The Town That Dreaded Sundown

On March 3, 1946, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Sammy and Linda Mae go out parking in their car. Their night takes a horrifying turn when a hooded man breaks the driver's side window, pulling Sammy out of the vehicle and attempting to assault Linda Mae.

The next morning, Linda Mae is discovered lying severely wounded on the roadside. Both she and Sammy are rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors report that Linda Mae was savagely attacked, sparking terror in the community.

At the hospital, police officials become increasingly concerned about the attack. Police Chief Sullivan warns residents about parking in secluded areas, recognizing the pattern of a serial attacker now nicknamed 'The Phantom.'

On March 24, Howard and his girlfriend, Emma Lou, go for a drive only to be ambushed by The Phantom. Both fall victim to gunfire, their bodies found later, deepening the fear gripping Texarkana.

In response to the escalating violence, Captain Morales, a renowned Texas Ranger, arrives to lead the investigation. The police establish a curfew as rumors and panic sweep through the town, prompting false confessions from various individuals.

With the killer still on the loose, Morales sets up a plan involving decoys to lure The Phantom. The stakes run high as they gather at the local Junior and High Schools Prom where potential victims are warned of the lurking danger.

In the early hours, Roy and Peggy attempt to park in their usual spot, but they become victims as The Phantom attacks. Roy is shot and Peggy suffers a brutal fate, as the killer adds a terrifying twist using her trombone to murder her.

After yet another murder, Captain Morales and Deputy Ramsey consult Dr. Kress, who warns them about the killer's psychological motivation. This chilling insight emphasizes the unpredictable nature of The Phantom and the urgency of capturing him.

As the investigation continues, a suspect named Eddie claims he is The Phantom. However, after being arrested, authorities discern that he is just another individual seeking notoriety, leaving the real killer still at large.

On May 3, Helen is stalked and attacked at her remote farmhouse. After witnessing her husband’s murder, she fights to escape, ultimately crawling out to find help despite her severe injuries from the encounter with The Phantom.

Days later, Deputy Ramsey and Captain Morales encounter The Phantom in the woods. A frantic pursuit ensues, but the killer narrowly escapes after being shot in the leg, once again evading capture.

Despite extensive searches using Bloodhound dogs and police patrols, The Phantom remains elusive after his leg injury. Although the murders cease, the haunting fear across Texarkana persists.

The story concludes with a chilling reminder that the identity of The Phantom remains a mystery. A voice-over narrates the ongoing impact of the case on the community and its unresolved nature continues to haunt those involved.

In 1976, the film 'The Town That Dreaded Sundown' premieres in Texarkana. The eerie connection is made as someone is seen in line wearing the shoes of the infamous killer, signaling that the legend of The Phantom lives on.

Throughout the aftermath, key figures in the investigation face their own realities. Captain Morales remains dedicated to solving the case, while others like Police Chief Sullivan and Sheriff Barker pass away, leaving an unsolved mystery.