EXCLUSIVE: Second Chowchilla Bus Kidnapper Granted Parole

We were the only local station present at James Schoenfeld’s parole hearing on Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County and we have the exclusive story on his hearing. Schoenfeld, who is now 63-years old, and one of the men in the 1976 Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping was granted parole at the California Men’s Colony where he has been incarcerated.

Schoenfeld and his younger brother Richard Schoenfeld, alongside Frederick Woods kidnapped 26 children and a bus driver and buried them underground for 16-hours.

Schoenfeld has been incarcarated for close to 39-years. Wednesday’s parole hearing was Schoenfeld’s 18th time asking the State Parole Board to be freed.

Sally Moreno, the Madera County Supervising Deputy District Attorney, attended the parole hearing in support of the victims. She commented, "We’re disappointed, we don’t feel the community is prepared to receive this inmate back at this point."

Moreno spoke on behalf of one of Schoenfeld’s victims. Many of the former students said they still suffer pain, fear, and anxiety from that July day they were kidnapped and buried alive in Livermore.

"It’s always very emotional as you watch the victims. And we’re here supporting them. You almost experience it with them," said Moreno.

But, not all who were on the bus wish to see Schoenfeld live the rest of his days in prison. Many victims went on the record on Wednesday, telling the parole board that they forgive Schoenfeld and that he has paid his dues. One victim said he and Schoenfeld have met since he’s been in prison, and told Schoenfeld that he loved him like a brother. A handful of the victims said they wanted to forgive Schoefeld because they needed the whole ordeal to be in the past.

Jill Klinge, the Deputy District Attorney for Alameda County was also present on Wednesday on behalf of the victims. She said, "Every victim is affected differently by this event, and each one of them is coping in a different manner. And I’m happy and proud to help them each through their journey."

The State Parole Board Commissioner Ali Zarrinnam and Deputy Commissioner Timothy O’Hara called Schoenfeld’s crime "monstrous". Schoenfeld admitted his motive for the kidnapping was simply money and paying off a debt. He said he grew up in an affluent household in Northern California.

The board however, said they took into consideration that Schoenfeld has been an upstanding inmate, and by law, he was deemed fit to be on parole.

"It was a sad day," said Moreno.

Schoenfeld seemed shocked by the board’s decision. He was seen covering his mouth with his hand and his eyes widened open. All of the victims, whether they advocated for his release or not, remained silent. Schoenfeld’s defense attorney said after the hearing, that needless to say, his client was very happy with the decision.

In Schoenfeld’s parole plan he said he was going to live with his 92-year old mother in Mountain View alongside his brother Richard. Richard was also incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony, and was paroled in 2012.