>> the whole thing was an atrocity. it wasn't a tragedy. it was an atrocity. >> reporter: it all began just a couple of hours north of new york city. a photographer's dream called the hudson valley. rolling hills. a majestic river. and quaint small towns. for linda kolman, it was the perfect place to raise a family. >> i grew up in saugerties. small schools, you know. just involved in sports and things like that. >> reporter: everyone seems friendly and it just seems kind of -- >> yeah, they're small-home towns, you know? >> reporter: it's where linda lived with her husband tom and their family. a loving home where they celebrated birthdays and holidays. thanksgiving 2011 was a busy time, visiting relatives,