48 Hours: "Introducing Trained to Kill" – Episode Summary

Introduction to Anacortes' Tranquil Facade

Nestled in the serene expanse of Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest lies Anacortes, Washington—a town renowned for its picturesque and tranquil islands. However, beneath its peaceful exterior, a harrowing crime in 2009 forever altered the community's perception of safety and trust.

The Grisly Crime Unveiled

On October 28, 2009, just three days before Halloween, the idyllic town of Anacortes was shaken by a gruesome incident at the residence of Mark Stover, a beloved local dog trainer. Host Peter van Sant sets the scene:

"The blood on the walls, the blood on the carpet. It told a story of what took place."
— Peter van Sant [00:33]

Mark Stover, affectionately known as the "dog whisperer" and the canine trainer to celebrities, was found missing amidst a chaotic scene marked by bloodshed both inside his home and on his driveway. The absence of signs pointing to his whereabouts immediately raised alarm bells among law enforcement and the community.

Mark Stover: The Beloved Dog Trainer

Mark Stover was not just any dog trainer; he had a unique ability to communicate with dogs, earning him the admiration of many, including high-profile clients. His reputation as someone who could "speak dog" made him a respected figure in Anacortes.

"Mark was known as the dog whisperer of Anacortes and the dog trainer to the stars. He could speak dog. They knew that he knew them."
— Speaker B [00:48]

His unexplained disappearance amidst the violent scene painted a perplexing picture, leaving detectives and the public searching for answers.

A Case of Twists, Turns, and Mysteries

Detectives assigned to the case were immediately confronted with a labyrinth of evidence and leads that seemed to defy straightforward explanation. The complexity of the investigation was unprecedented for many involved.

"I've never seen in my career a case that has as many twists and turns and mysteries as this case with Mark Stover."
— Speaker A [00:58]

As the investigation progressed, it became evident that the case was entangled in deeper layers of personal relationships and psychological factors.

The Obsession and Love Triangle

Central to the mystery was a volatile love triangle involving Mark Stover, an heiress named Linda Ompdyke, and her new lover. Mark's inability to control his obsession with Linda became a focal point of the investigation.

"A love triangle between Mark Stover. He couldn't control his obsession. You know, he chronicled his obsession."
— Speaker A [01:34]

Linda Ompdyke, seeking a new life, appeared to hold more secrets than initially revealed, further complicating the narrative.

"I think Linda Ompdyke knows more. More than what she's telling. And her new lover."
— Speaker A [01:43]

These dynamics raised critical questions about motives and the true nature of relationships involved, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator.

Intense Confrontations and Emotional Turmoil

Interviews with key figures revealed the intense emotions and confrontations that surrounded the case. Mark's aggressive behavior and Linda's passionate defense of her new relationship highlighted the personal turmoil at play.

"His eyes went just crazy. He clenched his hands and fists and he was just in a shaking rage."
— Speaker B [01:25]

"It's a beautiful love. In my opinion. It's legendary."
— Speaker B [01:56]

These interactions illustrated the deep-seated emotions and possible triggers that may have led to the tragic events.

Detectives' Dilemma: Hunter vs. Hunted

Throughout the investigation, detectives grappled with identifying who was the predator and who was the prey. The blurred lines between the individuals involved made it challenging to ascertain the true narrative.

"Throughout this case, detectives wonder who was the hunter and who was the hunted."
— Speaker A [02:00]

The uncertainty surrounding motives and actions kept the case open-ended, leaving both law enforcement and the community in suspense.

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Mysteries

As the episode concludes, the truth remains elusive. Detectives acknowledge that while some pieces of the puzzle have been uncovered, significant aspects of the case still lack clarity.

"We don't have the truth yet. We have some of the truth, but we don't have all of it."
— Speaker B [02:07]

This admission underscores the complexities of the case and sets the stage for further exploration in subsequent episodes or supplementary series like "Post Mortem."

Conclusion: A Haunting Tale of Obsession and Mystery

"Trained to Kill" delves deep into a case that intertwines love, obsession, and brutality. Through meticulous reporting and gripping interviews, "48 Hours" sheds light on the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Mark Stover's disappearance and the subsequent investigation. The episode invites listeners to ponder the intricate web of human emotions and motives that often lie beneath the surface of seemingly straightforward crimes.

For those intrigued by the unresolved aspects of this case, the series promises to explore these depths further in future installments, offering a comprehensive look into one of Anacortes' most baffling crimes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "The blood on the walls, the blood on the carpet. It told a story of what took place."
  — Peter van Sant [00:33]

• "Mark was known as the dog whisperer of Anacortes and the dog trainer to the stars. He could speak dog. They knew that he knew them."
  — Speaker B [00:48]

• "I've never seen in my career a case that has as many twists and turns and mysteries as this case with Mark Stover."
  — Speaker A [00:58]

• "A love triangle between Mark Stover. He couldn't control his obsession. You know, he chronicled his obsession."
  — Speaker A [01:34]

• "I think Linda Ompdyke knows more. More than what she's telling. And her new lover."
  — Speaker A [01:43]

• "His eyes went just crazy. He clenched his hands and fists and he was just in a shaking rage."
  — Speaker B [01:25]

• "It's a beautiful love. In my opinion. It's legendary."
  — Speaker B [01:56]

• "Throughout this case, detectives wonder who was the hunter and who was the hunted."
  — Speaker A [02:00]

• "We don't have the truth yet. We have some of the truth, but we don't have all of it."
  — Speaker B [02:07]

Additional Information

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the complexities of this case, "Trained to Kill" is part of the broader "48 Hours" series, which explores intricate crime and justice narratives. Subscribers can gain ad-free access and exclusive content by joining 48 Hours+ on Apple Podcasts.