In this episode, we go back to 1874 to explore one of the first recorded kidnapping cases in American history—the mysterious disappearance of Charlie Ross. Four-year-old Charlie was taken from outside his Philadelphia home after being lured with the promise of candy. His abduction would lead to the infamous saying, “Don’t take candy from strangers.”

We’ll follow the ransom demands, the failed rescue attempts, and the national manhunt that ensued. Who was behind Charlie’s kidnapping, and why was he never found? Was there any hope of closure for his devastated family? Join us as we dive into the case that terrified a nation and changed how we look at child abductions.

Grab those flashlights, lock your doors tight, and let’s creep into it, shall we?