Chowchilla bus kidnapper to be released

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- One of the men responsible for one of the most infamous crimes ever here in the Valley is getting out of prison after more than 30 years.

57-year-old Richard Schoenfeld has been granted parole after a long legal battle.

Schoenfeld and two others kidnapped a bus full of children and the driver in Chowchilla back in 1976 and then attempted to bury them alive.

The victims escaped and each of the kidnappers received life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Earlier this year the state court of appeals ruled that Schoenfeld be released immediately, but the attorney general asked the state supreme court to review the case.

That request was denied Friday, which means Schoenfeld is due to be released by the end of this month.

Get more Local »

chowchilla, madera county, local

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•