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 shattered—without 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 America’s most controversial trials.   SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOICE ACTORS: Frank Pira as Police Chief Lee Rawles as Kee MacFarlane Ken Sutherland as 9th Circuit Appeals Conrad Saam as Professor Douglas Linder Doreen Wiley as Attorney Lael Rubin Jon Enge as Attorney Dean Richard Gits Evan Dicharry as Attorney J. Daniel Davis Gyi Tsakalakis as Dr. Michael Maloney Georgia Well as Peggy Buckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices