EPISODE · Jul 14, 2025 · 46 MIN
Torrey Pines Beach Murders
from Forensic Tales · host Rockefeller Audio
#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. Support If you love the show, the easiest way to show your support is by leaving us a positive rating with a review. You can also tell your family and friends about Forensic Tales. Patreon - If you would like to get early AD-free access to new episodes, have access to exclusive bonus content, snag exclusive show merch or just want to support what I'm doing, please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Support the show for as low as $3/month. Credits: Written and produced by Courtney Fretwell Rockefeller Audio production For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
#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. Support If you love the show, the easiest way to show your support is by leaving us a positive rating with a review. You can also tell your family and friends about Forensic Tales. Patreon - If you would like to get early AD-free access to new episodes, have access to exclusive bonus content, snag exclusive show merch or just want to support what I'm doing, please visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Support the show for as low as $3/month. Credits: Written and produced by Courtney Fretwell Rockefeller Audio production For a complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit forensictales.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
Torrey Pines Beach Murders
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Jun 7, 2026 ·41m
May 24, 2026 ·47m
May 10, 2026 ·26m
Apr 26, 2026 ·65m
Apr 13, 2026 ·46m
Mar 29, 2026 ·26m