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murder in my family. This episode may contain unsettling material or

subject matter.

Listener discretion is advised.

From 1979 to 1981 to 1981, a disturbing series of burglaries, home invasions, and murders occurred in the peaceful Southern California town of Galita.

Located in Santa Barbara County, Galita is a beautiful community not typically known for crime,

but rather for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, at almost constant 70 degree

temperature. In 1981, a 35-year-old divorcee named Sherry Domingo is enjoying life in the Santa Barbara town of Mona Salo,

13 miles away from Galita.

Relaxing outdoors and visiting the beach helped her distress from the rigors of everyday life.

Shery found life here soothing and her teenage daughter Debbie loved meandering

through the streets with her friends and enjoying her freedom. A relative of Sherry's in Galita decided to put her home up for sale.

Since she wanted to go up to Northern California, the relative have invited Sherry to live in her

home rent free until it sold. Financially, it made sense to Sherry, and the timing couldn't

be better as Sherry got laid off from her job that summer. The home at 449 Toltec Way was perfect for Sherry and Debbie, but after moving in, the typical stresses and riffs that develop between a parent and teenager surfaced, and Sherry and Debbie started to argue more frequently.

Before long, Debbie was essentially out of the house and staying with friends off and on.

When she did come home, the two would usually find themselves in yet another argument.

During one of these arguments Debbie told Sherry to just stay out of her life before she

stormed out. Debbie didn't know it at the time but she would never talk to her mother again.

Sherry was frustrated by the situation and the arguing.

After all, she did love Debbie very much, and they had been close.

Sherry often found herself lonely without Debbie around,

...