#289 - Torrey Pines State Beach in California is a place where many come to find peace. But for two young women, it became the backdrop of unspeakable tragedy.

In August 1978, police officers responded to the beach, where they found the body of 15-year-old Barbara Nantais lying on the sand. She had been strangled and beaten to death, and one of her breasts had been severed.

Her boyfriend was also discovered nearby, suffering from a severe head injury that left him with no memory of the attack.

Six years later, 14-year-old Claire Hough was found just yards away from where Barbara had been killed.

Like Barbara, she had been beaten, strangled, and had her breast mutilated. The similarities between the two cases were undeniable.

For decades, these cases remained unsolved. But advancements in forensic science have reopened the investigation, leading to new suspects and questions about the true identity of the killer.

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Credits:

Written and produced by Courtney Fretwell

Rockefeller Audio production

For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com.

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