Hell Bent

Summary

Fear Thy Neighbor - Episode Summary: "Hell Bent"

Release Date: August 11, 2025

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Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Hell Bent" from the podcast Fear Thy Neighbor, hosted by ID, listeners are taken on a harrowing journey through the tragic unraveling of neighborly relations that culminate in violence and loss. This episode delves deep into the true story of Ron March and Lance Standberg, exploring how seemingly minor disputes can escalate into deadly confrontations. Featuring real accounts from victims, their families, and neighbors, along with authentic 911 calls and surveillance footage, "Hell Bent" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile line between harmony and horror in everyday communities.

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Setting the Scene: Burnaby, British Columbia

The story unfolds in Burnaby, British Columbia, a picturesque Canadian city known for its serene parks and coastal mountain views. Journalist Ash Kelly sets the stage by describing Burnaby as "a laid back community with stunning coastal mountain views" (04:08). The focal point is an apartment complex around 70th and Granville, characterized by its quiet neighborhood juxtaposed with proximity to bustling main streets.

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Meet the Neighbors: Ron March and Lance Standberg

Ronald March
Ron is a 58-year-old former security systems analyst dealing with lupus, an autoimmune disorder that severely impacts his energy levels and overall health (07:44). Despite his illness, Ron is described as a compassionate and intellectual individual who recently moved into the building to find affordable, subsidized housing. His sister, Linda Beerbrier, highlights Ron's intelligence and warmth, noting his "small little library" setup in his apartment (07:10).

Lance Standberg
Lance, in his late 40s, is a health-challenged bachelor working as a seasonal oil field worker. He balances long stints away in the harsh backcountry with intermittent periods at home. Lance views Loray Raine, his landlady, as a mother figure, fostering a close bond born out of mutual health struggles (06:02). His neighborly spirit is evident when he frequently helps Loray with errands, even though it takes a toll on his limited energy reserves (10:28).

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The Arrival of Ronald March's Neighbor

One day, Ron welcomes a new tenant, Loray Raine, his landlady of 15 years battling cancer and reduced mobility (05:43). Their relationship is built on mutual support, with Ron assisting Loray in various tasks despite his own health constraints. Loray, appreciating Ron's help, begins to lean heavily on him, setting the stage for escalating demands.

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Rising Tensions: Small Favors Turn Sour

The delicate balance begins to tip when Loray's requests for assistance become more frequent and demanding. Ron, already struggling with lupus, finds it increasingly difficult to meet these expectations. This strain is poignantly captured when Lance narrates, "[10:43]... macho energy... But even so, he was generous with his limited energy."

A pivotal moment occurs during a ride to the docks when Loray smokes a cigarette in Ron's car, exacerbating his lupus symptoms. Ron confronts her, leading to a heated exchange:

Ron: "Put that damn cigarette out. Because cigarette smoke messes with my lupus."
Loray: "She didn't stop, and then he got upset." (12:59)

Unable to endure the smoke, Ron forcibly removes Loray from the vehicle, an action that marks the beginning of the end for their once amicable relationship.

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The Assault and Its Aftermath

Following the altercation, Loray falsely accuses Ron of assault, leading to his arrest. Despite Ron's attempts to explain, tension remains high:

Loray: "He hit me. What? Come on, you gotta listen to me."
Ron: "I couldn't possibly lift this." (14:10)

This incident pushes Lance Standberg into a state of heightened rage. Lance, unable to reconcile Ron's actions with the neighborly assistance he had provided, decides to take matters into his own hands. In the dead of night, Lance brutally attacks Ron, leaving him severely injured and fearful for his life.

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Escalation to Violence: Lance's Vengeful Path

Ron makes multiple 911 calls recounting the ongoing assaults:

Ron: "He pushed me out of the car and started hitting me with a stick over the head. Even if I yelling stop." (26:00)

Lance evades police for several days, during which time his anger festers. His desperation leads him to stalk Ron relentlessly, culminating in a final, fatal confrontation. On August 8, 2012, as Ron settles into his new apartment, Lance ambushes him, resulting in Ron being stabbed 12 times before Lance flees the scene.

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The Chase and Capture

Law enforcement intensifies their search for Lance, finally locating him near the crime scene. A high-speed chase ensues, showcasing Lance's determination to evade arrest. His reckless driving endangers public safety until he is eventually apprehended after crashing his vehicle during a daring maneuver.

Police: "We execute a search warrant on his vehicle... found Ron's blood in his car."
Ash Kelly: "Lance is convicted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. For In Canada, it's 25 years." (37:07)

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Conclusion: Aftermath and Reflections

Ron March's death leaves a lasting impact on the community and highlights the dangers of unresolved neighborly tensions. Lance Standberg's life spirals as he faces life imprisonment, reflecting a tragic descent fueled by unmet expectations and personal vendettas.

Ash Kelly: "Lance has been profiled as the altar, but in my mind, he was a sick man. I think he was just someone who never got the help he needed and didn't have a grasp on reality." (38:24)

Ron’s loved ones continue to mourn his loss, underscoring the profound ripple effects of one neighbor’s inability to manage resentment and fear.

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• The Fragility of Neighborly Relations: Even in peaceful communities, underlying tensions can escalate unexpectedly.

• Impact of Chronic Illness: Both Ron and Lance's health issues played significant roles in their interactions, highlighting how chronic conditions can strain interpersonal relationships.

• The Psychology of Revenge: Lance's transformation from a helpful neighbor to a vengeful aggressor exemplifies how perceived slights can fuel destructive behavior.

• Community Vigilance: The importance of community awareness and intervention in preventing neighborhood disputes from turning violent.

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Notable Quotes

• Ash Kelly on Burnaby: "Most of the area itself is large, beautiful parks and public spaces for people to share." (04:08)

• Ron March: "Put that damn cigarette out. Because cigarette smoke messes with my lupus." (12:59)

• Lance Standberg: "Did Lorraine consider him a servant rather than a friend? She could very well have." (12:32)

• Ash Kelly on Lance's Conviction: "Lance has been profiled as the altar, but in my mind, he was a sick man." (38:24)

---

Conclusion

"Hell Bent" serves as a sobering narrative on how neighborly bonds, when strained by personal struggles and unmet expectations, can devolve into tragedy. Through meticulous storytelling and firsthand accounts, Fear Thy Neighbor not only recounts the events leading to Ron March's untimely death but also offers deep insights into the human psyche and the volatile nature of fear and resentment.

Transcript

[Jonathan Fields]

Hey, this is Jonathan Fields, host of the Good Life Project podcast. Boost Mobile reminds me of what I love when someone reimagines what's possible Offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. While other carriers spend millions on flashy super bowl ads, Boost Mobile puts those dollars towards what matters more, delivering reliable nationwide coverage at prices that make you wonder why we've been paying so much. For just $25 a month, you get unlimited service that will never go up in price. Not next year, not ever. And they're so confident you'll love it, they back it with a 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked. Want to see if Boost Mobile is right for you? Visit your nearest Boost mobile store or boostmobile.com customers who cancel within 30 days of activation will have Boost service fees refunded, activation fees if applicable, and and phone payments will not be refunded.

[Tony]

G' Day America It's Tony and Ryan from the Tony and Ryan Podcast from Down Under.

[Ryan]

Today we want to talk to you about Boost Mobile, the newest 5G network.

[Tony]

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[Ryan]

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[Ryan]

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[Tony]

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[Narrator]

Get ready for more of the gripping mysteries you love, because Forensic Files is back and they're revisiting. Some of your favorite episodes come along as investigators, scientists and experts piece together evidence clues in search of the answers behind violent crimes, unexplainable mysteries, and other strange occurrences. Listen to Forensic Files on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Most violent crimes that capture the public's imagination are about serial killers, mass shooters, 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 the scenic far west of America's northern neighbor. In an urban enclave with easy reach of big city action, yet far enough removed for those seeking a quieter existence. It's the perfect place place for a health challenged bachelor to call home. And the friendly welcoming tenants across the hall in his apartment building promise to make life even better. But that promise crashes down quickly and harshly as neighborly favors at first graciously accommodated become incessant demands that extract a high and violent vengeful price when refused. This is fear thy neighbor hellbent. A quiet alternative to neighboring Vancouver is Burnaby, British Columbia journalist Ash Kelly describes this Canadian city as a laid back community with stunning coastal mountain views.

[Ash Kelly]

Most of the area itself is large, beautiful parks and public spaces for people to share. Burnaby would be a wonderful place to retire. A plethora of services, doctors and hospitals and clinics.

[Narrator]

The residences around 70th and Granville in particular offer the best of both worlds. The cluster of nice apartment buildings are located within a quiet, peaceful neighborhood, yet only a short walk to the hustle and bustle of a busy main street.

[Ash Kelly]

The area that we're talking about here is more of a densely populated area. Sort of three and four story apartment buildings, most of them built up in the 60s.

[Narrator]

Renting a suite in one of those buildings is Land's a seasonal oil field worker who uses Burnaby as his base.

[Ash Kelly]

Lance Stanberg is a man in his late 40s, full of a sort of machismo energy. Lance might be around home for 10, 15, 30 days at a time, then maybe off to northern Alberta far into the backcountry. And you'll spend whatever it is, 10 days, 14 days, 30 days at camp.

[Ryan]

Well, I've really outdone myself this time.

[Narrator]

When at home, Lance spends time caring for Larae Raine, his live in landlady of 15 years who is suffering from health issues including a struggle with cancer.

[Ryan]

And oh, two of these with food. You're too good to me. Don't mention it. Now, do you still need a ride to the docks later? Yes, but I'm paying you for gas this time.

[Narrator]

Don't worry about it.

[Ryan]

Okay? Okay. Now let's eat our food.

[Ash Kelly]

Loray had reduced mobility due to her age, her social situation and her cancer. Help is likely an absolute lifeline for her.

[Narrator]

Due to their close living conditions, the pair has become almost inseparable and has formed a unique bond.

[Ash Kelly]

From what we understand, Lance saw her as a mother figure. Referred to her as his mother.

[Ryan]

I can get the door myself.

[Lance Stanberg]

I'm not dead yet.

[Ryan]

Okay, mom. Okay.

[Ash Kelly]

The two were close. He cared very much about her and vice versa.

[Narrator]

Lance frequently takes larae to run errands in his prized automobile, a Ford expedition.

[Ash Kelly]

You know, loving your truck is as Canadian as loving hockey.

[Narrator]

One day, on return from one of their regular outings, the pair notices an unfamiliar vehicle parked in the lot.

[Ryan]

Do you think that open unit finally has a tenant? I don't know. Only one way to find out.

[Narrator]

Larae and Lance soon discover that moving in just across the hall from them is 58 year old Ronald March, a former security systems analyst.

[Ash Kelly]

Oh, hey, neighbor.

[Lance Stanberg]

We wanted to stop by and welcome.

[Narrator]

You to the building. Ron's sister, Linda Beerbrier, speaks to her brother's personality.

[Lance Stanberg]

He was a very avid reader. He was very intelligent. He.

[Narrator]

His intellect and warmth is also noted by Vancouver police department sergeant James hammadi and local mover Ernest Schiavinato.

[Ryan]

Ron was pleasant with everybody. Nobody really had anything bad to say about Ronald. When I met him was all shelvings of books. Even in the bedroom. It was like you were in a library. A small little library.

[Narrator]

Lance and Larae are eager to meet the new neighbor and waste no time introducing themselves.

[Ryan]

I'm laray.

[Tony]

This is Lance.

[Ryan]

Hey, it's good to meet you. Where are you moving from? Well, actually, I'm from this neighborhood and just need something a little bit more affordable. I have a disease I gotta kinda keep under control.

[Ash Kelly]

Ron had lupus, which is an autoimmune disorder. It's a sort of absolute loss of energy at a cellular level. Lupus can be serious enough to lead to very chronic and acute disorders and it is an expensive disease to live with.

[Narrator]

Ron has secured subsidized housing in the building due to his disability and feels lucky to have done so. He hopes the quiet neighborhood will be the ideal place to focus on his health, which sister Linda notes used to be excellent.

[Lance Stanberg]

He was very fit when he was younger. He became a martial arts expert. He had a black belt. He kept his training up. That helped him mitigate the symptoms of lupus.

[Narrator]

Loray knows firsthand just how isolating a chronic illness can be, so she's eager to offer help to her new neighbor any way she can.

[Ryan]

Lupus sounds terrible. Cancer's messing with me. Oh, I have just the thing for you. Try this yoga studio. It really helped me with my range of motion during chemo. Oh, fantastic. This is so much of a help. I appreciate it.

[Ash Kelly]

When people have chronic Illness. They report that they lose friendships rapidly. Family members don't understand where they're coming from. They face judgment.

[Lance Stanberg]

In this case, they bonded because of their own illnesses. Ron was very sympathetic, and Lorraine had some issues.

[Ryan]

Thank you. We'll see you around neighborhoods. Good to meet you.

[Ash Kelly]

For people in that situation, it can be very meaningful to find someone else who understands what you're going through.

[Narrator]

Yet understanding will soon be in short supply. Soon after getting settled, Ron sits down for dinner. When there is a knock at his door. It's Loray. Hi.

[Ryan]

I'm in a bind. I have a package in the lobby.

[Lance Stanberg]

And the elevator's broken.

[Ryan]

What? Lance can't help you.

[Lance Stanberg]

Lance is away. When Lance was not around, Lorraine needed somebody to help her.

[Narrator]

It seems that Ron is Lorraine's new lifeline.

[Ryan]

Please, I'm worried it's going to get stolen. All right. Whatever you need.

[Ash Kelly]

Thank you. Ron was a compassionate man. Kind. And despite dealing with his own chronic illness, he was giving of his time and energy.

[Narrator]

Yet when Ron reaches the lobby, he's alarmed to discover the package he's to help with is a heavy, oversized keyboard.

[Ryan]

What the. What the hell?

[Lance Stanberg]

Oh, please.

[Ryan]

I couldn't possibly lift this. All right, I'll see what I can do.

[Lance Stanberg]

I believe physical tasks would cause him pain. I'm certain that he lived with with some pain all the time.

[Narrator]

Ron hauls the instrument up the stairs with great difficulty.

[Lance Stanberg]

Come on, we're almost there.

[Ryan]

And do my best.

[Ash Kelly]

Lupus is a very difficult autoimmune disorder to manage. It would have taken his constant attention to ensure that he had energy to spare. And if he was gifting that energy to his neighbors, he would have had very little left to to take care of himself.

[Lance Stanberg]

He was very good to people, but he also was probably too trusting. He opened himself to getting hurt.

[Narrator]

And for Ron, the weight will eventually become more than he can bear, as one favor for Loray leads to another and another and another. Hi.

[Ryan]

I hate to ask, but I need your help again. I need a lift.

[Lance Stanberg]

Lorraine couldn't drive. Ron had a car.

[Ryan]

Oh, okay. Thank you. Thank you, Ron.

[Ash Kelly]

It seems like Ron may have been the type of person that had trouble saying no.

[Ryan]

He was taking her to buy groceries, appointments, going out to pick up medication.

[Ash Kelly]

Loray relied very heavily on Ron's presence and his graciousness.

[Narrator]

Ron comes to to determine that Luray views his help as less of a gesture and more of a right, says journalist Ash Kelly.

[Ash Kelly]

When we're put into desperate situations and see ourselves as less than others, there can arise a Feeling that I am owed something in that place of desperation. That entitlement can sometimes come from lack of being able to meet your own needs and an understanding that I deserve to do more than survive. But once those tasks and those favors became an expectation of Ron, that wait, it can be a lot.

[Narrator]

Ron's sister, Linda Beerbrier, agrees.

[Lance Stanberg]

Did Lorraine consider him a servant rather than a friend? She could very well have.

[Narrator]

Larae's incessant requests keep the pressure on Ron. And one incident in particular turns ugly. Sergeant James Hammadi begins the story.

[Ryan]

They were going to get a takeout from the Chinese restaurant On the way.

[Narrator]

In the car, Loray lights up a cigarette and Ron loses it. Tobacco and lupus are a bad mix.

[Ryan]

No smoking in the car.

[Lance Stanberg]

Cigarette smoke could have exacerbated his symptoms.

[Ash Kelly]

Fevers, joint and swelling, pain, massive headaches, you know, shortness of breath. That would be pretty upsetting.

[Lance Stanberg]

I could see him stopping the car and asking her to either put out the cigarette or leave.

[Ryan]

Put that damn cigarette out. Why should I? Because cigarette smoke messes with my lupus.

[Lance Stanberg]

Well, come on, you're making that up.

[Ryan]

She didn't stop, and then he got upset.

[Narrator]

What happens next sets the relationship between these neighbors on a dark path from which there will be no return.

[Ryan]

If you're not going to put the cigarette out, you can walk.

[Lance Stanberg]

He basically told her to leave his car and she got angry.

[Ryan]

No way.

[Narrator]

Loray's defiance leads to drastic action. Ron pulls over, opens the passenger door, pushes her out of the vehicle onto the sidewalk and drives off.

[Ash Kelly]

Ron pushed her out.

[Ryan]

What the hell?

[Lance Stanberg]

It's self preservation. He needed to control his symptoms.

[Ash Kelly]

Anything that would have broken that cycle could have offered him a lot of relief.

[Narrator]

But his relief will prove to be short lived.

[Ryan]

Come back.

[Ash Kelly]

There's no world where it's okay to pull over a vehicle and physically push someone out. There was likely enough there for her to say, he assaulted me when he pushed her out of the vehicle.

[Narrator]

Which is exactly what Loray does when she makes it home and calls the police.

[Ryan]

Police, My neighbor just attacked me. Come and arrest him.

[Ash Kelly]

After Larae calls the police, who show up at Ron's door, he is placed under arrest for assault.

[Narrator]

When Ron tries to tell his side of the story, Larray ups the ante on her accusations.

[Ryan]

He hit me. What? Come on, you gotta listen to me. He started it.

[Ash Kelly]

In that moment, picturing the character that we've painted of Ron, it's not hard to imagine someone just losing it for a minute and being unable to control their emotions and becoming physical.

[Ryan]

Maybe he might have just slapped a cigarette out of her mouth. You lie. You hit me. She just wants to see me in jail.

[Lance Stanberg]

I could see him pushing her out of the car if she refused to go. I can't see him hitting her.

[Narrator]

Regardless of which version of events is true, Ron is taken into custody and assault charges are laid.

[Ash Kelly]

Maybe Ron hit her, maybe he did not. Maybe she regretted calling the police for a number of reasons. Loray may have considered, you know, the things that Ron had helped her with. Perhaps that it did mean something to her.

[Narrator]

Good news. Larae soon drops the charges and Ron is set free. He believes he's dodged a bullet, though. That's the farthest thing from the truth.

[Lance Stanberg]

I think she had another way of obtaining revenge.

[Jonathan Fields]

Hey, this is Jonathan Fields, host of the Good Life Project podcast Boost Mobile reminds me of what I love when someone reimagines what's possible offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. While other carriers spend millions on flashy super bowl ads, Boost Mobile puts those dollars towards what matters more, delivering reliable nationwide coverage at prices that make you wonder why we've been paying so much for just $25 a month. You get unlimited service that will never go up in price. Not next year, not ever. And they're so confident you'll love it, they back it with a 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked. Want to see if Boost Mobile is right for you? Visit your nearest Boost mobile store or boostmobile.com customers who cancel within 30 days of activation will have Boost service fees refunded, activation fees if applicable, and phone payments will not be refunded.

[Tony]

G' Day America. It's Tony and Ryan from the Tony and Ryan Podcast from Down Under.

[Ryan]

Today we want to talk to you about Boost Mobile, the newest 5G network.

[Tony]

In the country, offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. Love your service or get your money back, no questions asked.

[Ryan]

Boost Mobile's unlimited plans start at just $25 a month and will never increase in price.

[Tony]

The Boost Mobile network, together with their roaming partners, covers 99% of the US population. 5G speeds not available in all areas.

[Ryan]

Visit the nearest boost mobile or boostmobile.com.

[Tony]

After 30gb speeds may slow $25 per month with active boost unlimited plan cancel within 30 days for a refund of service fees, activation and phone payments not refunded.

[Narrator]

Get ready for more of the gripping mysteries you love, because Forensic Files is back and they're revisiting some of your favorite episodes. Come along as investigators, scientists, and experts piece together evidence, clues, and data in search of the answers behind violent crimes, unexplainable mysteries, and other strange occurrences. Listen to forensic files on apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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[Jonathan Fields]

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[Ryan]

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[Narrator]

After returning home, ron goes to apologize to his neighbor.

[Lance Stanberg]

I think ron felt bad. It's not something that he would want.

[Narrator]

To do, but larae isn't in a forgiving mood.

[Ryan]

Hey, loray, what do you say? Let's talk about this. I'm not interested. Had it your way then.

[Lance Stanberg]

Ron was a very sensitive person, and he was an introvert. He would withdraw. He wrote her off as a friend.

[Narrator]

At that point, the divide between these once friendly neighbors is now a canyon, and things are about to get worse.

[Ash Kelly]

Very shortly after ron pushed larae out of the car and was arrested, Lance comes home from working up north.

[Ryan]

Larae told lance about the incident, and then lance was upset. Ron shoved you out of his car. Ron did this. I'll be right back.

[Ash Kelly]

Lance's response to hearing from larae about this alleged assault is to head over to ron's apartment at three in the morning and start banging on the door. It would have been alarming, unprecedented, very worrying.

[Narrator]

Disoriented and half asleep, Ron opens his apartment door to encounter a rage filled lance standberg.

[Ryan]

Leave my mom alone.

[Narrator]

Lance proceeds to lay a brutal beating on his neighbor.

[Ryan]

Lance kicked the door. A lot of the injuries that ronald suffered were actually from the door that basically hit him in the face.

[Ash Kelly]

There's no moment of questioning, no moment for ron to sort of defend himself or give his side of the story. And given lance's work in the oil fields, he was a muscular, fit person. Ron's chronic and debilitating illness means that there was no situation in which ron stood a chance defending himself.

[Narrator]

What follows is ron's actual call to 911 immediately after Lance attacked him.

[Ryan]

Yeah, hi, I just. Pardon me, I just finished. Assaulted or whereabouts? What's happened? Well, I was in my apartment. He knocked on my door, and I thought, I didn't know who it was. I opened up the door, and he kicked the door down, and then he punched me in the mouth. So you were assaulted in your own apartment? That's right. And you know the guy who did get it? Yes, I do. Okay, well, we get there as quickly as we can.

[Lance Stanberg]

Police came out to get his story. They also went down the hall to find Lance, and of course, Lance took off. Lance knew. He knew the police were looking for him, and that's why he was hiding.

[Ash Kelly]

We don't know if Loray tipped Lance off or how he found out the police were coming.

[Ryan]

Lance fled the scene, and cops now would be looking for him that he wouldn't be able to go back.

[Narrator]

Lance vanishes into the night.

[Ash Kelly]

One of Lance's methods of evading law enforcement was to not have an address or any paperwork that could sort of trace him back to a location.

[Lance Stanberg]

The police told me that they felt like he was sleeping in his car. That's why they couldn't. They couldn't locate him.

[Narrator]

And even though. Even though Lance was the one who attacked Ron, he blames his neighbor for what's befallen him. Ron is treated and released from the hospital that night. He returns home, but now lives in a constant state of fear and conflict with an angry Loray Raine.

[Ryan]

Everybody was happy here until you moved in.

[Lance Stanberg]

Neighbors were saying that Lorraine was criticizing Ron.

[Ryan]

I live here. I have as much right to be.

[Jonathan Fields]

Here as you do.

[Ryan]

You ruined everything for me. You chased away Lance, who's supposed to take care of me. Now I have no one to take.

[Tony]

Me to my doctor's appointments.

[Ryan]

Well, that's not my problem. Screw this.

[Ash Kelly]

They would have had to share hallways. They would have had to share staircases. They knew where each other lived. There was a lot of awkwardness and tension.

[Narrator]

Ron retreats into his apartment, becoming increasingly isolated and paranoid. Here's his sister, Linda Beerbrier, again.

[Lance Stanberg]

There were extra locks on his. On his door.

[Ryan]

Who's there? Go away.

[Lance Stanberg]

He was again, more of a recluse, more of a introvert. His character is to withdraw.

[Narrator]

Journalist Ash Kelly tells us that the thought of Larae's tenant, Lance Standberg, returning to harm him again fuels Ron's crippling anxiety.

[Ash Kelly]

So Ron's now living with the knowledge that he is not in a secure space. There is someone out there who is incredibly angry with a hairpin trigger.

[Narrator]

So Sergeant James Hammadi agrees. Ron's fears are justified.

[Ryan]

He very well. You Know could have thought he could have been killed.

[Narrator]

That possibility intensifies when Lance contacts his employers in the oil patch for his new work schedule. He's told news of his trouble with the law has reached them and he's fired.

[Ash Kelly]

At this point, what Lance is facing is the loss of a lucrative job, the loss of his income, the ability to get hired again. Because he's also now facing a criminal record, his life is in the throes of a pretty desperate space. He's probably scared.

[Narrator]

Not only scared, but livid. Once again, he assigns blame to Ronald March.

[Ryan]

It's all that rat's fault.

[Narrator]

And risks a return to the home he fled to make him pay.

[Ash Kelly]

When Ron's trying to enter his apartment, Lance blindsides him.

[Ryan]

There you are, you snitch. What are you doing here? Stay away from me, Lance.

[Ash Kelly]

Lance actually takes a weapon, a metal rod.

[Lance Stanberg]

And he started hitting him with his metal pipe.

[Narrator]

Miraculously, Ron summons the strength to escape the beating and get safe inside his apartment. Lance continues to threaten him from out in the hall.

[Ryan]

You can't hide from me.

[Ash Kelly]

What it would have taken Ron to escape is really mind blowing with the amount of force that Lance came at him with.

[Narrator]

Again, here's actual audio of Ron March's second emergency call after Lance Stanberg's latest attack.

[Ryan]

Police emergency. What's happening, sir? This guy showed up. I got his waist landing, moving the hallway and he started hitting me with a stick. What's your address? He hit me right now and I can't see. Yeah, that's not funny. I'm bleeding from the ear and my head and my knees and my arms. Okay, did you know this person? Why are you laughing? I'm not laughing, sir. You weren't laughing. I just kissed on. Is the person that hurt you still there? I don't know. He chased me in my apartment. I grabbed the door on him. He kept beating me with a stick over the head. Even if I yelling stop. What kind of people are these people?

[Narrator]

Without a solid link lead on Lance's whereabouts, police are at a loss. They fear the worst that their prime suspect may be on the lam.

[Tony]

G', day, America. It's Tony and Ryan from the Tony and Ryan podcast from down under.

[Ryan]

Today we want to talk to you about Boost Mobile, the newest 5G network.

[Tony]

In the country offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. Love your service or get your money back back, no questions asked.

[Ryan]

Boost Mobile's unlimited plan started just 25amonth and will never increase in price.

[Tony]

The Boost Mobile network together with their Roaming partners covers 99% of the US population. 5G speeds not available in all areas.

[Ryan]

Visit the nearest Boost mobile or boost.

[Tony]

Mobile.Com After 30 gigabytes, speeds may slow 25 per month with active Boost Unlimited plan. Cancel within 30 days for a refund of service fees, activation and phone payments. Not refunded.

[Jonathan Fields]

Hey, this is Jonathan Fields, host of the Good Life Project podcast. Boost Mobile reminds me of what I love when someone reimagines what's possible. Offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. While other carriers spend millions on flashy super bowl ads, Boost Mobile puts those dollars towards what matters more, Delivering reliable nationwide coverage at prices that make you wonder why we've been paying so much for just $25 a month. You get unlimited service that will never go up in price. Not next year, not ever. And they're so confident you'll love it, they back it with a 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked. Want to see if Boost Mobile is right for you? Visit your nearest Boost Mobile store or boost mobile.com customers who cancel within 30 days of activation will have Boost service fees refunded, activation fees if applicable, and phone payments will not be refunded.

[Ryan]

Hey listeners, meet Russell. Hey. Russell just launched a fitness app and he needed to get the word out to busy professionals looking to stay fit. So I turned to acast. I used their Smart Recommendations feature to easily find shows that talk about health and fitness. Booking sponsorships through their platform was a breeze, and just like that, my app was in their ears during their morning run. Sounds like a smart move, Russell. How's business looking now? Sweat is pouring and so are the installs. Spread the word about your business with podcast ads on Acast. Start today at go.acast.com advertise.

[Narrator]

As paramedics wheel Ron out of his apartment on a gurney, they encounter officers grilling Loray Rayne for information.

[Ryan]

Has Lance Stamberg been through here? We're trying to find. I told you he's not here. Ma', Am, he knows where he is. You gotta find him. It's a miracle. I'm going to the hospital, not the morgue. Sir, we are going to try, okay? But we can't arrest someone if we can't find them. Got to find him, otherwise I'm a dead man. Please find him.

[Lance Stanberg]

It's a very scary thought that something like this could happen. You never know what's going through that person's mind, what they're capable of.

[Ash Kelly]

I can't even imagine what it would feel like to have been assaulted multiple times in a short period of time by someone who's seemingly intent on taking your life.

[Narrator]

Lance's latest attack sends Ron to the hospital for 10 days.

[Lance Stanberg]

He had very difficult time walking after.

[Narrator]

He was discharged for his safety, Ron makes the difficult decision to move out and find a new apartment somewhere else. But it's not that easy. Subsidized housing is nearly impossible to come by, especially in a hurry.

[Ryan]

Come on, there's gotta be something that I can afford here.

[Ash Kelly]

Accessing subsidized housing itself, actual units that are set below the market rate, is a rare privilege for many. So when someone with a disability or illness finds subsidized housing and is also receiving a rent that subsidy, it's very important for them to keep that housing. It's not something they're going to give up without a reason.

[Ryan]

Yeah. Yeah. I guess a waiting list will have to do yet.

[Narrator]

Ron lucks out when a unit across town comes available much sooner than he could have dreamed. Arrangements with mover Ernest Gavinato are made as fast as Ron can expedite them.

[Ryan]

He needed to get his stuff moved there. He then feels safe where he was.

[Narrator]

Ron's high anxiety is apparent to Ernest and his crew as they load his belongings into their truck.

[Ryan]

Hey, can you pick up the pace a little bit here? Huh? We'll get you packed up and moved out as quick as we can, sir. Next time. Did you hear that? It'll be worse. Did you hear something? No. Is everything okay, sir? I'm just. I'm just gonna go check the front door here. Where are you going? Hey, man, you're freaking us out here a bit. He was very nervous. Very nervous. He would talk to you for a few minutes, and he'd give you instruction, and he'd leave. And then he'd appear five minutes later or ten minutes later. He'd peer back up and saying, how's it going? And then we kind of give a little report. And off he is again. I don't know where he was going, but he was not just in and out of the. The whole move. I just couldn't understand why he'd take off every five minutes and reappear after. He probably was looking out for his attacker.

[Narrator]

Once again, Ron's worst fears turn out to be prescient when Lance receives word that his move is underway. How the information got to lance is a mystery, though some suspect it came from larae.

[Ash Kelly]

It would have been pretty easy for her to determine just through observation that they were in the, you know, process of moving Ron out of the building. Lance is hell bent on exacting whatever revenge it is he's built up in his head.

[Narrator]

August 8, 2012. As the movers load the last of Ron's possessions, they have no idea Lance is lurking a short distance away, Watching them like a hawk.

[Ryan]

He was filming myself and another guy coming out. As we're going into the building, he runs into my truck and starts filming whatever was left in the truck. Like, no inkling that something was somebody or someone was filming us.

[Narrator]

When the moving truck departs, Ron's old apartment building for his new Lance is hot on their tail.

[Ash Kelly]

So Lance is not only, you know, observing and videoing, and he trails the movers to the location that they're moving Ron into. Now he knows exactly where Ron is heading, where he's moving to, and he's able to sort of see, scout the location.

[Lance Stanberg]

Lance followed the moving truck. He was stalking him for sure.

[Narrator]

Having succeeded in locating his former neighbor's new residence, Lance stakes out the place until the movers depart and Ron heads out in the late afternoon. He then spends the next several hours in the vicinity Waiting for his target's return. The end of the day, early evening.

[Lance Stanberg]

Ron came home and used the side entrance to the building.

[Ash Kelly]

And in that moment where Ron is about to enter his new home and likely assuming that he's safe from Lance, he is once again blindsided.

[Ryan]

Hey. Whoa. How the hell did you find me? You're not gonna get away with what you did to me.

[Narrator]

Sergeant James hammadi, journalist Ash Kelly, and Ron's sister, Linda Beerbriar. Take us through the horror of what happens next.

[Ryan]

Lance Stamberg attacks him with a sharp instrument. I'm not done yet.

[Ash Kelly]

And Ron ends up being stabbed 12 times.

[Lance Stanberg]

And then when my brother fell to his knees, he slit his throat.

[Narrator]

No feeling, no.

[Lance Stanberg]

No remorse, no empathy, no nothing.

[Ryan]

There was a neighbor in the apartment complex that heard the screams of Ron and March. I believe they took a look outside, and they could see that he was lying on the ground. And then 911 was called.

[Narrator]

When authorities arrive, Ron is pronounced dead at the scene.

[Ryan]

And then we run Ronald March's name through the database. Ronald March obviously had police contact because of the assaults that had happened with Lance Stamberg. I need an apb on Lance Stamberg now.

[Narrator]

For someone who police were never able to locate since he first fled the apartment he shares with Loray Raine. Two patrol officers discover Lance parked in his Ford expedition Less than seven hours after Ron's murder and only a Mile from the scene. As they approach his vehicle, Lance spots the them, throws his expedition into gear and races off, Engaging police in a high speed chase through busy city streets.

[Ash Kelly]

Lance is going about 60 miles an hour. He's really putting a lot of people in danger.

[Ryan]

So eventually he goes head to head with another police vehicle. Lance was playing chicken with them, going head on. And then at the very last second, Lance turns off the police vehicle then clipped him and then he ended up crashing into the, into the sidewalk. And then he was taken into custody.

[Narrator]

Lance is arrested and charged with second degree murder.

[Ryan]

So in those seven hours, we believe, obviously Lance had time to go dispose of the weapon, get rid of the clothing that he was wearing at the time.

[Narrator]

Police can't find the weapon used to kill Ron, but they can place their suspect at the scene of the crime.

[Ryan]

BC transit was starting to put cameras into their buses and we just happened to be lucky that the expedition was parked right by the bus stop and then another bus about two or three minutes. Just before the 911 call came in, they captured Lance's white expedition and they.

[Lance Stanberg]

Found Ron's blood in his car.

[Narrator]

Not only does law enforcement put Lance's vehicle at the scene and find the victim's blood in it, they learn precisely how far he went to track his prey.

[Ryan]

We executed a search warrant on his vehicle. There was a green piece of paper with the suite number that Ronald was living in at the new address.

[Narrator]

With the discovery of this latest evidence against him, Lance Stanberg's charge is upgraded to first degree murder, of which he is found guilty.

[Ryan]

So all those pieces to the puzzle that we put together, we were successful in leading to a first degree conviction.

[Lance Stanberg]

Lance is convicted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. For In Canada, it's 25 years.

[Narrator]

As for larae Rayne, no charges are ever filed against her as there is no evidence she had any knowledge of Lance's intentions.

[Lance Stanberg]

I believe she egged Lance on. I thought, what kind of a woman does this?

[Ash Kelly]

And in the years since Ron died, it's unclear where larae has landed.

[Narrator]

Lance Standberg will be in his 70s before he sees the outside world.

[Ash Kelly]

Lance has been profiled as the altar, but in my mind, he was a sick man. I think he was just someone who never got the help he needed and didn't have a grasp on reality.

[Narrator]

Ronald March's loved ones mourn him to this day.

[Lance Stanberg]

It was just very sad because when he was younger, he did have a lot of opportunity and potential. His life didn't go in the direction that it should have, and that's what's so sad about it.

[Narrator]

This podcast is produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media and id. You can check out Fear Thy Neighbor on Max, Discovery and id.

[Tony]

G' Day America It's Tony and Ryan from the Tony and Ryan Podcast from Down Under.

[Ryan]

Today we want to talk to you about Boost Mobile, the newest 5G network.

[Tony]

In the country, offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. Love your service or get your money back, no questions asked.

[Ryan]

Boost Mobile's unlimited plans started just $25 a month and will never increase in price.

[Tony]

The Boost Mobile network, together with their roaming partners, covers 99% of the US population. 5G speeds not available in all areas.

[Ryan]

Visit the nearest boost mobile or boostmobile.com.

[Tony]

After 30 gigabytes, speeds may slow $25 per month with active Boost Unlimited plan. Cancel within 30 days for a refund of service fees, activation and phone payments.

[Jonathan Fields]

Not refunded hey, this is Jonathan Fields, host of the Good Life Project podcast. Boost Mobile reminds me of what I love when someone reimagines what's possible, offering reliable nationwide coverage backed by a 30 day money back guarantee. While other carriers spend millions on flashy super bowl ads, Boost Mobile puts those dollars towards what matters more, delivering reliable nationwide coverage at prices that make you wonder why we've been paying so much for just $25 a month. You get unlimited service that will never go up in price. Not next year, not ever. And they're so confident you'll love it, they back it with a 30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked. Want to see if Boost Mobile is right for you? Visit your nearest Boost Mobile store or boost mobile.com customers who cancel within 30 days of activation will have Boost service fees refunded, activation fees if applicable, and phone payments will not be refunded.

[Ryan]

Is your business craving efficiency? Is it hungry for productivity? Then there's a tech solution you should implement now if you want to crush your KPIs and you also want BLTs or burrito bowls or like bagels, it's called EasyCater1 platform platform for ordering food from a huge variety of restaurants for all your workplace needs, from falafel for the finance team to lasagna for the lunch and learn plus tools to help you save time and stay on budget. Ready to nail your deliverables? Order [e-mail] I'm Joanna Coles and this.

[Tony]

Is the Daily Beast podcast where we say the quiet part out loud three times a week. I pull back the curtain on the scandals, the spin, and the sheer madness that we're living through. And we ask the questions others are too afraid to pose. So when Trump melts down again, I call the author, Michael Wolf, to break it down. When the DC Circus rolls into town, I get the unvarnished truth from Anthony Scaramucci. And when the Epstein files resurface, Tina Brown joins with the memory of when he confronted her. No fluff, no flattery, just fearless conversation. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Find the Daily Beast podcast wherever you get your audio drama. I mean, sorry, wherever you get your news.