:07:49,427 is described as average or better. 142 00:07:52,305 --> 00:07:57,518 On Sunday, October 16th, 1955, shortly before 3:00 PM, 143 00:07:59,187 --> 00:08:01,189 John and Anton Schuessler bike 144 00:08:01,189 --> 00:08:03,441 over to their friend Robert's place, 145 00:08:03,441 --> 00:08:05,485 which is about seven blocks away. 146 00:08:06,861 --> 00:08:08,321 - It's the first time their parents are allowing them 147 00:08:08,321 --> 00:08:11,574 to go into downtown Chicago on their own, 148 00:08:11,574 --> 00:08:14,076 and they're excited to take in a movie. 149 00:08:18,164 --> 00:08:19,123 - [Narrator] Chicago is the largest city 150 00:08:19,123 --> 00:08:20,625 in the American Midwest. 151 00:08:22,084 --> 00:08:23,336 Founded in 1830, 152 00:08:23,336 --> 00:08:26,506 it quickly grows into an industrial metropolis. 153 00:08:28,341 --> 00:08:31,511 By the 1950s, factory jobs are leveling off, 154 00:08:32,970 --> 00:08:34,889 and more and more people are moving to the suburbs. 155 00:08:36,224 --> 00:08:38,851 Still, downtown Chicago has a lot to offer, 156 00:08:40,144 --> 00:08:42,730 restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys. 157 00:08:44,190 --> 00:08:46,484 It's a vibrant and exciting place to be, 158 00:08:46,484 --> 00:08:50,112 especially for three kids from the northwest side. 159 00:08:51,280 --> 00:08:54,534 - The northwest side is a place a lot of people call home. 160 00:08:55,743 --> 00:08:56,910 A lot of families live there. 161 00:08:58,246 --> 00:09:00,831 It's friendly, safe, and community oriented. 162 00:09:03,501 --> 00:09:05,253 - [Narrator] For many, 163 00:09:05,253 --> 00:09:06,921 there's a general feeling that Chicago in 1955 164 00:09:06,921 --> 00:09:08,714 is a place where the streets are safe 165 00:09:08,714 --> 00:09:11,509 for children to play and explore, 166 00:09:11,509 --> 00:09:14,220 and the parents of John and Anton Schuessler 167 00:09:15,471 --> 00:09:17,974 and Robert Peterson likely feel the same way. 168 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:22,186 (soft tense music) 169 00:09:22,186 --> 00:09:23,145 - The three friends leave the Peterson house 170 00:09:23,145 --> 00:09:24,855 approximately 3:00 PM. 171 00:09:26,107 --> 00:09:27,732 They have a total of $4 between them, 172 00:09:27,732 --> 00:09:30,570 which is enough to cover the cost of a movie 173 00:09:31,237 --> 00:09:32,822 at the Loop Theatre downtown. 174 00:09:35,449 --> 00:09:37,034 - The film starts at 4:00 PM, 175 00:09:38,035 --> 00:09:39,662 but investigators can't confirm 176 00:09:39,662 --> 00:09:41,497 if the boys actually go there. 177 00:09:43,499 --> 00:09:45,543 - Their first known stop is at the Garland Building 178 00:09:45,543 --> 00:09:47,378 at 111 Wabash Avenue, 179 00:09:47,378 --> 00:09:50,631 which is only a four-minute walk from the Loop Theatre. 180 00:09:52,341 --> 00:09:54,969 Robert Peterson signs in at 6:00 PM in the lobby. 181 00:09:54,969 --> 00:09:57,638 It's possible he's there to use the bathroom. 182 00:09:59,098 --> 00:10:00,766 - [Narrator] Witnesses placed the boys 183 00:10:00,766 --> 00:10:04,604 at the Monte Cristo Bowling Alley at West Montrose Avenue, 184 00:10:05,605 --> 00:10:08,691 sometime between 7:15 and 7:45 PM. 185 00:10:10,484 --> 00:10:11,819 - The witnesses described them 186 00:10:11,819 --> 00:10:14,614 as wearing jeans and baseball jackets. 187 00:10:19,577 --> 00:10:22,788 One guy asks them if they're going to bowl and they answer, 188 00:10:22,788 --> 00:10:25,041 "Not unless you're going to pay for it." 189 00:10:27,293 --> 00:10:28,919 - [Narrator] The manager of the Drake Bowling Lanes, 190 00:10:28,919 --> 00:10:31,255 also on West Montrose Avenue, 191 00:10:32,590 --> 00:10:34,884 remembers seeing the boys at his place around 8:00 PM. 192 00:10:36,427 --> 00:10:39,054 They don't bowl and they only stay a few minutes. 193 00:10:41,557 --> 00:10:44,268 They're also spotted at Garden Bowling Alley 194 00:10:44,268 --> 00:10:46,729 on North Milwaukee Avenue at 8:40 PM. 195 00:10:48,856 --> 00:10:51,232 - The bowling alleys are a fair distance from the theater 196 00:10:51,232 --> 00:10:54,987 and Garland building eight or 10 miles away. 197 00:10:54,987 --> 00:10:56,780 That's too far to walk. 198 00:10:56,780 --> 00:10:59,575 So how are they getting around without money? 199 00:11:01,327 --> 00:11:02,912 - [Narrator] Several witnesses report 200 00:11:02,912 --> 00:11:04,789 seeing the boys hitchhiking. 201 00:11:05,915 --> 00:11:07,833 One even remembers giving them a ride. 202 00:11:09,877 --> 00:11:11,837 - A bus driver remembers dropping the boys off 203 00:11:11,837 --> 00:11:14,674 on Lawrence Avenue at 8:52 PM. 204 00:11:16,300 --> 00:11:17,510 They're later spotted on the corner 205 00:11:17,510 --> 00:11:19,053 of Lawrence and Milwaukee. 206 00:11:20,971 --> 00:11:23,474 Anton is standing with his thumb out 207 00:11:23,474 --> 00:11:24,892 while the other two boys wait 208 00:11:24,892 --> 00:11:26,686 in a doorway several feet away. 209 00:11:28,437 --> 00:11:29,647 - [Narrator] Each witness seems 210 00:11:29,647 --> 00:11:31,023 to place them closer to home. 211 00:11:32,400 --> 00:11:34,402 Lawrence and Milwaukee is only two miles 212 00:11:34,402 --> 00:11:37,029 from Robert's house, but unfortunately, 213 00:11:38,405 --> 00:11:39,824 there are no more sightings of Robert, 214 00:11:39,824 --> 00:11:41,701 John, and Anton Jr. that night. 215 00:11:44,370 --> 00:11:46,747 - Based on their stomach contents, 216 00:11:46,747 --> 00:11:49,708 they are killed between 9:30 and 10:00 PM. 217 00:11:51,961 --> 00:11:53,629 - Their bodies are most likely dumped 218 00:11:53,629 --> 00:11:54,922 in the forest on Tuesday morning, 219 00:11:54,922 --> 00:11:58,259 tossed from a vehicle like sacks of potatoes. 220 00:12:00,469 --> 00:12:03,179 - [Narrator] Even the most seasoned detectives agree 221 00:12:03,179 --> 00:12:04,765 that this is a shocking crime. 222 00:12:06,892 --> 00:12:08,727 - There's no clear reason or motive. 223 00:12:09,812 --> 00:12:11,939 Who would've done this to three innocent boys? 224 00:12:13,524 --> 00:12:16,527 - [Narrator] Coroner Walter McCarron offers up two theories 225 00:12:16,527 --> 00:12:17,403 about the killer. 226 00:12:18,779 --> 00:12:21,323 - Is it the work of a madman or possibly a gang 227 00:12:22,199 --> 00:12:23,492 who abducted the kids for fun 228 00:12:23,492 --> 00:12:25,578 and then became fearful of getting caught? 229 00:12:26,912 --> 00:12:29,665 - [Narrator] Either way, if the murders of Robert, John, 230 00:12:29,665 --> 00:12:33,377 and Anton are the result of a random unmotivated attack, 231 00:12:34,754 --> 00:12:36,797 they could prove very hard to solve. 232 00:12:40,551 --> 00:12:43,386 (dramatic music) 233 00:12:47,349 --> 00:12:50,352 (dramatic music) 234 00:12:51,102 --> 00:12:54,857 (tense brooding music) 235 00:12:54,857 --> 00:12:59,612 On Sunday, October 16th, 1955, Robert Peterson, 236 00:13:00,821 --> 00:13:05,201 John Schuessler, and Anton Schuessler Jr. leave their homes 237 00:13:05,201 --> 00:13:08,245 on the northwest side to see a movie 238 00:13:08,245 --> 00:13:10,247 at downtown Chicago's Loop Theatre. 239 00:13:11,582 --> 00:13:13,751 - It's the first time their parents are allowing them 240 00:13:13,751 --> 00:13:16,086 to go into downtown Chicago on their own. 241 00:13:17,505 --> 00:13:19,506 - [Narrator] The boys don't come home that night 242 00:13:19,506 --> 00:13:23,511 and seem to vanish without a trace until their bodies 243 00:13:23,511 --> 00:13:27,515 are found naked and lifeless in a forest ditch. 244 00:13:29,058 --> 00:13:30,809 - I don't think anyone is ever prepared 245 00:13:30,809 --> 00:13:32,102 to see a sight like that. 246 00:13:33,229 --> 00:13:35,064 - [Narrator] Their families are devastated. 247 00:13:36,732 --> 00:13:39,527 Investigators believe it's the work of a madman 248 00:13:40,402 --> 00:13:41,529 or possibly a gang, 249 00:13:42,780 --> 00:13:45,324 but the motive for the killing remains unknown, 250 00:13:46,617 --> 00:13:48,118 and there are no obvious suspects. 251 00:13:50,203 --> 00:13:51,872 (tense dramatic music) 252 00:13:51,872 --> 00:13:54,833 On Wednesday, October 19th, 1955, 253 00:13:54,833 --> 00:13:59,380 investigators launch a massive search involving 100 people, 254 00:14:00,673 --> 00:14:03,008 50 of which are members of the military. 255 00:14:04,718 --> 00:14:06,386 - The plan is to search the forest all 256 00:14:06,386 --> 00:14:09,849 around where the three boys were found looking for evidence. 257 00:14:11,016 --> 00:14:12,934 - [Narrator] Anton Schuessler Sr. 258 00:14:12,934 --> 00:14:15,855 and Malcolm Peterson take time off work 259 00:14:15,855 --> 00:14:18,023 to help in a search for clues. 260 00:14:20,192 --> 00:14:23,654 - The team gathers up a vast array of possible clues, 261 00:14:23,654 --> 00:14:25,990 things like a black rubber mat from a car, 262 00:14:25,990 --> 00:14:28,993 fragments of two pairs of blue jeans, a leather glove, 263 00:14:28,993 --> 00:14:33,247 a stained in torn t-shirt, a piece of cotton underwear, 264 00:14:33,247 --> 00:14:35,249 and a man's blood-stained coat. 265 00:14:36,458 --> 00:14:38,210 - Other items sent to the crime lab 266 00:14:38,210 --> 00:14:42,381 include a 12-inch-long piece of rope 267 00:14:42,381 --> 00:14:44,884 and a length of wire about a yard long. 268 00:14:46,677 --> 00:14:49,680 - [Glen] None of these items provide any definite leads. 269 00:14:50,848 --> 00:14:54,727 - [Narrator] On October 24th, 1955, 270 00:14:54,727 --> 00:14:56,896 police commissioner Timothy J. O'Connor 271 00:14:58,272 --> 00:15:01,525 puts together a 50-person unit to handle the case. 272 00:15:01,525 --> 00:15:03,569 (phone rings) 273 00:15:03,569 --> 00:15:07,573 On the same day, the first possible suspect emerges. 274 00:15:11,452 --> 00:15:13,954 - A 55-year-old man who works in a candy store 275 00:15:13,954 --> 00:15:16,498 near the Peterson home walks out of his apartment, 276 00:15:16,498 --> 00:15:19,668 dressed in his best clothing, and vanishes. 277 00:15:19,668 --> 00:15:23,797 He leaves behind all of his belongings and his pet dog. 278 00:15:24,924 --> 00:15:26,300 - [Narrator] To some, 279 00:15:26,300 --> 00:15:28,427 this feels like more than a coincidence. 280 00:15:30,471 --> 00:15:32,389 Investigators spend many hours trying 281 00:15:32,389 --> 00:15:34,600 to track the mysterious man down, 282 00:15:36,602 --> 00:15:38,562 but he is nowhere to be found. 283 00:15:42,316 --> 00:15:44,401 On October 26th, 1955, 284 00:15:45,694 --> 00:15:48,864 police hold five male suspects for further questioning 285 00:15:50,157 --> 00:15:51,367 into the murder of the three boys. 286 00:15:52,493 --> 00:15:54,536 They give the five men lie detector tests. 287 00:15:54,536 --> 00:15:56,121 (tense music) 288 00:15:56,121 --> 00:15:58,207 One of those five men is a 33 year old 289 00:15:59,291 --> 00:16:00,584 named Charles Dahlquist. 290 00:16:02,086 --> 00:16:04,713 A married couple remembers seeing him under a bridge 291 00:16:05,464 --> 00:16:07,341 with Anton Schuessler on July 15th 292 00:16:08,717 --> 00:16:11,470 and are asked to pick him out of a police lineup. 293 00:16:14,139 --> 00:16:16,725 - They give Dahlquist three lie detector tests, 294 00:16:16,725 --> 00:16:18,936 all of which are inconclusive. 295 00:16:21,063 --> 00:16:22,398 - [Narrator] With no positive results 296 00:16:22,398 --> 00:16:23,983 from the lie detector tests, 297 00:16:25,192 --> 00:16:27,319 none of the five men are implicated in the crime, 298 00:16:28,195 --> 00:16:28,988 and they all are let go. 299 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:34,702 Investigators are also on the hunt for a bushy-haired man 300 00:16:36,161 --> 00:16:38,622 who Robert's father sees talking with youngsters 301 00:16:38,622 --> 00:16:42,001 in a pool hall the night of Saturday, October 22nd. 302 00:16:43,460 --> 00:16:46,714 - The suspect flees when Mr. Peterson tries to question him. 303 00:16:46,714 --> 00:16:48,549 (phone rings) 304 00:16:48,549 --> 00:16:50,968 - [Narrator] The investigation seems to finally heat up 305 00:16:52,052 --> 00:16:54,013 when an old blue car is found abandoned 306 00:16:55,139 --> 00:16:56,557 on the southwest side of Chicago. 307 00:16:57,307 --> 00:17:00,269 (tense music) 308 00:17:00,269 --> 00:17:02,563 - Witnesses recall seeing a car like that 309 00:17:02,563 --> 00:17:05,566 in the Robinson Woods just a few hours 310 00:17:05,566 --> 00:17:07,859 before the discovery of the three bodies. 311 00:17:09,611 --> 00:17:13,032 - Inside the abandoned car are three pairs of blue jeans, 312 00:17:14,282 --> 00:17:15,576 which are what the victims 313 00:17:15,576 --> 00:17:17,869 were wearing the night they disappear. 314 00:17:20,664 --> 00:17:22,708 There is also a white flannel shirt, 315 00:17:23,792 --> 00:17:25,461 which might be a match for Anton's. 316 00:17:28,756 --> 00:17:30,549 - [Narrator] Investigators send the clothing 317 00:17:30,549 --> 00:17:32,426 to the lab for proper analysis. 318 00:17:36,180 --> 00:17:39,850 Unfortunately, the Petersons and the Schuesslers agree 319 00:17:39,850 --> 00:17:42,478 that these clothes do not belong to their children. 320 00:17:48,484 --> 00:17:53,571 A month after the murders, Anton Schuessler Sr. dies 321 00:17:53,571 --> 00:17:55,907 of a heart attack while receiving treatment 322 00:17:55,907 --> 00:17:59,453 for depression brought on by the death of his sons. 323 00:17:59,453 --> 00:18:02,205 (soft tense music) (camera clicks) 324 00:18:02,205 --> 00:18:04,583 - Everyone who knew him or knows the case seems 325 00:18:04,583 --> 00:18:07,002 to agree he died of a broken heart. 326 00:18:08,796 --> 00:18:11,340 - [Narrator] Eleanor Schuessler now grieves the loss 327 00:18:11,340 --> 00:18:14,843 of her entire family and faces economic ruin 328 00:18:16,428 --> 00:18:17,763 as she's left without income 329 00:18:17,763 --> 00:18:19,598 and a significant mortgage to pay. 330 00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:23,644 The "Chicago Tribune" encourages readers 331 00:18:23,644 --> 00:18:25,020 to send contributions. 332 00:18:26,730 --> 00:18:29,023 With the case seemingly at a standstill, 333 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:32,528 Mrs. Schuessler and the Petersons allow the bodies 334 00:18:32,528 --> 00:18:35,030 of their sons to be exhumed. 335 00:18:37,157 --> 00:18:40,577 - There could be any number of reasons to exhume a body, 336 00:18:41,787 --> 00:18:43,622 new technologies, new techniques, 337 00:18:44,498 --> 00:18:45,749 or just a feeling that something 338 00:18:45,749 --> 00:18:48,042 might've been missed the first time. 339 00:18:49,795 --> 00:18:51,505 In this case, 340 00:18:51,505 --> 00:18:53,423 the main objective is to take scrapings from the toenails 341 00:18:53,423 --> 00:18:56,426 and fingernails to find more traces 342 00:18:56,426 --> 00:19:00,138 of the rare metal found during the original autopsy. 343 00:19:01,557 --> 00:19:03,642 A good enough sample could lead 344 00:19:03,642 --> 00:19:07,311 to the plant or factory where the killer works. 345 00:19:09,857 --> 00:19:11,023 - [Narrator] The exhumation pays off 346 00:19:11,023 --> 00:19:13,944 when tiny grains of that metal are revealed. 347 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:18,740 - The examiner also finds traces of a powerful insecticide 348 00:19:18,740 --> 00:19:22,161 and bone meal in the wounds on Robert's scalp. 349 00:19:24,454 --> 00:19:26,123 This could suggest the weapon is something 350 00:19:26,123 --> 00:19:28,959 like a handheld gardening rake. 351 00:19:29,835 --> 00:19:32,629 The strangest revelation is the evidence 352 00:19:32,629 --> 00:19:35,007 of hay in the boys' lungs. 353 00:19:36,925 --> 00:19:39,678 - [Narrator] How these things go together is unclear, 354 00:19:39,678 --> 00:19:42,347 but an intensive search of metalworking establishments, 355 00:19:42,347 --> 00:19:46,685 as well as golf courses, greenhouses, florist shops, 356 00:19:46,685 --> 00:19:52,023 and parks within a 400-square-mile area yields nothing. 357 00:19:52,773 --> 00:19:54,401 - These things could be found 358 00:19:54,401 --> 00:19:58,030 in a fertilizer used by any private homeowner. 359 00:19:59,406 --> 00:20:02,075 - [Narrator] None of it leads to a viable suspect. 360 00:20:02,075 --> 00:20:03,202 The case goes cold. 361 00:20:07,372 --> 00:20:10,209 (dramatic music) 362 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:15,839 (dramatic music) 363 00:20:18,008 --> 00:20:21,345 The naked lifeless bodies of Robert Peterson, 364 00:20:22,721 --> 00:20:24,640 John Schuessler, and Anton Schuessler Jr. 365 00:20:26,016 --> 00:20:29,603 are found in a forest ditch on the outskirts of Chicago. 366 00:20:29,603 --> 00:20:31,688 - I don't think anyone is ever prepared 367 00:20:31,688 --> 00:20:33,232 to see a sight like that. 368 00:20:34,358 --> 00:20:36,944 - [Narrator] Their families are devastated. 369 00:20:36,944 --> 00:20:39,780 Months of investigation by a task force 370 00:20:39,780 --> 00:20:43,992 that includes 50 people yield many clues 371 00:20:43,992 --> 00:20:46,994 but no solid leads or suspects. 372 00:20:48,622 --> 00:20:51,416 The grieving families give permission for the bodies 373 00:20:51,416 --> 00:20:54,253 to be exhumed and examined for further evidence. 374 00:20:55,837 --> 00:20:59,215 - There could be any number of reasons to exhume a body, 375 00:21:00,217 --> 00:21:02,094 new technologies, new techniques, 376 00:21:02,094 --> 00:21:04,846 or just a feeling that something 377 00:21:04,846 --> 00:21:06,890 might've been missed the first time. 378 00:21:07,724 --> 00:21:09,434 In this case, 379 00:21:09,434 --> 00:21:11,311 the main objective is to take scrapings from the toenails 380 00:21:11,311 --> 00:21:14,523 and fingernails to find more traces 381 00:21:14,523 --> 00:21:18,734 of the rare metal found during the original autopsy. 382 00:21:18,734 --> 00:21:21,029 A good enough sample could lead 383 00:21:21,029 --> 00:21:24,782 to the plant or factory where the killer works. 384 00:21:26,034 --> 00:21:29,705 - [Narrator] They find traces of rare metal, pesticide, 385 00:21:29,705 --> 00:21:32,291 bone meal, and hay in the boys' lungs. 386 00:21:33,750 --> 00:21:38,171 None of it leads to a viable suspect. The case goes cold. 387 00:21:41,049 --> 00:21:43,302 It's now one year after the murders, 388 00:21:44,303 --> 00:21:46,096 and investigators are disappointed 389 00:21:46,096 --> 00:21:48,515 that they still have no solid leads. 390 00:21:48,515 --> 00:21:50,183 (soft tense music) 391 00:21:50,183 --> 00:21:52,561 The special investigative unit welcomes a new leader, 392 00:21:52,561 --> 00:21:57,398 Lieutenant Joseph Morris, the third to hold the reins 393 00:21:57,398 --> 00:21:59,359 since the investigation began. 394 00:22:00,902 --> 00:22:03,071 - He is determined to solve the case. 395 00:22:03,905 --> 00:22:05,824 He says, "It may take a month, a year, 396 00:22:05,824 --> 00:22:08,660 five years, but it will be solved." 397 00:22:09,869 --> 00:22:11,705 - [Narrator] In the meantime, 398 00:22:11,705 --> 00:22:14,333 all the stress and pressure is taking its toll. 399 00:22:16,292 --> 00:22:18,086 While working on the case, 400 00:22:18,086 --> 00:22:19,755 three members of the special investigative unit 401 00:22:19,755 --> 00:22:21,423 suffer heart attacks. 402 00:22:23,008 --> 00:22:26,762 - Stress can cause serious health problems, 403 00:22:26,762 --> 00:22:28,305 including heart attacks. 404 00:22:29,181 --> 00:22:31,266 - [Narrator] The three officers all recover 405 00:22:31,266 --> 00:22:35,311 but are reassigned to other less stressful cases. 406 00:22:37,814 --> 00:22:39,232 (tense music) 407 00:22:39,232 --> 00:22:41,734 It's now two years since the murders, 408 00:22:41,734 --> 00:22:44,988 and investigators are still striving to get justice 409 00:22:44,988 --> 00:22:47,157 for the families and their murdered sons. 410 00:22:50,118 --> 00:22:53,121 The Petersons hold a night of devotion in their home. 411 00:22:56,666 --> 00:23:00,379 Eleanor Schuessler has remarried and is now Eleanor Kujawa. 412 00:23:01,421 --> 00:23:03,382 She still grieves for her sons. 413 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:07,260 She says, "I'm always hoping they find who did it. 414 00:23:08,887 --> 00:23:11,223 That's one of the things I live for." 415 00:23:12,808 --> 00:23:15,811 - But the hopes seem to get slimmer as the time passes. 416 00:23:17,186 --> 00:23:19,064 - [Narrator] Three years later, since the murders, 417 00:23:19,064 --> 00:23:21,775 there have been no significant developments. 418 00:23:23,151 --> 00:23:27,239 The Crime Detection Institute is a civic group in Chicago. 419 00:23:29,157 --> 00:23:32,869 The Crime Detection Institute has been offering a $100,00 420 00:23:32,869 --> 00:23:35,830 for any information that can lead them to the killer. 421 00:23:38,208 --> 00:23:41,253 Today they announced they're withdrawing that reward. 422 00:23:42,087 --> 00:23:44,589 The reason, they say that the crimes appear 423 00:23:44,589 --> 00:23:46,465 now to be insoluble. 424 00:23:49,136 --> 00:23:52,263 In 1960, a ray of hope breaks through. 425 00:23:53,849 --> 00:23:55,434 While digging through old files, 426 00:23:56,935 --> 00:23:58,936 detectives noticed something intriguing 427 00:23:58,936 --> 00:24:00,814 from the days leading up to the murders. 428 00:24:03,066 --> 00:24:06,862 - On October 8th, 1955, Robert and John, 429 00:24:06,862 --> 00:24:10,323 like everyone else in their class, fill out a questionnaire. 430 00:24:11,074 --> 00:24:13,034 Among the many questions is the usual one. 431 00:24:13,034 --> 00:24:15,579 Do you know anybody who is trying to hurt you? 432 00:24:18,623 --> 00:24:21,209 - [Narrator] Stranger than the question itself 433 00:24:21,209 --> 00:24:24,254 are the answers that Robert and John give. 434 00:24:24,254 --> 00:24:25,589 They both say yes. 435 00:24:27,299 --> 00:24:29,968 - John and Robert are the only kids in their class 436 00:24:29,968 --> 00:24:31,761 who answer yes to that question, 437 00:24:33,138 --> 00:24:35,140 and eight days later, they're dead. 438 00:24:35,140 --> 00:24:37,809 That's an unbelievable coincidence. 439 00:24:39,019 --> 00:24:40,270 (tense dramatic music) 440 00:24:40,270 --> 00:24:41,563 - [Narrator] The school informs police 441 00:24:41,563 --> 00:24:43,982 about the unusual yes answers, 442 00:24:45,066 --> 00:24:47,402 and investigators attempt to question all 443 00:24:47,402 --> 00:24:49,404 of John and Robert's classmates. 444 00:24:50,405 --> 00:24:52,824 - The issue with questioning 13 and 14 year olds 445 00:24:52,824 --> 00:24:55,452 is that their parents must be present in the room. 446 00:24:56,578 --> 00:24:58,246 Teenagers don't always want to tell the whole truth 447 00:24:58,246 --> 00:24:59,748 in front of their parents. 448 00:25:01,208 --> 00:25:03,667 Some parents might even advise them not to get involved. 449 00:25:05,337 --> 00:25:08,381 - [Narrator] Investigators question 50 students, 450 00:25:08,381 --> 00:25:11,301 but no useful information is collected. 451 00:25:11,301 --> 00:25:14,054 - Now, five years later, all those kids are adults. 452 00:25:14,054 --> 00:25:16,056 They might be more willing to talk. 453 00:25:17,390 --> 00:25:20,143 - [Narrator] The hunch pays off as many former classmates 454 00:25:20,143 --> 00:25:23,522 recall Robert and John being afraid of someone. 455 00:25:25,440 --> 00:25:28,443 Detectives are convinced that those boys knew their killer 456 00:25:28,443 --> 00:25:31,655 or killers and, more importantly, 457 00:25:33,198 --> 00:25:36,076 that the killer is still on the northwest side of Chicago. 458 00:25:36,076 --> 00:25:40,497 - Five years is a long time to keep an investigation alive, 459 00:25:41,455 --> 00:25:43,083 but thanks to the new information, 460 00:25:43,083 --> 00:25:45,126 the mystery of who killed Robert Peterson 461 00:25:45,961 --> 00:25:47,754 and John and Anton Schuessler 462 00:25:47,754 --> 00:25:50,549 could finally be on the verge of being solved. 463 00:25:53,343 --> 00:25:56,137 (dramatic music) 464 00:25:58,515 --> 00:26:01,560 (dramatic music) 465 00:26:03,603 --> 00:26:05,313 (tense music) 466 00:26:05,313 --> 00:26:07,190 - [Narrator] For five years, 467 00:26:07,190 --> 00:26:09,025 there have been no serious suspects in the murders 468 00:26:09,025 --> 00:26:13,863 of Robert Peterson, age 14, John Schuessler, age 13, 469 00:26:15,073 --> 00:26:17,492 and Anton Schuessler Jr, age 11. 470 00:26:19,202 --> 00:26:21,204 Police believe that the two oldest boys 471 00:26:21,204 --> 00:26:26,084 may know they're killer. - On October 8th, 1955, 472 00:26:27,335 --> 00:26:29,588 Robert and John fill out a questionnaire. 473 00:26:30,505 --> 00:26:32,674 Among the many questions is the usual one. 474 00:26:32,674 --> 00:26:35,427 Do you know anybody who is trying to hurt you? 475 00:26:36,303 --> 00:26:38,471 - [Narrator] Stranger than the question itself 476 00:26:38,471 --> 00:26:41,600 are the answers that Robert and John give. 477 00:26:42,225 --> 00:26:43,685 They both say yes. 478 00:26:45,395 --> 00:26:47,272 - John and Robert are the only kids in their class 479 00:26:47,272 --> 00:26:49,691 who answer yes to that question. 480 00:26:49,691 --> 00:26:52,359 They question 50 former classmates and friends 481 00:26:52,359 --> 00:26:54,904 in the hope of figuring out who it is. 482 00:26:56,698 --> 00:26:58,282 - [Narrator] Unfortunately, 483 00:26:58,282 --> 00:27:00,493 after weeks and months of further investigation, 484 00:27:01,119 --> 00:27:02,621 all new leads come to nothing. 485 00:27:06,583 --> 00:27:09,628 In 1966, Sergeant George Murphy, 486 00:27:10,795 --> 00:27:12,297 the officer at the front desk 487 00:27:12,297 --> 00:27:13,965 when the boys were reported missing, 488 00:27:15,050 --> 00:27:16,426 the one who takes the call 489 00:27:16,426 --> 00:27:18,762 that gets the entire investigation started, 490 00:27:19,929 --> 00:27:21,765 retires after 37 years on the force. 491 00:27:23,308 --> 00:27:25,602 Again, the case files gather dust, 492 00:27:26,519 --> 00:27:28,271 but while working on another murder case, 493 00:27:28,271 --> 00:27:31,650 that of wealthy stable owner George Jayne, 494 00:27:32,776 --> 00:27:35,904 state police officer Lieutenant David Hamm goes 495 00:27:35,904 --> 00:27:37,571 through a box of reports. 496 00:27:38,740 --> 00:27:40,867 - The box is full of detailed reports 497 00:27:40,867 --> 00:27:42,494 on prime suspect Silas Jayne, 498 00:27:42,494 --> 00:27:45,288 who is George's brother and his associates, 499 00:27:45,288 --> 00:27:48,792 one of whom is a guy named Kenneth Hansen. 500 00:27:50,377 --> 00:27:52,837 - [Narrator] Kenneth Hansen works for Silas Jayne 501 00:27:54,130 --> 00:27:55,590 at Idle Hours Stables, 502 00:27:56,549 --> 00:27:59,678 and the two are reputed to have a very close relationship. 503 00:28:00,887 --> 00:28:02,681 - The weird thing is that, 504 00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:05,350 amongst all the reports about Silas Jayne, 505 00:28:05,350 --> 00:28:08,645 there are a few that reference the 1955 murders 506 00:28:08,645 --> 00:28:11,398 of Robert Peterson, John Schuessler, 507 00:28:11,398 --> 00:28:13,358 and Anton Schuessler Jr. 508 00:28:15,568 --> 00:28:17,696 - [Narrator] Why they're in there isn't clear, 509 00:28:17,696 --> 00:28:20,824 but after carefully reading all of the reports, 510 00:28:20,824 --> 00:28:22,867 Lieutenant Hamm starts to suspect 511 00:28:22,867 --> 00:28:28,123 that the Idle Hours Stables is where the boys were killed. 512 00:28:30,083 --> 00:28:32,961 On February 8th, 1971, 513 00:28:34,504 --> 00:28:37,715 Lieutenant Hamm brings in Kenneth Hansen for questioning. 514 00:28:39,384 --> 00:28:41,761 Kenneth refuses to talk about George Jayne, 515 00:28:42,887 --> 00:28:44,889 so Lieutenant Hamm takes another approach. 516 00:28:47,016 --> 00:28:49,269 - He asks Kenneth about himself, 517 00:28:49,269 --> 00:28:50,812 his time in the Army and his experience 518 00:28:50,812 --> 00:28:52,063 in the horse business. 519 00:28:52,063 --> 00:28:55,191 Surprisingly, Kenneth opens up and talks. 520 00:28:57,110 --> 00:28:58,486 - [Narrator] He learns that Kenneth 521 00:28:58,486 --> 00:29:00,363 is from the Chicago's northwest side 522 00:29:00,363 --> 00:29:03,450 and that he has a long history of working with horses, 523 00:29:04,701 --> 00:29:08,246 including at Idle Hours Stables in 1955. 524 00:29:09,330 --> 00:29:12,083 - Kenneth has no idea that Lieutenant Hamm 525 00:29:12,083 --> 00:29:14,878 is interested in the murders of the three boys. 526 00:29:14,878 --> 00:29:17,422 He thinks it's all about the George Jayne murder. 527 00:29:18,631 --> 00:29:21,760 He talks openly about everything except George Jayne. 528 00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:24,929 - [Narrator] Police think there is a connection 529 00:29:24,929 --> 00:29:26,765 to the George Jayne murder case. 530 00:29:29,100 --> 00:29:31,102 Playing a game of cat and mouse, 531 00:29:31,102 --> 00:29:33,480 Lieutenant Hamm is careful not to tip his hand 532 00:29:33,480 --> 00:29:36,274 as he gathers as much information as he can 533 00:29:37,567 --> 00:29:40,904 that could connect Kenneth to the murders of the three boys. 534 00:29:43,031 --> 00:29:44,783 - He does the good job, but unfortunately, 535 00:29:44,783 --> 00:29:46,868 there's not enough to prove anything. 536 00:29:48,203 --> 00:29:49,788 - [Narrator] Ultimately, 537 00:29:49,788 --> 00:29:51,331 Silas Jayne and a couple of other men 538 00:29:51,331 --> 00:29:53,917 are convicted of the murder of George Jayne, 539 00:29:55,001 --> 00:29:57,045 which is said to have been the culmination 540 00:29:57,045 --> 00:29:59,464 of a bitter feud between the two brothers 541 00:29:59,464 --> 00:30:02,550 over competing interests in the show horse industry. 542 00:30:04,761 --> 00:30:07,806 All charges against Kenneth Hansen are dropped. 543 00:30:07,806 --> 00:30:11,643 As for the murders of the three kids in 1955, 544 00:30:11,643 --> 00:30:16,856 Lieutenant Hamm packs the box up, puts it back in storage, 545 00:30:17,732 --> 00:30:19,818 and the case goes cold again. 546 00:30:22,695 --> 00:30:28,076 On April 9th, 1976, Captain Patrick J. Deeley, 547 00:30:29,536 --> 00:30:32,372 head of the investigation until his retirement in 1970, 548 00:30:33,206 --> 00:30:34,082 dies at 69. 549 00:30:35,917 --> 00:30:38,419 10 years later and more than 30 years 550 00:30:38,419 --> 00:30:40,755 after the murders of her only sons, 551 00:30:40,755 --> 00:30:44,133 Eleanor Schuessler Kujawa dies 552 00:30:45,510 --> 00:30:47,846 and is buried beside them in a River Grove cemetery. 553 00:30:49,055 --> 00:30:51,683 While investigating a series of barn burnings 554 00:30:51,683 --> 00:30:55,103 and horse killings believed to be part of an insurance scam, 555 00:30:55,103 --> 00:30:59,899 agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, 556 00:30:59,899 --> 00:31:01,985 and Explosives talk to an informant 557 00:31:02,902 --> 00:31:04,279 named William Red Wemette. 558 00:31:05,780 --> 00:31:09,617 Red isn't much help until he unexpectedly tells them 559 00:31:09,617 --> 00:31:13,121 that Kenneth Hansen murdered Robert Peterson, 560 00:31:13,121 --> 00:31:16,875 John Schuessler, and Anton Schuessler Jr. 561 00:31:18,251 --> 00:31:19,878 - Anyone who deals with informants 562 00:31:19,878 --> 00:31:23,673 can tell you they don't always tell the whole truth. 563 00:31:25,091 --> 00:31:26,801 - [Narrator] According to Red, 564 00:31:26,801 --> 00:31:30,221 after being in an intimate relationship in the 1960s, 565 00:31:32,181 --> 00:31:34,058 Kenneth tells him about the murders 566 00:31:35,226 --> 00:31:37,395 during an afternoon of drinking in 1968. 567 00:31:37,395 --> 00:31:40,148 (dramatic music) 568 00:31:40,148 --> 00:31:42,400 - He says he's having sex with one boy 569 00:31:42,400 --> 00:31:44,027 when Robert Peterson confronts him 570 00:31:44,027 --> 00:31:45,904 and threatens to tell his parents. 571 00:31:47,155 --> 00:31:48,907 Fearing exposure, he kills them. 572 00:31:49,908 --> 00:31:51,910 - [Narrator] Red goes on to say 573 00:31:51,910 --> 00:31:54,245 that he's not the only one to hear that story. 574 00:31:55,747 --> 00:31:58,082 - Red seems reliable because he's helped them before, 575 00:31:59,208 --> 00:32:01,336 but investigators need more details about this. 576 00:32:02,879 --> 00:32:04,422 - [Narrator] In 1968, 577 00:32:04,422 --> 00:32:07,383 Kenneth has another young lover named Roger Spry, 578 00:32:08,384 --> 00:32:10,219 and Roger knows all about it. 579 00:32:12,138 --> 00:32:15,808 Coincidentally, Roger Spry's name has already come up 580 00:32:16,809 --> 00:32:18,102 during their investigation, 581 00:32:18,102 --> 00:32:20,980 and they suspect him of burning a barn in 1970. 582 00:32:22,315 --> 00:32:25,026 - The only problem is that no one knows where Roger is now. 583 00:32:26,402 --> 00:32:28,655 However, there's no statute of limitations on arson, 584 00:32:28,655 --> 00:32:32,367 so they issue a warrant for his arrest and wait. 585 00:32:33,159 --> 00:32:34,577 (tense dramatic music) 586 00:32:34,577 --> 00:32:36,245 - [Narrator] In the summer of 1993, 587 00:32:37,747 --> 00:32:39,999 Roger Spry is arrested in a tavern brawl in Arizona 588 00:32:41,167 --> 00:32:43,002 and charged with disorderly conduct. 589 00:32:44,212 --> 00:32:47,173 Investigators fly out to Arizona to question him 590 00:32:47,173 --> 00:32:49,342 about Kenneth Hansen and the murder 591 00:32:49,342 --> 00:32:51,970 of the three boys in 1955. 592 00:32:53,471 --> 00:32:56,182 Roger confirms everything. 593 00:32:57,600 --> 00:33:00,144 When asked about the barn arson in 1970, 594 00:33:00,144 --> 00:33:03,940 Roger admits that he did it for Kenneth Hansen. 595 00:33:06,359 --> 00:33:09,445 As the investigation begins to close in on him, 596 00:33:09,445 --> 00:33:11,906 Kenneth Hansen begins to get nervous. 597 00:33:12,532 --> 00:33:14,283 - He actually asks his neighbor 598 00:33:14,283 --> 00:33:16,285 if police are watching his house. 599 00:33:17,370 --> 00:33:19,330 Not a very normal thing to do. 600 00:33:20,665 --> 00:33:23,334 He packs a suitcase and prepares to leave town. 601 00:33:24,669 --> 00:33:26,587 - [Narrator] Investigators need to decide 602 00:33:26,587 --> 00:33:29,340 if they have enough evidence to prove Kenneth Hansen 603 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:32,802 is guilty of a crime that took place almost 40 years ago. 604 00:33:34,095 --> 00:33:37,348 If they don't, the murders could remain unsolved forever. 605 00:33:41,310 --> 00:33:44,313 (dramatic music) 606 00:33:46,274 --> 00:33:49,193 (dramatic music) 607 00:33:51,070 --> 00:33:53,281 (tense dramatic music) 608 00:33:53,281 --> 00:33:55,241 Police believe that Kenneth Hansen 609 00:33:55,241 --> 00:33:57,410 is the man who killed Robert Peterson, 610 00:33:57,410 --> 00:34:01,205 John Schuessler, and Anton Schuessler, Jr. in 1955. 611 00:34:02,957 --> 00:34:06,252 A trusted informant describes Kenneth Hansen's confession 612 00:34:07,420 --> 00:34:08,546 to the murders. 613 00:34:08,546 --> 00:34:10,631 - He says he's having sex with one boy 614 00:34:10,631 --> 00:34:12,383 when Robert Peterson confronts him 615 00:34:12,383 --> 00:34:14,218 and threatens to tell his parents. 616 00:34:15,136 --> 00:34:16,929 Fearing exposure, he kills them. 617 00:34:18,139 --> 00:34:19,806 - [Narrator] Red goes on to say that he's 618 00:34:19,806 --> 00:34:21,809 not the only one to hear that story. 619 00:34:21,809 --> 00:34:27,315 In 1968, Kenneth has another young lover named Roger Spry, 620 00:34:29,442 --> 00:34:31,277 and Roger knows all about it. 621 00:34:32,820 --> 00:34:34,697 Coincidentally, Roger Spry's name 622 00:34:34,697 --> 00:34:37,450 has already come up during their investigation. 623 00:34:39,368 --> 00:34:40,870 In the summer of 1993, 624 00:34:40,870 --> 00:34:44,707 Roger Spry is arrested in a tavern brawl in Arizona. 625 00:34:46,167 --> 00:34:49,754 Investigators fly out to question him about Kenneth Hansen 626 00:34:49,754 --> 00:34:52,256 and the murder of the three boys in 1955. 627 00:34:53,966 --> 00:34:55,343 Roger confirms everything. 628 00:34:56,803 --> 00:34:59,097 When asked about the barn arson in 1970, 629 00:35:00,223 --> 00:35:02,809 Roger admits that he did it for Kenneth Hansen. 630 00:35:04,435 --> 00:35:07,480 (tense dramatic music) 631 00:35:07,480 --> 00:35:09,774 Police arrest 61-year-old Kenneth Hansen 632 00:35:11,901 --> 00:35:15,655 and charge him with arson for burning a stable in 1970. 633 00:35:18,366 --> 00:35:20,159 (phone rings) 634 00:35:20,159 --> 00:35:23,704 The arrest triggers phone calls from people claiming 635 00:35:23,704 --> 00:35:26,040 that Hansen picked them up while hitchhiking 636 00:35:29,544 --> 00:35:30,378 and molested them. 637 00:35:31,712 --> 00:35:33,589 The details sound all too plausible in relation 638 00:35:33,589 --> 00:35:37,009 to what happened to the three boys in 1955. 639 00:35:39,219 --> 00:35:41,681 (tense music) 640 00:35:43,056 --> 00:35:45,393 Hansen says he fantasizes about young boys. 641 00:35:47,895 --> 00:35:49,939 - During questioning, he admits that he's had sex 642 00:35:49,939 --> 00:35:53,484 with as many as 1,000 boys since the 1950s. 643 00:35:55,736 --> 00:35:58,156 - [Narrator] Investigators theorize that, 644 00:35:58,156 --> 00:36:00,867 on the night of October 16th, 1955, 645 00:36:02,076 --> 00:36:04,161 Kenneth sees the three boys and pulls over. 646 00:36:05,746 --> 00:36:07,707 He calls them over to his car. 647 00:36:10,668 --> 00:36:12,587 He asks the boys where they are headed. 648 00:36:15,464 --> 00:36:16,591 Kenneth offers a ride. 649 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:19,677 - Kenneth lives nearby in the 5000 block 650 00:36:19,677 --> 00:36:22,597 of North Claremont Avenue, so it makes sense, 651 00:36:24,098 --> 00:36:27,727 and he freely admits to regularly picking up boys for sex. 652 00:36:29,020 --> 00:36:30,938 - [Narrator] This wasn't the boys' first time hitchhiking, 653 00:36:31,564 --> 00:36:32,732 so they agreed. 654 00:36:34,901 --> 00:36:38,738 After entering the car, the boys were never seen again. 655 00:36:41,741 --> 00:36:43,576 With the three boys now in the car, 656 00:36:45,453 --> 00:36:47,747 he drives them to the Idle Hours Stable. 657 00:36:48,998 --> 00:36:52,001 (dramatic music) 658 00:36:58,257 --> 00:37:00,635 - He tries to pay the boys to perform a sex act, 659 00:37:01,969 --> 00:37:05,223 but when they refuse, he becomes violent and murders them. 660 00:37:07,516 --> 00:37:09,852 - [Narrator] Police place Hansen under arrest 661 00:37:09,852 --> 00:37:10,895 for the murders. 662 00:37:13,481 --> 00:37:18,486 In early September 1995, the trial of Kenneth Hansen begins. 663 00:37:19,612 --> 00:37:22,239 - The prosecution paints a picture of a man 664 00:37:22,239 --> 00:37:24,242 who has sex with a lot of young boys. 665 00:37:25,368 --> 00:37:27,495 - [Narrator] Roger Spry is a star witness. 666 00:37:28,746 --> 00:37:30,414 - He meets Hansen when he's 11, 667 00:37:30,414 --> 00:37:31,623 and Hansen offers him a place to stay 668 00:37:31,623 --> 00:37:33,334 in exchange for work. 669 00:37:33,334 --> 00:37:36,545 While living with Hansen his wife and two children, 670 00:37:36,545 --> 00:37:38,256 Roger is molested by Hansen. 671 00:37:39,340 --> 00:37:41,259 This continues for seven years. 672 00:37:42,802 --> 00:37:44,178 - [Narrator] When Roger is 15, 673 00:37:44,178 --> 00:37:46,264 Hansen gets drunk and describes the events 674 00:37:46,264 --> 00:37:51,727 at the Idle Hours Stable on the night of October 16th, 1955. 675 00:37:53,020 --> 00:37:55,481 - Hansen's fantasy, according to Roger, 676 00:37:55,481 --> 00:37:57,692 is to have sex with two boys at once. 677 00:38:00,236 --> 00:38:01,779 He sends Robert away to brush the horses 678 00:38:01,779 --> 00:38:04,239 so he can be alone with the two younger boys. 679 00:38:13,873 --> 00:38:16,252 He begins molesting John and Anton Jr, 680 00:38:17,585 --> 00:38:20,089 but Robert unexpectedly returns and catches him in the act. 681 00:38:24,385 --> 00:38:26,637 Kenneth grabs Robert Peterson in a choke hold 682 00:38:33,561 --> 00:38:36,105 and says he accidentally chokes him to death. 683 00:38:38,024 --> 00:38:40,860 Stating he had no choice but to kill the other two kids, 684 00:38:41,736 --> 00:38:42,652 he murders them as well. 685 00:38:44,530 --> 00:38:46,699 - [Narrator] Roger testifies that Hansen referred 686 00:38:46,699 --> 00:38:49,035 to the incident one more time. 687 00:38:55,958 --> 00:38:57,918 - Hansen catches Roger pickpocketing some money 688 00:38:57,918 --> 00:39:00,338 that should go to the stable, so he says, 689 00:39:01,756 --> 00:39:03,466 "Roger, you keep it up and you're going 690 00:39:03,466 --> 00:39:05,384 to end up just like that Peterson kid." 691 00:39:11,098 --> 00:39:13,893 - [Narrator] The prosecution calls another powerful witness, 692 00:39:13,893 --> 00:39:18,564 Herb Hollatz, one of the many people 693 00:39:18,564 --> 00:39:21,359 to contact police when Hansen is first arrested. 694 00:39:22,693 --> 00:39:25,196 - Herb Hollatz is the son of a Chicago police officer. 695 00:39:26,572 --> 00:39:28,699 He testifies that he's been keeping Hansen's secret 696 00:39:28,699 --> 00:39:29,533 for 40 years. 697 00:39:30,951 --> 00:39:32,161 - [Narrator] Herb says he's known 698 00:39:32,161 --> 00:39:33,996 about Kenneth killing those boys 699 00:39:33,996 --> 00:39:36,165 since one week after the murders. 700 00:39:38,125 --> 00:39:40,210 - The reason he keeps quiet is that he 701 00:39:40,210 --> 00:39:41,921 is having a homosexual relationship with Hansen, 702 00:39:41,921 --> 00:39:45,216 and he doesn't want his father or anyone else to find out. 703 00:39:46,509 --> 00:39:50,388 - A hard-nosed cop in 1955 might not take that news well. 704 00:39:51,597 --> 00:39:53,891 - [Narrator] But there's another more compelling reason 705 00:39:53,891 --> 00:39:55,393 for young Herb to keep quiet. 706 00:39:57,186 --> 00:39:59,980 - Hansen makes Herb swear that he won't tell anyone 707 00:39:59,980 --> 00:40:01,232 or his brother will kill him. 708 00:40:02,608 --> 00:40:05,277 - Kenneth's brother is a known enforcer for the mob. 709 00:40:06,237 --> 00:40:09,864 That scares Herb badly. - A few months later, 710 00:40:11,075 --> 00:40:13,202 Herb moves to Arizona and tries to forget. 711 00:40:14,078 --> 00:40:15,830 When he sees news of Hansen's arrest, 712 00:40:15,830 --> 00:40:18,290 he calls his daughter to confess. 713 00:40:19,250 --> 00:40:22,253 - It's Herb's daughter who informs the police. 714 00:40:24,046 --> 00:40:27,049 - Herb is so scared of Kenneth's brother that, 715 00:40:27,049 --> 00:40:28,717 even after all these years, 716 00:40:28,717 --> 00:40:30,886 he refuses to testify against Kenneth 717 00:40:30,886 --> 00:40:32,096 unless authorities prove to him 718 00:40:32,096 --> 00:40:33,431 that Kenneth's brother is dead. 719 00:40:34,223 --> 00:40:36,142 (tense music) 720 00:40:36,142 --> 00:40:38,143 - [Narrator] On September 13th, 1995, 721 00:40:38,143 --> 00:40:41,439 after an hour and 40 minutes of deliberation, 722 00:40:43,774 --> 00:40:46,152 the jury finds Kenneth Hansen guilty 723 00:40:46,152 --> 00:40:48,112 of three counts of first degree murder. 724 00:40:48,946 --> 00:40:51,907 He's sentenced to concurrent prison terms 725 00:40:51,907 --> 00:40:54,285 between 200 and 300 years. 726 00:40:56,745 --> 00:40:57,872 On May 18th, 2000, 727 00:40:59,206 --> 00:41:03,127 the Illinois Appellate Court overturns the 1995 conviction. 728 00:41:04,210 --> 00:41:06,338 - They determined that the jury 729 00:41:06,338 --> 00:41:08,007 should not have heard evidence 730 00:41:08,007 --> 00:41:09,258 that Hansen cruised the streets picking up boys 731 00:41:09,258 --> 00:41:14,013 for sexual relations. - On August 12th, 2002, 732 00:41:15,139 --> 00:41:18,142 the retrial of Kenneth Hansen begins. 733 00:41:19,226 --> 00:41:21,103 - The defense does their best, but, once again, 734 00:41:21,103 --> 00:41:25,440 Hansen is found guilty and sentenced to 200 to 300 years. 735 00:41:27,234 --> 00:41:28,819 - [Narrator] Hansen tries to appeal one more time 736 00:41:28,819 --> 00:41:32,031 in 2004 but is denied. 737 00:41:35,367 --> 00:41:38,286 - There's a sense of relief to finally bring justice 738 00:41:38,286 --> 00:41:41,165 and closure to the families of the victims. 739 00:41:41,165 --> 00:41:45,210 Unfortunately, many of them did not live to see it, 740 00:41:45,210 --> 00:41:47,421 but it's important for those who did. 741 00:41:49,340 --> 00:41:51,342 - Sadly, I think this case changed our world a little bit 742 00:41:51,342 --> 00:41:53,469 or at least our perception of it. 743 00:41:54,762 --> 00:41:56,263 We used to think that the streets were safe for children 744 00:41:56,263 --> 00:41:57,473 and that truly horrible things cannot happen 745 00:41:57,473 --> 00:41:59,016 to good kids from good homes. 746 00:41:59,016 --> 00:42:00,559 Now we know that isn't true. 747 00:42:02,143 --> 00:42:05,314 - The truth is that this case was almost unsolved. 748 00:42:06,732 --> 00:42:08,317 If it wasn't for the hard work and perseverance 749 00:42:08,317 --> 00:42:11,654 of the many investigators, it might still be. 750 00:42:13,155 --> 00:42:15,157 - [Narrator] On September 12th, 2007, 751 00:42:15,157 --> 00:42:17,826 Kenneth Hansen dies in a correctional center 752 00:42:17,826 --> 00:42:19,536 in Pontiac, Illinois, 753 00:42:20,871 --> 00:42:23,666 a small consolation to the families that were so devastated 754 00:42:25,167 --> 00:42:27,127 in the murders of Robert, John, and Anton Jr. 755 00:42:34,885 --> 00:42:37,680 (dramatic music)