Mexican English teacher Pablo Fernandez seeks a better life for himself and his spoiled daughter Christina after losing his wife in a hurricane. Pablo becomes a tomato picker as illegal immigrant in California. While driving his illegal employer Charlie's truck, he accidentally runs over Dinah Knightly, who later dies. Dumb, arrogant detective Bryant and brighter but superstitious rookie Steven Lightning investigate and set chase.

An heiress who is being treated for a mental breakdown becomes attracted to her nurse, who seems to be similarly inclined. The nurse's ex-husband shows up and demonstrates his capacity for all things sadistic and psychotic, even murder.