Cold Blooded Country

Summary

Fear Thy Neighbor – "Cold Blooded Country"

Release Date: September 1, 2025
Host: ID
Episode Description:
In this harrowing episode set in rural Vermont, Fear Thy Neighbor recounts the deadly conflict between two neighbors—Kirby Stibe and Kevin Parker—whose escalating disputes spiral from petty squabbles to a fatal conclusion. Through first-person accounts, 911 calls, and investigator commentary, the episode explores the anatomy of a neighborly feud gone terribly wrong, leading listeners from idyllic beginnings to tragedy.

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Main Theme & Purpose

The episode examines how simple, everyday neighbor disputes can evolve into life-altering—or ending—nightmares. With access to candid interviews and law enforcement reflections, it dives deeply into the psychological escalation, power dynamics, and lack of intervention that allowed a parking disagreement to snowball into harassment, violence, and ultimately murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting & Characters

• Location: Wardsboro, Vermont; a postcard-worthy, close-knit rural community with no local police department ([02:48]-[03:04]).
• Kirby Stibe: Hard-working, gentle road crew worker, lifelong resident; owned property with his family ([03:41]-[04:11], [04:27]).
• Kevin Parker: New neighbor, bachelor, carpenter, dog lover; initially bonds with Kirby over hunting ([05:17]-[06:16]).
• Laurie Gallagher: Kirby's partner, provided key narration and emotional insight ([03:30], throughout).

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The Feud Begins: Parking & Property Disputes

• Initial Friendship: Kirby welcomes Kevin, friendship blossoms; they hunt together and appear compatible ([06:09]-[06:38]).

• Noise Complaint: Dispute begins when a malfunctioning alarm in Kirby's work truck repeatedly wakes Kevin ([07:19]-[08:08]).

  "You woke me up, man. You have any idea what time it is?" – Kevin ([07:28]).

• Parking Rights: Kevin demands Kirby stop parking work trucks on his land, constructing a rock wall and leaving a harsh voicemail.

  "Kirby, it’s Kevin. Listen up, jerk. I want your truck off my property today. You got it?" – Kevin ([09:35]).

• Kirby’s Perspective: Feels blindsided by the new restrictions after years of informal parking; Kevin asserts property rights ([09:05]-[09:25]).

• Escalation: Wall construction, accusations of trespassing, and building of a new driveway fuel bitterness ([10:02]).

---

Retaliation & Harassment

• Hostility Escalates:

  • Screws and nails appear in Kirby’s driveway; Kirby suspects Kevin, calls police ([15:44]-[16:23]).
  • Kevin counters by complaining to police about horse manure caused by Kirby’s horse, Pete ([16:37]-[17:05]).
  • Animal carcasses are found on the Stibe property—a clear, chilling threat ([17:43]-[18:04]).

    "We found animal carcasses on our property... It was a serious warning." – Laurie ([17:43]-[18:04])

• Law Enforcement Response:
  Police remain powerless without direct evidence; both sides feel abandoned and helpless ([18:24]-[18:45]).

  "It's what we can prove. It's not what we know." – Vermont State Trooper James Matthews ([16:32])

• Public Harassment:
  Kevin makes his animosity public by putting up a sign:

  "There was a sign that Mr. Parker had put on his property that said, 'white trash go away.'" – Trooper James Matthews ([26:23])

---

Violence & Intimidation

• Gunshots Fired:
  The Stibes return from a trip to find their house pockmarked by over 80 bullet holes.

  "If any of the Stibes were home at that point, Don would have gotten shot because there was a bullet hole through the window into the back of Don's chair." – Laurie ([20:02])

• Police Inaction:
  Despite suspicions, no charges; police repeatedly cite lack of evidence ([20:45]-[21:40]).

• Final Confrontations:

  • Physical threats and invitations to fight are exchanged; Laurie pushes Kirby to defend himself, but he is reluctant ([14:38]-[14:59]).

  • Kevin allegedly shoots in Kirby’s direction, then explicitly threatens:

    "If he comes on my property again, I will [shoot him]." – Kevin ([24:36])

  • Police urge the Stibes to install security; Kirby begins carrying a concealed pistol out of fear ([25:08]-[25:24]).

---

Tragic Climax

• Day of the Shooting [29:14 - 32:17]:

  • October 18, 2016: Pete the horse gets loose; Kirby, armed, cleans up the manure from a neighbor’s lawn.

  • Gunshots ring out; Kirby is found shot dead by Laurie, after suffering three bullet wounds ([31:08]-[32:17]).

    "Kirby was laying disheveled looking. He wasn't laying right. Get up, Kirby... And Kirby was laying disheveled looking. He wasn't laying right." – Laurie ([31:08]-[31:36])

  • Kevin’s 911 call:

    "He was shooting at me, so I shot him. I can't believe I've thrown my life away." – Kevin ([31:55])

  • Investigation finds no evidence that Kirby fired his weapon ([34:42]).

---

Aftermath & Justice

• Kevin Arrested and Released:
  Kevin is not held overnight; only later faces trial ([33:56], [34:15]).

• Delayed Justice:
  Trial delayed until 2023; by then, both Kirby’s parents have died ([34:15]-[34:33]).

  "Joan had passed of cancer. She never got to see the trial." – Trooper James Matthews ([34:33])

• Verdict:
  Kevin acquitted; family and friends left devastated ([35:00]).

  "Kevin killed somebody and got away with it." – Laurie ([35:32])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Some of the most shocking and deadly conflicts we encounter are between everyday neighbors in ordinary neighborhoods." – Host ([00:52])
• "We found animal carcasses on our property... It was a serious warning." – Laurie ([17:43]-[18:04])
• "There was a sign that Mr. Parker had put on his property that said, 'white trash go away.'" – Trooper Matthews ([26:23])
• "If he comes on my property again, I will [shoot him]." – Kevin ([24:36])
• "Kirby was the most loving person. You know, I still struggle and I get really upset... I lost everything. I lost my future." – Laurie ([36:00]-[36:38])

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment Description | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Introduction to the idyllic setting | 02:48–03:41 | | Kevin moves in, befriends Kirby | 05:09–06:16 | | Parking dispute begins | 07:19–08:08 | | Wall and voicemail escalate tensions | 09:35–10:19 | | Animal carcasses found, threats increase | 17:43–18:04 | | 80 bullet holes found in Stibe family home | 20:02–20:21 | | Kevin fires at (or near) Kirby | 23:32–24:52 | | Day of the shooting | 29:14–32:23 | | Family tragedy and delayed trial | 34:02–34:33 | | Acquittal and aftermath for survivors | 35:00–36:38 |

---

Tone & Narration

The episode’s tone is suspenseful and emotional, driven by the palpable fear and frustration of the Stibe family, the exasperation of investigators, and the unmitigated escalation that feels, in hindsight, both avoidable and inevitable. The narration maintains empathy for the victims while underscoring the impotence of law enforcement and the unpredictable violence lurking behind rural neighborly facades.

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Final Reflections

"Cold Blooded Country" is a chilling case study of how failed communication, legal ambiguity, and compounding grievances can shatter lives. With first-hand narrative and law enforcement commentary, the episode drives home how easily small conflicts can become lethal—and how justice can remain elusive.

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For more gripping tales like this, revisit previous episodes of Fear Thy Neighbor, or explore the true-crime anthology Deadliest Decade.

Transcript

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[B]

Most violent crimes that capture the public's imagination are about serial killers, mass shooters crimes, crimes of passion, or clashes among underworld figures. Yet some of the most shocking and deadly conflicts we encounter are between everyday neighbors in ordinary neighborhoods. Their seemingly minor quibbles escalate until violence erupts and it impacts an entire community. What makes a good neighbor go bad? We may never truly know, but heed this warning about the terrible things that can happen when even the pettiest disagreements pass the point of no return and good neighbors become worst enemies. How can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door? We're in a postcard worthy rural setting with rolling hills, lush countryside and a welcoming community. It's where a happy family has called this slice of scenic heaven home for many years. When the long for sale house beside them is finally purchased, they shower their new bachelor neighbor with all the warmth and hospitality the region is famous for. Friendship blossoms and good times abound until minor vehicle and parking issues cause a surprising rift that takes on a life of its own and deepens over time. The conflict finally ends as many feared it would, with bullets, animal carcasses, bodies and devastated families left to pick up the shattered pieces. This is fear thy neighbor, cold blood country. Nestled in Vermont, Wardsboro is a small town priding itself as home to friendly, hardworking folks.

[A]

A lot of hills, a lot of countryside, not many people.

[B]

That was Vermont State Trooper James Matthews. Here's Kevin Munson and Tim Bills to talk about the town's beauty. Both Kevin and Tim are friends and neighbors with Kirby Stibe, the central figure of today's story.

[A]

It's a pretty town, you know, set back in the mountains. There is a general store in town, but no police department. There is a volunteer fire department just outside of Wardsboro.

[B]

Atop a hill surrounded by breathtaking vistas is Gilfeather Road.

[A]

It's a dead end street, goes up a hill, not many homes on it, and the further up the hill you Go. The nicer the view gets.

[B]

Lori Gallagher, Kirby Stibes girlfriend Couldn't agree more.

[C]

It was just perfect. It just feels right to be with the nature that's all around you. It's gorgeous.

[B]

This charming, remote neighborhood is where Kirby and his parents, Don and Joan have put down their roots.

[C]

Kirby's family owned about 12 to 14 acres on that road. It was part of an old apple orchard.

[B]

Joan works at a gas station. And Donald is retired after running his own business.

[C]

Joan was born and raised in Wardsboro. She was very much an earthy woman, very much into her family.

[A]

Don was a contractor doing excavating work.

[B]

Kirby is part of a road crew for the Vermont Agency of Transportation. He keeps his work vehicles at home.

[C]

Directly across the street was a parking lot that we would all park our vehicles because our driveway was kind of small at that time.

[A]

I would describe Kirby as a pretty big guy. He was a hard worker and he always had a smile on his face.

[B]

One of the things that keeps Kirby smiling is Pete, the beloved Stib family horse.

[C]

Now, Kirby, don't be overfeeding him.

[A]

Pete's growing. He needs it because you're feeding. He's looking good.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So Kirby's horse Pete was a pretty good sized horse.

[B]

See you later, son.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Take it easy.

[A]

That is always pretty calm.

[B]

The house next to the Stibes has been on the market for a long time, but recently that's changed.

[C]

Hey, look. Looks like somebody finally bought that place. You should go introduce yourself.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

A moment later, Kirby is exchanging pleasantries with his new neighbor, a man roughly his own age.

[A]

Howdy, neighbor. Wanna come say hi? Kirby Stuib. I live just over here. Nice to meet you. Kevin Parker.

[C]

So Kevin had about a good 10 acres on his side of the property.

[B]

As the men get to know each other, Kirby learns that Kevin is a construction worker who flies solo.

[C]

Kevin was single as far as I. He was a carpenter with a local carpenter company in the area. He had two dogs. He cared for his dogs very deeply.

[B]

As Kevin unpacks, Kirby spots a hunting rifle among Kevin's belongings. It's a welcome sight as the two neighbors discover their kindred spirits.

[A]

What are you packing? 14 Ruger. One of my favorites to go hunting with. I'm a bit of a hunter and fisherman myself. Are you now?

[C]

Kirby loved being in the woods hunting.

[A]

Tell you what, when you're done here, why don't you come over? We'll make you the best home cooked meal you ever had. That sounds nice. Six o' clock sharp.

[B]

See you at six Just like that, the pair become buddies. Here's neighbor Tim Bills again.

[A]

When Kevin first moved to the area, Kevin and Kirby were good friends and used to hunt together and fish together and do fun things together. Can't believe I missed that deer. I think you did on purpose.

[C]

Kirby liked the act of hunting, but to shoot something to kill it, I think he was very hesitant about it. He did it for the meat.

[A]

Your folks told me the first time you shot a deer, you cried like a baby. Yeah, well, the first time I shot a bear, I did it with a handgun. Could you do that? But you probably cried after that too. Shut up. Give you something to cry about. Come on. How's that horse of yours anyway? Beating good.

[B]

At first, it seems like the two neighbors are a perfect match. But all that changes after a seemingly minor setback. It all starts when, after a hard day's work, Kevin is jolted from his sleep. Kevin goes out to find the source of the noise and discovers it's coming from one of Kirby's work trucks.

[C]

Kirby had gotten this new truck and he brought it home. And when he went to back up, that damn beeping stuck and it would not go off.

[A]

Kirby always parked across the road from where he lived, and Kevin owned the property. Hey, Kirby. You woke me up, man. You have any idea what time it is?

[C]

Kevin came out and was screaming at Kirby to shut the effing truck down. And how effing there he. He's sleeping. He's got things he's got to do.

[A]

Sorry about that. Came from the factory that way. I don't know if there's anything I could do about it.

[C]

Kirby tried everything we troubleshot. We looked online. There was nothing we could do to shut this damn thing off. It was really annoying.

[A]

Take it to a mechanic or something.

[C]

He added unnecessary stupidity to this situation that we were trying to fix to begin with.

[B]

But unfortunately, and despite Kirby's attempts to stop it, the issue continues over several days. State trooper James Matthews explains.

[A]

There was a beeping that was going on that irritated Mr. Parker would be at various times that wouldn't be a working man schedule. So it might be late at night. I could see that being frustrating.

[B]

The matter finally gets resolved.

[C]

So the one thing we decided was to rip the battery out, shut that damn thing down. It got fixed. It was no big deal.

[B]

But Kevin isn't satisfied.

[A]

Why you got to park your trucks here anyway? Isn't there somewhere else you could put them? Always parked my trucks here. It's never been a problem before. I don't want to be out here with you again. Mr. Parker told Mr. Stibe that he didn't want those vehicles parked there anymore, indicating that it was his property. You've been parking on my land this whole time, and I want you off.

[C]

He told the Stibes to get the hell off his property. That he never agreed to that.

[A]

What? You heard me just fine. I want the trucks gone. This is trespassing. Now. Hold on. You can't just kick me out. At least give me some time to find a place to park. You're out of time. Get the trucks out of here now. Mr. Parker would conduct himself in a manner that he may not recognize as threatening. But other people are feeling threatened.

[B]

When Kirby doesn't move his vehicles fast enough, Kevin sends him a reminder. According to Kirby's girlfriend, Lori, the message was perhaps less than friendly.

[C]

Kevin had left a message on Kirby's voicemail. It was unwarranted and unnecessary.

[A]

Kirby, it's Kevin. Listen up, jerk. I want your truck off my property today. You got it? You could tell Kevin was mad and things had gotten worse for him to say something like that.

[B]

Kevin soon lays down a wall of boulders to make sure Kirby will never trespass on his land again.

[A]

Mr. Parker took it on himself to make it impossible for him to park there, just to be an irritant towards Mr. Stibe. I guess Kevin actually built the Stonewall to stop the Stibes from parking there anymore. I think the mall that Kevin built was reasonable.

[B]

But meanwhile, on the other side of the rock fence, Kirby doesn't think there's anything reasonable about it.

[A]

I see. This is how you treat a friend, huh? This is my property, and I'm doing what I want with it.

[C]

This isn't Mike. Kevin. I know this is. Kevin, in my mind, was a cool dude. He was quiet. We all waved to each other, but it's like it stopped.

[A]

I got nowhere else to park the trucks. Huh?

[B]

Another friend of Kirby's, David Jarvis, speaks to Kirby's perspective on the parking dispute.

[C]

He's been parking there long before this.

[A]

Guy ever shows up.

[C]

Kevin bought this property and now wants to make all these changes.

[A]

I asked you nicely not to park on my property, and you kept doing so. So I put some rocks down. I got nowhere else to park them.

[C]

Kirby was upset.

[B]

The neighborhood feud is set aside, at least on Kirby's part, when his girlfriend, Lori Gallagher, moves in with him.

[C]

Kirby was like this sweet sweetie, and I was like this crazy nut from New York. You know, we just meshed where he was soft, I was rough. And we balanced each other out. It was awkward for me to have to, you know, having dinner with Kirby and his parents. Going shopping with Kirby and his parents.

[A]

Let's go get some food here. Okay.

[C]

But it ended up just being fun that if they didn't come, it was weird not to have them.

[B]

All may be well on the romance and family front, but outside the home, Kirby needs a new parking spot for his work vehicles. With his old spot ruled out, he gets creative.

[C]

As Kirby was trying to build the new driveway, he obviously needed to bring materials in to make the driveway wider. He had dumped a dump truck of dirt.

[B]

But when Kevin gets home, he isn't pleased with Kirby's solution. And the ongoing parking war is about to enter a new battle. This summer, Instacart is bringing back your favorites from 1999 with prices from 1999. That means 90s prices on juice pouches that ought to be respected, 90s prices on box Mac and cheese, and 90s.

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[B]

The way Kevin sees it, the dirt mound that Kirby dumped and the new trailer he brought in block his way to his own parking spot.

[A]

What the hell? It weren't the best spot to put the dirt. You having a little vehicle trouble? Did you put this trailer here? Hell, yeah, I did. I gotta use the dirt to make the new parking spot for my trucks. We'll get rid of it. I gotta get home. This is my property and I'm doing what I want with it. You're only doing this to get back at me for kicking you off my land. News flash, Kevin. Not everything's about you, man. Kirby, move the dirt. Get your truck out of here.

[C]

If you got an angry neighbor at.

[B]

You, this shouldn't be happening.

[A]

Not on a dirt road back that piece of junk off my property. Dave, I'm not moving. Moving back. Move the trailer.

[C]

I was washing dishes, and all of a sudden I heard Kevin and Kirby screaming. So I was like, oh, here we go.

[A]

Come on up.

[C]

Basically I was like, the two of you, stop. I'm done.

[A]

Kevin, go home.

[C]

And he just drove away. He was never disrespectful to me.

[B]

As the pressure mounts, Lori has an idea of how Kirby should handle Kevin.

[A]

Next time he comes at you like that, I just want you to throat punching. Enough of this crap. This just keeps happening.

[C]

I was trying to push Kirby to fist fight this guy because I figured if once Kirby could just beat him up, maybe he would just leave us alone.

[B]

But as Laurie herself admits, Kirby is more docile and gentle. He's not the type to solve a problem with physical violence.

[A]

No, I can't do that. Kirby was a gentle giant, not looking for trouble. Just give it to him. Kirby wasn't the type to want to start a fight or do anything harmful to Kevin.

[B]

Yet Kirby remains disturbed by the changes he's seeing in his once good friend.

[A]

Kirby was very frustrated with Kevin and the things he kept doing.

[B]

Kevin is determined to stand his ground in the dispute. And as state trooper James Matthews explains, both neighbors succeed in getting under each other's skin.

[A]

My understanding was there was a fair amount of actions on both parties that were not necessarily the most pleasant or the most neighborly, and it would just be one person would irritate the other.

[B]

One morning, as Kirby heads off to work, he finds a nasty surprise waiting for him.

[C]

There were all these screws and nails and little pieces of sharp metal in our bottom driveway. I told Kirby, make sure you send.

[A]

This information, these pictures to the state.

[C]

Police if you file a complaint, because.

[A]

This needs to be seen.

[B]

Kirby takes friend David Jarvis advice.

[A]

Yeah, I want to report someone put nails and screws all over my driveway. Yeah, I know who did it.

[B]

According to Kirby's friend Kevin Munson, Kirby is relatively certain that his neighbor is the culprit.

[A]

Being that Kevin was in construction, Kirby felt the nails belonged to Kevin.

[C]

I think it was definitely delivered.

[B]

A police report is made, but without evidence tying Kevin to the crime, the there's not much authorities can do.

[A]

We're impartial fact finders. It's what we can prove. It's not what we know.

[B]

Soon it's Kevin's turn to complain to the authorities. When he finds a calling card from Pete the horse, he could get out.

[C]

Of his pasture all the time.

[A]

Kevin was mad. There was manure on the side of the road or on Kevin's property, but Pete meant no harm. Damn it, Kirby. Come clean up after your horse. Let's see how funny you think this is when you get a visit from the cops.

[B]

Law enforcement doesn't act on the grievance, so Kevin gives Kirby a piece of his mind as he cleans up.

[A]

Was it worth it? Kirby letting your horse out just to tick me off? He probably felt Kirby was letting him out for a reason, which I don't think the Stibes were. It's just Pete's nature. But I think it was something Kevin could add to the list and be against the Stibes one more way.

[B]

Pete's mess may be unsightly, but what Kirby and Laurie soon discover is horrific.

[C]

We found animal carcasses on our property. You know, couldn't tell you how they got there, but they were there nevertheless.

[A]

Call the cops. Kirby's finding dead animals on his property, and it probably makes him wonder, is that going to be my head on the chopping box next? That's a little sick.

[B]

Kirby takes the rotting creatures as a serious warning.

[C]

I think this guy's going to threaten me or kill me.

[A]

We were getting so many calls from both sides, we wanted to be able to get together and have one trooper have the case work.

[B]

The state's attorney assigns Vermont State Trooper James Matthews to the feud, hoping he can settle things down. It's not to be.

[A]

I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do. What do you mean? What do you mean there's nothing you can do?

[B]

This guy's terrorizing us.

[A]

Just don't have any proof tying Kevin to this.

[B]

How is that even possible? This is ridiculous.

[C]

Who else would be doing it?

[A]

It's difficult when people have unrealistic expectations of what the police can or can't do. Look, I know these things can be tough, okay? But I'll be personally keeping an eye on the situation.

[C]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Thanks. We need to be able to document what was happening. The more we have documented, the more of a reasonable case that we can bring.

[B]

According to Laurie, soon after the animal carcass incident, she encounters Kevin while shopping in town.

[C]

I had Kirby's truck, and I was at the local store and Kevin had pulled up next to me. He was, like, making that noise, what are you doing? I looked over and I leaned down and said, what are you going to do? And he was going to spit. He had to swallow that funk. He was so angry, he slammed the door and ran inside. I stayed. I wasn't going to. Gonna go in the store with him. When I went inside, the girl's like, holy shit. He hate the Stibes. He hates you and the Stibes. He hates you guys. I was like, what the hell?

[B]

Kirby Stibe and his family feel they are constantly being harassed, reports neighbor Tim Bills.

[A]

Kirby. I think he did feel helpless. Like, where do I turn? What do I do?

[B]

And Kevin isn't letting go of his grudge.

[C]

After Kevin built himself up to this frenzy, he just wanted to screw with the Stibes.

[A]

It was escalating. It was getting worse and worse and worse.

[B]

The family decides to go on a camping trip to escape the toxic atmosphere. But as Lori Gallagher claims, it's not a pleasant homecoming.

[C]

Oh, my God. There was over 80 bullet holes in the roof, in the siding, and in the windows. And if any of the Stibes were home at that point, Don would have gotten shot because there was a bullet hole through the window into the back of Don's chair.

[B]

And while they can't prove it, the Stibes have a hunch about who's to blame.

[A]

What kind of person would do something like this? Kevin, he has to be behind this. A lunatic. What a mess.

[C]

This has to stop.

[A]

I was concerned for Kirby and his parents after hearing about the gunshots. This is scary. That's a pretty high escalation.

[B]

Once again, law enforcement is summoned to Gilfeather Road and questions Kevin Parker. So what do you know about their roof getting shot up?

[A]

Nothing at all. I messed with Kirby a little bit, but I can't tell you anything about shitting up the roof. We have to have some element of proof. If you had a dark figure with a rifle shooting at your house at night, well, there's a little bit better than just seeing bullet holes, you know, and saying, well, they came from Mr. Parker. I can almost remember them saying, you know, you guys gotta grow up. We can't be up here every five minutes. You gotta tell that to them. I'm over here minding my own business. They do all kinds of things to irritate the neighbors. Cause they know, especially when now the police get called, they accomplished exactly what they set out to do. Irritate you. And so it's like a child. We got no proof. So Kevin wins again. That's what you're saying. I'm sorry.

[C]

Kirby always asked for help, and I don't know why nobody helped. Fucking police couldn't do anything even if they wanted To Kirby is so fed.

[B]

Up and angry, he decides to confront the man he believes is responsible.

[C]

I guess Kirby was just sick of the little needling. I think he's just like, you know, Lori, maybe it will help. I don't know. So he went and said, why don't you come out on the road and we'll be done with this.

[B]

Give him a good pounding.

[A]

I'm right here.

[C]

Because at that point, we were done.

[A]

I'm sick of you doing crap behind my back. Let's settle this once and for all.

[B]

But Kevin doesn't take the bait.

[C]

We could have guaranteed the fact that if Kirby had made a move, Kirby would have went to jail.

[A]

Let's finish this right now. Stop it.

[C]

You stay away from Kevin.

[A]

You hear me?

[C]

Now come in the house, both of you, and help me with dinner. Joan was like the rock of the family. To keep everybody in line, she took no crap.

[B]

Kevin may not want direct confrontation, but the conflict rolls on. Laurie contacts authorities about Kevin's tactics.

[A]

I recall several times Mrs. Gallagher making complaints about erratic behavior. That would be concerning alarming for someone to do, you know, maybe standing in his yard staring at her.

[B]

Lori refuses to be a victim.

[A]

What are you looking at, Kevin? Knock it off or I'm going to come over there and I'm going to kick you in the crotch.

[C]

He would always just walk away.

[B]

Soon, another source of aggravation is just around the corner in the form of gunfire.

[C]

That guy. I'm calling the cops.

[A]

Don't call the cops. Don't call the cops. No, I'm calling the cops.

[C]

He was shooting guns to upset my animals, to rile us up. This was daily.

[A]

Don't do it, Kevin. You might ease it up on the target practice. You're scaring my mother.

[B]

According to Laurie, the confrontation takes a violent turn when Kevin starts shooting at Kirby, or at least in his direction.

[C]

Joan doesn't know what to do. Don's upstairs looking out the window because Kevin kept shooting down at Kirby. So I was at work, and Joan called me, frantic. Oh, God. Saying, kevin's shooting at Kirby. You have to come home. So of course, I raced home.

[B]

By the time Laurie arrives, law enforcement, including a SWAT team, are already on the scene. Recalls Trooper James Matthews.

[A]

There's a dispute between Mr. Parker and Mr. Stibe. Firearm was involved. And so all hands on deck responded.

[C]

I drive past the barricade and speed up the hill, and there's a cop flying up behind me because I probably shouldn't have went through the barricade. When I get there, I see Kirby. Kirby's pure white and he's crying and he's rocking and he's panicking and he's repeating himself.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Maybe it's okay.

[A]

Oh my God.

[C]

Oh, my God. I don't know how Kevin missed him because Kevin is a marksman.

[A]

You're a loser.

[C]

I was gonna just assume he didn't really want to shoot Kirby, just wanted to scare Kirby.

[A]

At that time, I wasn't shooting at Kirby, but if he comes on my property again, I will. During that call, Mr. Parker had threatened Mr. Stib, saying something along the lines of, you know, if you step on my property again, I'm going to shoot you. The situation was escalating and getting more dangerous.

[B]

With no evidence that Kevin was targeting Kirby, police refused to arrest him. Lori is furious.

[A]

This is outrageous. How can he get away with almost killing Kirby?

[B]

It would help if he got it on camera. Okay, you should think about installing a security system.

[C]

We got a high end security system. We got the exact same one that the banks use.

[B]

While the surveillance cameras offer some reassurance, Kirby thinks it will take more than the cameras to protect himself. Kirby's friends David Jarvis and Kevin Munson explain.

[A]

He bought that little.380 pistol. He was nervous, scared enough to carry it out and have it concealed.

[C]

Kirby watched his back everywhere we went.

[B]

Kirby tells neighbor Tim Bills that the entire Stibe family is just extremely anxious. But as time drags on, Tim starts to understand where the Stibes are coming from.

[A]

So knowing more and more what Kirby would tell us or show us, I did feel worried and scared and just think this guy is a wacko.

[B]

And the Stibes contend their neighbors torment continues.

[C]

Kevin would come home laying on the horn, what have you. He would slow down, roll the window down and yell out.

[A]

So Kirby would say that Kevin was hollering obscene things when he drove by his mom's house. And I think that would even frustrate Kirby more. I mean, you're messing with his mom. It's just not cool.

[B]

Kevin lets his neighbors know exactly how he feels about them.

[A]

There was a sign that Mr. Parker had put on his property that said, white trash go away. He would dump garbage on his property. I think his ultimate goal was just to piss the Stibes off. I think he just wanted to make their life miserable and let everybody else know that he hated the Stibes.

[B]

Kirby calls the police yet again.

[A]

Can you give me trooper Matthews?

[B]

But the call only results in more disappointment. What do you mean?

[A]

There's nothing you can do.

[B]

This is an eyesore.

[A]

While it might be offensive to someone's sensibilities, it isn't illegal. He hasn't broken any laws. It's his land that the signs and trash are on. There's gotta be something you can do. Look, just try to ignore him, okay?

[B]

Meanwhile, Kevin can't find any relief from the ongoing dispute either.

[A]

Pete. The horse was getting out and Kevin was frustrated. Damn it.

[C]

He would call the police.

[A]

Kirby Stibes damn horse is loose again. I'm sick and tired of this. You need to deal with it.

[B]

Later that day, when Kirby retrieves Pete, he becomes convinced Kevin has hit the animal with his truck.

[A]

That bastard. I can remember Kirby saying he thought Kevin had done something to the horse because the horse was limping.

[C]

Again, you can't point fingers, but it left a dust spot on the horse's hind quarter. An imprint of a bumper on my horse.

[B]

Amid the continuing troubles and allegations from both sides, besides patriarch Don Stibes health deteriorates.

[C]

Don was dying. We put him at Grace Cottage and he was in comfort care.

[B]

All the while, the fighting between Kevin Parker and the Stuibes rages on. With more complaints and no resolution from.

[C]

Law enforcement, things were very uncomfortable and very escalated and everybody was beside themselves at the house. I was born and raised that boys don't cry. And to watch this big burly dude break it was freaking killing me.

[B]

With tension simmering on both sides, it's only a matter of time before things finally boil over and things finally come to a head on October 18, 2016.

[A]

Say hello to Mia. Hey there. Mia runs a pet grooming service in Chicago. But getting new clients was rough until I started using acasca.

[B]

I recorded my ad, targeted pet owners.

[A]

In the area and let ACAST do the rest.

[B]

Now people all over the city know.

[A]

About my grooming services. Mia's business is looking sharp. What's your secret for happy pets and happy clients, a fresh cut, a friendly vibe and a well placed podcast ad. Get the word out about your business through Acast. Visit go.acast.com advertise to get started.

[B]

It's a typical October afternoon when Kirby gets home from work around 3:45pm as he pulls in, he learns that Pete the horse has once again gotten loose and made his presence known to some area residents. Lori Gallagher explains.

[C]

Well, our horse got out and pooped on their lawn. And Kirby knew. And Kirby and the people who own the property conversed.

[A]

Hey, it's Kirby. Yeah, I'll be right over.

[B]

He goes to clean up after Pete and takes his weapon with him. Around 4pm, Lori Gallagher and Joan Stibe are chatting inside the stib house.

[C]

You know, Lori, I'm so happy you're with us. I'm sitting in the dining room table doing my thing, hanging out with Joan, and then we hear gunshots.

[A]

What was that? Uh, probably Kevin Targa shooting again.

[B]

For Laurie, the sound of gunshots is business as usual. It's what she hears next that really stops her in her tracks.

[C]

The next thing I know, the scanner goes off.

[A]

So the police scanners are used in the small towns. Everybody wants to know what's going on. All available units, man down on gale side of the road. Shots fired.

[C]

My heart was like, oh, four. My first reaction was, oh, my God. Kevin hurt himself. Let me get up there to see if I can help that poor kid, because that's not cool.

[B]

Lori rushes to go see what's going on, but Joan fears for their safety.

[C]

Her and I actually got into an argument about me going up there and I was like, I'm going, Joan. And she's like, don't you dare walk out that door. If someone's hurt.

[A]

I want to go.

[C]

I want to go and help.

[A]

Please.

[C]

No, please don't go. You've got to stay here. It's going to be fine.

[A]

I'll stay. Ok?

[B]

I'll stay. But when the phone rings and Joan takes the call, Laurie ducks out of the house and rushes to investigate the gunfire.

[A]

Kirby. Kevin, where are you?

[C]

As I'm walking up the road, I saw Kirby's truck. And when I turned, I saw Kirby laying down. So I ran up onto the grass where Kirby was on the adjoining property of Kevin's property. And then I realized something's wrong. Kirby. Kirby, get up, Kirby. And Kirby was laying disheveled looking. He wasn't laying right. Get up.

[B]

You're okay.

[C]

So I'm going. Kirby, get up. You know, Kirby, we lived next door to a doctor. I was screaming for the doctor that lived next door to come out to.

[A]

Help me document Kyrie's been hurt.

[B]

At the same time, Kevin is at home and on the phone with police.

[A]

He was shooting at me, so I shot him. I can't believe I thrown my life away. He's making these utterances saying, the rest of my life is over. He's talking with the detective, he's talking with the dispatcher. And so it was determined that Mr. Parker had shot Mr. Stibe.

[B]

Kirby is probably pronounced dead at the scene after suffering three bullet wounds.

[A]

He had sustained injuries that were likely causing death pretty quickly. Within a matter of minutes outside Kevin.

[B]

Parker's house, state troopers and police gather, including trooper James Matthews.

[A]

When people are in that state of mind, they're totally unpredictable. He can see all of us coming. He could start firing at us, no problem. He finally came out of the house. He was taken into custody at that time.

[B]

Kevin Parker, you're under arrest.

[C]

Let's go.

[B]

At the police station, Kevin Parker tells his version of what transpired.

[A]

We know that both men were armed. Mr. Parker was walking down the road. He sees Mr. Stibe cleaning up after his horse. You are pathetic, Kirby. I'm so sick of your crap. He had mentioned that Mr. Stibe had a weapon and that Mr. Parker shot Mr. Stibe because Mr. Stibe was pointing a weapon at him. Mr. Parker did not check on Mr. Stibe then after the shooting, immediately returned to his house, locked his weapon up and called 911 to report what he had just done.

[B]

But Laurie isn't convinced things happened the way Kevin says they did.

[C]

My personal outtake of what I saw, how it looked and how it went down is I believe Kevin was waiting for Kirby to do this.

[A]

Hey, Kirby. Beautiful day out here, ain't it?

[C]

It had to end somehow. And this was how Kevin chose to end it, to kill Kirby.

[A]

Days like these were made for hunting.

[B]

Regardless of how it happened. Kevin Parker is charged in Kirby's killing, but he's quickly set free.

[A]

It was my understanding that Mr. Parker wasn't held that night, that he was questioned and released.

[B]

Less than a week after the shooting, Kirby's father, Donald Stib, passes away at age 83. There is a lengthy delay before Kevin finally stands in front of a judge. Trooper James Matthews explains.

[A]

So the murder occurred in 2016 and then the trial was in January of 2023. It was quite a big gap in time there. It's not generally how things work, but we had Covid and we had the shutdowns screwed things up a little bit.

[B]

The postponement lasts so long that Joan Stib dies waiting as well.

[A]

Joan had passed of cancer. She never got to see the trial.

[B]

Kirby's surviving loved ones anxiously await Kevin Parker's day in court.

[A]

The investigation revealed that there were five spent cartridges that would have come from Mr. Parker's rifle. There was no evidence if Mr. Stibe ever fired his weapon at Mr. Parker. There was not a bullet present in the chamber of Mr. Stibe's gun. But Mr. Parker was found not guilty.

[B]

For friends and family of Kirby Stibe, the verdict leaves them bitter and angry once again. Here's Tim Bils and Kevin Munson.

[A]

I was truly hoping that Kevin would be found guilty with police evidence and everybody testifying. I don't even think he spent one day in jail, you know, and people spend a lot more days in jail for a lot less than this.

[B]

After the fatal conflict, Kevin Parker leaves Vermont to begin a new life somewhere else.

[C]

I'm the one stuck surviving this hell, this living nightmare, while Kevin frolics in freedom where he lives now with his family and gets to do everything. Kevin killed somebody and got away with it.

[A]

He probably knows that he should have been guilty and I think it's going to bother him the rest of his life.

[B]

Kirby Stibe's memory lives on with partner Lori Gallagher and others who cherished him.

[C]

Kirby was the most loving person. You know, I still struggle and I get really upset.

[A]

I like to remember Kirby as a good person, a good hard working person, a good friend, a good co worker and as people call him, a gentle giant.

[C]

Kirby could have done really well with having children of his own and, you know, giving the love that he had. I lost everything. I lost my future.

[B]

This podcast is produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media and it you can check out Fear Thy Neighbor on Max Discovery plus and id. Close your eyes.

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[B]

Now people all over the city know.

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About my grooming services. Mia's business is looking sharp. What's your secret for happy pets and happy clients? A fresh cut, a friendly vibe and.

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