Park Predators: Episode Summary – "The Accidents"
Host: Delia D’Ambra
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Podcast Title: Park Predators
Description: Delve into the shadowed narratives hidden within the world's most stunning natural landscapes, uncovering mysteries and dark histories that belie their serene beauty.
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Accidents," host Delia D’Ambra explores two enigmatic deaths that occurred over a century ago within America's cherished national parks. These cases—William McMullen's demise in Minnesota's Itasca State Park and Jasper Mellinger's mysterious death in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park—pose intriguing questions: Were these tragic accidents, or concealed acts of murder?
Case 1: The Death of William McMullen in Itasca State Park
Background
William McMullen, born in 1861, is often regarded as the first permanent resident of Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park established in 1891. By 1889, William had constructed a residence on the north end of Lake Itasca, serving as a central figure for visitors who stayed at his cabin.
The Incident
On October 30, 1898 ([14:35]), William McMullen and his friend, Nelson Rust, both avid hunters, embarked on a bear (or deer, according to some accounts) hunting expedition in the dense woods adjoining Lake Itasca. The plan was for William to flank the animal to flush it into an open area where Nelson could take the shot. However, during this maneuver, a deadly mistake occurred.
Quote:
"Nelson was really upset by the incident, and he said he'd mistaken William's white necktie for the coloring of a deer."
— Delia D’Ambra [02:14]
Nelson mistakenly identified William as the prey, resulting in William being fatally shot in the heart. The death was initially ruled a tragic hunting accident, a conclusion that seemed acceptable given the era's harsh realities.
Investigation and Aftermath
In the weeks following the incident, William was laid to rest in a pioneer cemetery within the park, and life, as harsh as it was, largely moved on. However, doubts arose when William's brothers, Sam and Ben McMullen, questioned the official account, suspecting foul play.
Quote:
"Nelson was described by one settler as a quick, impetuous man... he was adamant that he never intended to harm his friend."
— Delia D’Ambra [10:35]
Their suspicions led them to seek legal action against Nelson, culminating in his arrest for manslaughter. The defense unveiled that alterations in the forest (removal of trees) before evidence was collected and the presence of a scarf around William's neck suggested premeditation. Despite these revelations, initial legal proceedings did not result in a grand jury indictment due to insufficient evidence.
In November 1899 ([25:40]), a belated grand jury in Beltrami County indicted Nelson for murder, but the trial concluded with an acquittal. This verdict intensified familial rifts and left lingering suspicions about the true nature of William's death.
Possible Motives and Theories
Speculation about Nelson's motives included potential land disputes, as William owned significant property within the park. However, concrete evidence remained elusive, leaving the true intent behind the shooting shrouded in mystery.
Quote:
"It was just that there must have been some other reason for Nelson wanting William dead."
— Delia D’Ambra [14:10]
Long-term Impact and Legacy
Nelson Rust lived out his years within Itasca State Park, maintaining his innocence until his death in 1912. The unresolved tensions between the McMullen and Rust families echoed through generations, illustrating how a single tragic event can leave lasting scars.
Quote:
"Was he a victim of a tragic hunting accident? We'll likely never know."
— Delia D’Ambra [34:30]
Case 2: The Mysterious Death of Jasper Mellinger in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Background
In the early 1900s, Jasper Mellinger, a blacksmith from Roaring Fork Creek near modern-day Gatlinburg, Tennessee, embarked on a solo journey through the treacherous terrains of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jasper sought potential blacksmith work in North Carolina's Hazel Creek area, a venture that would end in tragedy.
The Incident
Sometime between 1901 and 1903 ([06:20]), Jasper set out on foot with his wife Martha to traverse the rugged landscape. His disappearance prompted a search party, but only his tracks up to Miry Ridge were found, leaving his fate a complete mystery until years later.
Investigation and Discoveries
In September 1905 ([09:40]), two Owenby brothers, Bauss and Stuart, discovered Jasper's remains near a natural pool in what is now known as Mellinger Death Ridge. The site contained a bear trap, human bones, personal items, and a rifle inscribed with "JM," presumably Jasper's initials.
Quote:
"It was like traveling back in time. It was amazing."
— Delia D’Ambra [02:14]
Despite the evidence, the coroner concluded that Jasper had likely succumbed to exposure and starvation after accidentally triggering a bear trap, a plausible explanation given the severe winter conditions.
Conflicting Theories and Suspicions
However, alternate theories emerged. In the mid-1940s, a dying man named Beasley confessed to his father John Beasley's involvement in Jasper's death, alleging it was a murder to cover up illegal trapping activities.
Quote:
"I don't know much about Art though... was just one of those people in town who seemed to have a lot of enemies."
— Delia D’Ambra [28:50]
Others pointed fingers at Art Huskey, a local trapper with numerous adversaries, suggesting possible foul play. These conflicting narratives have kept the true circumstances of Jasper's death in doubt.
Quote:
"Nothing states that specifically, so we'll never really know."
— Delia D’Ambra [13:50]
Legacy and Naming of Mellinger Death Ridge
In honor of Jasper, Tennessee later designated the area of his remains as Mellinger Death Ridge. This landmark serves as a somber reminder of the unanswered questions surrounding his disappearance and death.
Quote:
"It's an appropriate name, one that I imagine has likely made many people pause before taking their next steps upward."
— Delia D’Ambra [30:50]
Conclusions and Insights
"The Accidents" weaves together two historical narratives that blur the lines between accidents and possible murders within America's national parks. Delia D’Ambra skillfully uncovers the complexities of these cases, highlighting how isolation, limited evidence, and human emotions can obscure the truth.
These stories serve as a testament to the enduring mysteries that lie within our natural sanctuaries, reminding us that beneath the surface of beauty and tranquility, darkness and uncertainty can persist. The unresolved nature of both cases exemplifies the challenges in discerning truth in the annals of history, especially when documentation and forensic capabilities were limited.
Final Reflection:
"Only Nelson Rust could answer that question, and he can no longer tell."
— Delia D’Ambra [34:30]
Further Information:
For an exhaustive list of sources and additional insights from this episode, visit parkpredators.com. Follow Park Predators on Instagram at arcpredators for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
This summary captures the essence of "The Accidents" episode, synthesizing the investigative journey through two perplexing historical cases within national parks. It aims to engage both avid listeners and newcomers by providing a coherent and comprehensive overview of the discussions and revelations presented by Delia D’Ambra.