Podcast
Crime Off The Grid
Hosted by Crime Off The Grid · EN
Crime Off the Grid is a podcast with true crime stories from our National Parks, National Forests, and other wild places.
The hosts, Tara and Nancy, bring over 30 years of experience each working as law enforcement rangers in National Parks and National Forests (in Nancy's case). Our guests are rangers, investigators, prosecutors, victim specialists, and other first responders who have dedicated their careers to justice and safety in places off the grid.
Join the hosts as they discuss cases, listen to Ranger Tales; real rangers telling real stories that you just can't make up, and...report news and commentary from wild places from the Crime Off the Grid Newsroom!
The hosts, Tara and Nancy, bring over 30 years of experience each working as law enforcement rangers in National Parks and National Forests (in Nancy's case). Our guests are rangers, investigators, prosecutors, victim specialists, and other first responders who have dedicated their careers to justice and safety in places off the grid.
Join the hosts as they discuss cases, listen to Ranger Tales; real rangers telling real stories that you just can't make up, and...report news and commentary from wild places from the Crime Off the Grid Newsroom!
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ranger Vault: Yellowstone National Park - The Fugitives Final Crossing
1w ago01:00:07Tap to summarizeRanger Keith is the sole ranger on shift in all of Yellowstone National Park in the wee hours of the morning when he encounters very dangerous fugitives who were on a crosscountry crime spree. His quick thinking, and expertise saved his life, and the lives of other would be victims. If you heard this a long time ago, it's definitely worth another listen. We had already forgotten how crazy this story is and happy to listen again!!Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Hunted in the Alaskan Wilderness: The Butcher Baker
2w ago00:44:46Tap to summarizeRobert Hansen, better known as the "Butcher Baker," is one of the most notorious serial killers in Alaska and one of the most disturbing predators in American true crime history. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Hansen abducted women from Anchorage, flew them into the remote wilderness along the Knik River, and hunted them through the Alaskan backcountry before murdering them. His killing spree finally came to an end after the courageous escape of 17-year-old Cindy Paulson, whose determination helped unravel a case that had baffled investigators for years.In this episode of Crime Off the Grid, retired National Park Rangers Tara and Nancy examine the crimes of Robert Hansen, the FBI profile that pointed investigators toward an unlikely suspect, and the role Alaska's vast wilderness played in both concealing and ultimately exposing his horrific crimes. Join us as we explore one of the most chilling Alaska true crime cases ever investigated and the dark history hidden in one of America's most breathtaking landscapes.Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of murder, sexual violence, and other disturbing crimes.Sources:https://lelandhale.com/butcherbaker/wordpress/2017/11/07/sherry-morrow-found-autopsy/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1536504218776961 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/22/alaska-serial-killer-dies/14426941/ https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/true-crime-in-the-outdoors/category/Robert+Hansen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hansen#Murders_and_capture https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hansen-robert.htmSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Shasta-Trinity National Forest; Gumboot Lake Hostage Crisis
3w ago00:34:31Tap to summarizeIn the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, two USFS biologists were just doing their job conducting research at Gumboot Lake, when a man carrying an AR-15 appears and takes them hostage. The largest multi-agency response in that area occurred to bring the USFS workers to safety.Sources:UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the Eastern District of California, case no. 2:26-mj-0106 SCR https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/fbi-forest-service-hostage-22354161.php?utm_campaign=trueanthem%2B3984&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram&fbclid=PAVERFWATM_GtwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp27BQ1k6iFum2yMyODm0qZwdtb2-anc_o2rTUsH65moeSC32xqCrIqXOlX8l_aem_tI170IFwYEGvbWk2tYCQ8Ahttps://kymkemp.com/2026/07/18/gumboot-lake-kidnapping-suspect-has-documented-mental-health-concerns-prior-hate-crime-case-in-washington-state/?fbclid=IwdGRleATMyPZwZG9mBWZkaWQWUK_3w7mqFI7MZkqomhxdrnEIsrrlMGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7BqvqUveW6PDRxCqlFDwgCGnlxs71g_VXbEoOXOVZ0VEEEsI71BCyQ9gUhVw_aem_QWMgNjrQMUZrCfXbtuE8GQSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →COTG Newsroom July 2026
4w ago00:57:37Tap to summarizeIn the news for July 2026, an attempted kidnapping of a trail runner in a NC National Forest; a man charged with harassing and injuring an endangered species in Hawaii; removal of an illegal camper who literally trashed the forest; the possible foul play of a deceased young man off the coast of Mississippi on Gulf Islands National Seashore; a human consumed by a bear in Colorado; and another bison attack in South Dakota.Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Israel Keyes: The Olympic Peninsula Mystery
Jul 1300:50:14Tap to summarizeProlific serial killer, Israel Keyes, is often remembered for the murder that led to his capture in Alaska. But years before his arrest, he lived on Washington's remote Olympic Peninsula, worked in Neah Bay, and, according to the FBI, may have murdered several unidentified victims whose names remain unknown. In this episode of Crime Off the Grid, we explored the lesser-known chapter of the Israel Keyes story. We follow his years on the Olympic Peninsula, including the suspected victim hidden beneath Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, and separated verified facts from internet myths. We also look at Keyes' meticulous planning, his infamous "kill kits," and the haunting blood-drawn skulls discovered after his death.Could some of Israel Keyes' victims still be hidden in America's public lands? More than a decade later, that mystery remains unsolved.Sources:Alaska Serial Killer Attended Racist Church, Knew Terrorists Israel Keyes: Biography, Serial Killer, Murderer, CriminalIsrael Keyes - Wikipedia https://murderpedia.org/male.K/k/keyes-israel.htmIsrael Keyes: Writings — FBIWhat do skulls drawn in Israel Keyes' blood mean? - CBS NewsSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Zion's Angels Landing: The Murder of Bernadette Vander Meer
Jul 600:40:19Tap to summarizeAn anniversary hike. A 1,200-foot fall. A case ruled an accident for nearly two decades. When new evidence surfaced, investigators reopened the death of Bernadette Vander Meer and charged her husband with murder. We break down the affidavit, reveal investigative details not reported in most news stories, and explain how detectives transformed an apparent accident into a homicide investigation. Plus, we share unique perspective on investigating suspicious deaths in America's national parks.Sources:FIFTH DISTRICT COURT WASHINGTON COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE IN SUPPORT OF ARREST WARRANTCriminal No. 261501209Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →From the Ranger Vault: Crater Lake National Park - KABOOM!
Jun 2900:27:47Tap to summarizeHear what happens when a ranger in an old ill-equipped patrol car is in pursuit of an international master of disguise. You can't make this stuff up! Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Coconino Nat'l Forest; No Such Thing as a Routine Contact
Jun 2200:29:36Tap to summarizeIn 2014, a routine contact in Arizona’s Blue Ridge area of the Coconino National Forest turned into a fight for survival. When a U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer investigated a vehicle parked off a forest road, he had no idea the encounter would escalate into a violent struggle.Sources:Flag Film Productions, LLCIn Person AccountReenactment of Officer Involved ShootingSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →Yosemite; If I Had a Gun, I'd Shoot You Right Now
Jun 1500:32:53Tap to summarizeIn the summer of 2024, Yosemite dispatchers became increasingly concerned about a man making repeated harassing calls to the park's 911 center. What started as an investigation into nuisance phone calls and an illegal campsite hidden near a trailhead would quickly escalate into threats, violence, and an assault on a National Park Service ranger.Source:United States District Court; Eastern District of California; Case no. 1:24-mj-00085-EPGSupport the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
Transcribe →From the COTG Newsroom June 2026
Jun 800:49:00Tap to summarizeNews stories for this week include a “fall” off the cliff incident from Tettegouche State Park on Lake Superior, In Oregon, 2 women were kidnapped from their tent off of a popular hiking trail, human remains of a missing National Laboratory employee found in a New Mexico forest; A drone harassing a grizzly sow and cubs in Yellowstone, multiple arrests made in a national forest in Georgia, and a 2:00am assault and gunshot injuring a toddler in a campsite in the Olympic National Forest.Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) Facebook
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