FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
More than 35 years after the Chowchilla bus kidnapping, one of the kids on board that bus tells how he feels knowing that one of his kidnappers is out of prison.
You may recall it was a kidnapping that captured the attention of the nation.
Larry Park was just 6 years old sitting in the front seat of the bus when it happened.
At times he says it seems like yesterday.
Larry Park says, "We were on our way from summer school, next thing we knew we were in the back of two vans being driven to a rock quarry in Livermore."
After burying the bus with the kids and driver inside, their kidnappers Richard Schoenfeld, his brother James and Frederick Woods had planned to demand a 5 million dollar ransom.
The kids and bus driver managed to escape thanks to the efforts of the bus driver Ed Ray.
But Park says the scars from that night of terror are still with him.
Park says, "I'm still afraid of the dark. I don't do crowds."
Park says when he heard one of his attackers was going to be released from prison, he admits he was a little angry, but says he's already forgiven Richard Schoenfeld.
Park says, "Since I have found the freedom of forgiveness, I know that I am a better person."
Park attributes his success in life through his renewed relationship with Jesus, and through Celebrate Recovery he's been able to have healing and peace specifically for the kidnappers.
Park says, "I look forward to the day to walk up to Richard and give him a hug and say peace, brother."
Park says he's happy, he just got married this month, and is renewing ties with family members.
By the way, state prison officials say Richard Schoenfeld will be monitored 24 hours a day through the use of a GPS device.
