Adults in the Room: The Boy in the Photograph

As Isolde looks through records on Mr. Hudson from Seattle Public Schools, she comes across a document describing a photograph of Hudson and two students at a mountain lake near Seattle. All three of them are naked.

Isolde learns that back in 1994, before she attended Garfield, this photo spurred a separate investigation into Hudson's relationship with students. But ultimately, records say the boy told investigators it was no big deal. 

Years down the line, that changes. Isolde finds an email from the same boy, now an adult, claiming he was ready to go on record about how Hudson abused him. While interviewing other Post 84 members, Isolde discovers the student’s identity and interviews him. His account of grooming and abuse matches with Ocean Mason's ... with a surprise revelation. 

Today, he, Ocean, and Jonathan Hill know that Tom has influenced who they are, for good and for ill. So how do they make sense of that influence now? 

This episode includes graphic descriptions of animal cruelty and sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, text the word HOPE to 64673. If you live in King County, you can contact the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center at 888.998.6423. Please take care while listening.

Get in touch with the team by email at [email protected]. Support KUOW and projects like this by donating at kuow.org/donate/focus.

Adults in the Room is part of FOCUS, a dedicated documentary channel from KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR network. It is hosted by Isolde Raftery. Original reporting by Isolde Raftery, Jeannie Yandel, and Will James. Our producers are Will James and Alec Cowan. Our editor is Jeannie Yandel. Music by BC Campbell. Additional music by Alec Cowan.  

 

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