To the editor: Reading Christopher Goffard's story It reminded me of that moment 40 years ago when the McMartin investigations broke out and the ensuing trial had Los Angeles in its grip.
I never believed anything that was said, it all seemed so far-fetched that it was not credible to any sensible, sane person. The magnitude of the alleged crimes that occurred seemed absurd to me.
In 1990, I was a writer for a short-lived Fox reality show called “Personalities,” starring Charlie Rose. It was canceled shortly after its debut, but not before Rose invited Raymond Buckey, a staff member at McMartin Preschool and a relative of the founder, to talk about the case and its eventual disappearance.
I will never forget the look on Mr. Buckey's face as he sat on the studio stage during the interview. Imagine looking into those very dark, sunken, half-lidded eyes that were bubbling and seething with agony and hatred. Hatred for what had happened to him and his family. It seemed to pour out of his eyes like tears. He was furious and broken. It was unbearable to witness. I felt horrible for that innocent man and for all that his family suffered.
Deborah Klose, Santa Monica
