The Capture and Investigation that Exposed Everything

On June 2, 1985, Charles Ng was caught shoplifting a vise from South City Lumber in Northern California. While being confronted by store employees, Ng managed to flee the scene, leaving his accomplice, Leonard Lake, to face the authorities. Lake was taken into custody and brought to the police station for questioning. However, during his detainment, he swallowed a cyanide pill hidden in the collar of his shirt. Lake fell into a coma and died a few days later, raising immediate suspicion about his motives and potential crimes.

Following Lake’s suspicious suicide, police launched an investigation into his remote ranch in California. What they uncovered shocked investigators. The property revealed the extent of Lake and Ng’s horrific crimes. They discovered approximately 12 bodies buried in shallow graves, along with 45 pounds of charred bone fragments, suggesting the remains of up to 25 victims. The ranch also housed makeshift torture chambers, which Lake had constructed to hold his captives. These chambers, equipped with restraints and soundproofing, were part of Lake’s delusional preparations for a nuclear apocalypse. He believed he would need captives to satisfy his sexual desires and perform labor in a post-apocalyptic world.

[pic from https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBVL6GfVYAAE8O-.jpg]

Among the most damning evidence were videotapes found at the scene, documenting Lake and Ng torturing and sexually assaulting their victims. The footage showed the pair mocking, taunting, and dehumanizing their captives. Additionally, police found a diary written by Lake, detailing his twisted fantasies and the atrocities he had committed. A suicide note left by Lake also served as a confession, tying him and Ng to the gruesome murders.

All while this was happening, Ng was able to flee to Canada where he'd remain an underdog for 6 years.