Park Predators Hosted by Delia D’Ambra | Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Park Predators, investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia D’Ambra delves into the chilling murder case of Kerry Nelson at Blue Mounds State Park in Minnesota. Set against the backdrop of one of Minnesota’s most picturesque natural landscapes, this story uncovers how the serene beauty of the park concealed a tragic and violent crime.

The Crime at Blue Mounds State Park

At [02:12], Delia introduces listeners to the peaceful Blue Mounds State Park, highlighting its scenic features such as a 100-foot-high cliff, prairie grasslands, and diverse wildlife. However, on the afternoon of Sunday, May 20, 2001, this tranquility was shattered.

Delia recounts the discovery of the murder:

“Around 2:45 in the afternoon of Sunday, May 20, 2001, a woman named Rebecca White, who was a new employee training at Blue Mound State Park, walked into the park's office expecting to see her coworker, 20-year-old Kerry Nelson... but instead found her bloodied and dead on the floor.” [02:45]

The office was in disarray, indicating a violent struggle. Key evidence included a torn wristwatch, a pack of Darrell brand cigarettes, and an incomplete handwritten note addressed to Kerry’s boyfriend.

Initial Investigation

Upon discovering the body, Rebecca and her father immediately called 911:

Rebecca’s father: “I’ve got a dead parks worker on the floor of the office.” [01:40]

Investigators from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Rock County Sheriff’s Office arrived swiftly, uncovering signs of a struggle and a possible robbery motive. Approximately $2,000 was missing from both the cash register and a small safe, suggesting the perpetrator(s) may have intended to steal money but were interrupted by Kerry.

Key findings included:

• [02:12] The office showed signs of forced entry, with a fax machine in disarray and loose papers scattered.
• [05:00] Blood spatter patterns indicated Kerry was likely struck while trying to protect the cash register, leading to her death by blunt force trauma.

Suspects and Leads

The investigation faced significant challenges due to the lack of surveillance footage and the broad area of the park. However, a crucial lead emerged when a camper reported seeing a large white vehicle speeding through the park around the time of the murder:

Camper: “I saw a large white boat-like car speeding really fast... between 2:15 pm and 2:30 pm.” [15:33]

This vehicle matched the description of Stephen Barber’s long white Cadillac sedan. Stephen, a maintenance worker at the park with a troubled history involving cocaine use and alleged stalking behavior towards Kerry, became a prime suspect.

However, further investigation revealed inconsistencies:

• [17:03] Stephen’s alibi for the time of the murder was weak.
• Searches of his vehicle and home yielded no physical evidence linking him to the crime.

Despite suspicions, without concrete evidence, Stephen was released from consideration.

Breakthrough: Identification of Randy Swaney

Years passed without significant progress, until new DNA technologies in 2007 provided a breakthrough. Delia details how re-examining the torn wristwatch led to the discovery of two distinct DNA profiles:

Delia: “From those skin cells, two distinct DNA profiles were obtained. One belonged to a male, and the other belonged to a female who was not Kerry Nelson.” [45:44]

One profile matched Randy Swaney, a 35-year-old father of three from South Dakota, who was incarcerated for grand theft. His proximity to the park and the type of vehicle he owned matched the earlier eyewitness description. Additional evidence included:

• [33:44] Randy owned a cream-colored 1984 Oldsmobile, identical to the vehicle seen speeding past the park.
• [35:30] Photographs showed Randy wearing the same wristwatch and smoking Darrell brand cigarettes found at the crime scene.

Despite initial doubts, DNA testing confirmed his involvement:

Delia: “DNA techs were able to use new technology to isolate individual skin cells in the band's fabric. One of the profiles was Randy Swaney.” [32:05]

Trial and Conviction

In [45:02], Delia narrates Randy’s extradition and subsequent arraignment. The prosecution presented a robust case:

• [45:26] Photos of Kerry’s autopsy were shown to the jury to illustrate the brutality of the attack.
• [46:00] Witnesses testified about Randy’s car and financial issues, linking him to the motive of robbery.
• [46:30] Randy’s own family members testified about his gambling problems and financial desperation.

Randy’s defense claimed:

"The DNA testing methods and results in the case could be trusted due to possible contamination or human error." [45:26]

He admitted to past crimes but denied involvement in Kerry’s murder. However, the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction:

Delia: “On August 15, 2008, after only six hours of deliberation, they convicted him on all counts.” [45:26]

Randy was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His final remarks to Kerry’s family reflected lingering doubts:

Randy: “The jury had gotten it wrong and there was still a murderer out there.” [45:26]

Aftermath and Impact

The aftermath of Kerry’s murder brought significant changes to park security protocols across Minnesota:

Delia: “Minnesota State Park System put more security measures in place at Blue Mound State Park and other government-owned recreation spaces to protect their employees.” [45:26]

Additionally, Kerry’s family and the community sought closure through memorials and online tributes:

Delia: “Shortly before Randy's arrest, a memorial Facebook page was created for her and it still exists today.” [45:26]

The case served as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within public spaces and the importance of diligent investigative work in bringing justice to victims.

Conclusion

Delia D’Ambra’s thorough exploration of Kerry Nelson’s tragic murder highlights the intersection of picturesque natural settings and the hidden darkness that can reside within them. Through relentless investigation and advancements in forensic technology, Park Predators ultimately uncovers the truth behind a senseless act of violence, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in our beloved natural preserves.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the profound loss Kerry endured and the lasting impact her story has on both her family and the broader community.

For those moved by Kerry’s story, Delia invites you to visit the memorial Facebook page linked in the show notes to honor her memory and connect with others who remember her.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca’s Father at [01:40]:

  “I’ve got a dead parks worker on the floor of the office.”

• Kerry’s Father, Stan, at the press conference:

  “My beautiful little girl will never come running into my arms again saying, I love you, Daddy. Whoever did this must be caught so that they can never do it again.”

• Randy Swaney at [45:26]:

  “The jury had gotten it wrong and there was still a murderer out there.”

Park Predators presents a haunting narrative of loss, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth within the serene yet sometimes unforgiving natural world.