Darkness fell over Valley Center, Kansas on a cold November evening in 2003.

The quiet suburban neighborhood held no warning of the horror about to unfold.

Young Chris Blummel, just 16 years old, stepped into his family's driveway at 9.17 p.m. and

discovered a scene that would haunt him forever.

Police initially suspected a robbery turned violent, but the truth would prove to be far more sinister.

This is Monsters. Roger and Melissa Blummel yearned for children but couldn't conceive.

They lived a comfortable life in Valley Center, Kansas.

Roger owned his own business selling construction equipment, and Melissa was vice president

of Chisholm Trail State Bank.

Their dream of parenthood came true in 2001.

They welcomed brothers, four-year-old Chris and six-year-old Anthony, who went by Tony into their home.

Life had dealt the young boy's harsh blows.

Nights without shelter, a mother on drugs, brutal physical abuse from their mother's

boyfriends, and constant uncertainty. The Blummel household offered sanctuary, structure, and love.

Gratitude radiated from the boys during their first meeting with the Blummel's. Their eyes lit up

at the simple promise of regular meals,

a luxury their turbulent past had denied them. Years passed peacefully as Tony and Chris embraced

their new family's routines and boundaries. Both brothers flourished in this newfound stability,

becoming accomplished athletes in wrestling and football.

Everything seemed to change, though, during Tony's senior year of high school.

New friends drew him toward trouble while violence crept into his personality.

Screaming matches erupted between Tony and his adoptive parents, shattering their

...