Morbid Episode 664: David Carpenter: The Trailside Killer (Part 2) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 664 of Morbid, titled "David Carpenter: The Trailside Killer (Part 2)," hosts Ash and Elena delve deeper into the chilling case of David Carpenter, a serial killer whose heinous crimes have left an indelible mark on the Mount Tamalpais (Mount Tam) hiking community. This episode meticulously chronicles Carpenter's progression from a seemingly ordinary individual to a formidable predator, highlighting both his crimes and the systemic failures that allowed him to evade immediate capture.

Background on David Carpenter

David Carpenter's criminal trajectory began with offenses that should have marked him as a high-risk individual. Despite his history, the justice system repeatedly failed to contain him:

• Early Offenses and Parole Issues: Carpenter was paroled to a halfway house intended for felons transitioning back into society. According to his former probation officer, Rich Woods, "He never should have been among them. He should have been kept in jail" ([10:24]). Carpenter appeared to comply with parole requirements, gaining employment and seemingly reintegrating into society. However, moments of escalation hinted at his latent aggression.

Timeline of Murders

Carpenter's reign of terror on Mount Tam saw multiple victims, each adding layers to the investigation and the community's fear:

1. Barbara Schwartz (March 8, 1980):

   • Incident: Barbara went for a jog and encountered Carpenter, who violently attacked her with a butcher knife. Witnesses described the scene: "Barbara had bled to death from multiple stab wounds" ([11:32]).
   • Evidence: A butcher knife and blood-stained eyeglasses were recovered, though challenges in matching the glasses to a suspect emerged.

2. Subsequent Murders:

   • Etta and John Kane: A sad couple who fell victim to Carpenter's brutality.
   • Anne Alderson (October 15, 1979): Found dead from a gunshot wound, Anne's case introduced ballistic evidence linking Carpenter to the murders.
   • Shana May and Diane O'Connell (December 2, 1980): Both were sexually assaulted and murdered, further intensifying the investigation.
   • Rick Stowers and Cindy Moreland: Their disappearance and subsequent discovery near previous crime scenes suggested Carpenter's expanding victim profile.
   • Ellen Hansen and Heather Skaggs (May 1981): These cases solidified Carpenter's pattern of targeting hikers, eventually leading to his identification and arrest.

Investigation and Systemic Failures

The investigation into Carpenter's crimes was marred by significant systemic lapses:

• Parole Oversights: Carpenter's early release and placement in a vulnerable halfway house were critical failures. Elena notes, "He never should have been kept in the halfway house" ([10:24]).

• Sex Offender Registry Gaps: Being on federal probation, Carpenter was exempt from registering as a sex offender, a loophole that critical investigators later identified as detrimental. "If you're out, you should have to sign up for that," Elena emphasizes ([28:25]).

• Underfunded Police Departments: The inadequately staffed and under-resourced sex offender registry in California meant Carpenter slipped through the cracks. "At the time, California's sex offender registry program was woefully underfunded" ([28:38]).

Arrest and Trial

Carpenter's downfall began with a combination of witness testimonies and forensic evidence:

• Key Witnesses: Steve Haredle, a survivor of Carpenter's attack, provided vital descriptions that refined the suspect's composite sketch ([38:22]). Additionally, Roberta Patterson, a 69-year-old woman, identified Carpenter from the sketch, recalling his unsettling behavior from a past encounter ([42:38]).

• Forensic Evidence: Friends and acquaintances confirmed Carpenter's possession of the murder weapon, linking him directly to the crimes. "One of Carpenter's friends, Molly Purnell, testified that she had purchased the gun at David's request" ([48:54]).

• Trial Proceedings: Despite attempts to obfuscate his involvement, including Carpenter's odd behavior during interrogations (e.g., performing dance routines), the mounting evidence was undeniable. After a prolonged trial, Carpenter was found guilty of multiple murders and sentenced to death in July 1984 for the Santa Cruz cases ([50:45]).

Aftermath

Carpenter's legal battles continued beyond his initial convictions:

• Appeals and Overturned Convictions: Some of Carpenter's convictions were temporarily overturned on technicalities but were later reinstated upon review ([51:19]).

• Ongoing Suspicion: Beyond his confirmed victims, Carpenter remains the prime suspect in additional unsolved cases, including the 1979 murder of Mary Bennett ([51:42]).

• Current Status: As of the episode's release, Carpenter resides in San Quentin Prison, aged 94, making him the oldest inmate on California's death row. Despite numerous appeals, his convictions stand, underscoring the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.

Conclusion

Episode 664 of Morbid offers a comprehensive examination of David Carpenter's descent into serial killings, emphasizing both his calculated brutality and the broader systemic failures that initially permitted his continued freedom. Through detailed narratives, witness testimonies, and expert analysis, Ash and Elena highlight the crucial interplay between individual pathology and institutional shortcomings. The episode serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilant justice systems and community awareness in preventing such tragedies.

Notable Quotes

• Elena on System Failures: "He never should have been among them. He should have been kept in jail" ([10:24]).

• David Carpenter during Interrogation: "I know you guys think I'm the number one suspect..." ([46:20]).

• Elena on Registry Gaps: "If you're out, you should have to sign up for that" ([28:25]).

Final Thoughts

The Morbid hosts commend the resilience and cohesion of the hiking community, noting how crucial mutual support was in both surviving Carpenter's attacks and aiding the investigation. They conclude with a heartfelt message urging listeners to remain vigilant and supportive of one another, emphasizing the enduring impact of Carpenter's crimes on the Mount Tam community.

Stay Connected

For those seeking a deeper dive into this harrowing case, Morbid continues to explore the intricate details and untold stories of David Carpenter, offering listeners both factual reporting and poignant reflections on the nature of evil and the pursuit of justice.