In 1958 Nebraska, 19 year old garbageman Charles Starkweather goes on a murder spree with his 14 year old girlfriend Caril Ann Fugate. They kill 11 people in three months, introducing America to spree killing.

Sara escapes a life of poverty and abuse to marry Jim Bratchett, but her joy is short-lived when she discovers that Jim intends her to be a full-time caretaker for his disabled daughter. Sara considers leaving Jim until she discovers a million-dollar life insurance policy.