Park Predators - Episode: "The Angler"
Host: Delia D’Ambra
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Angler," host Delia D’Ambra delves into a tragic and obscure murder case that unfolded in the serene environment of Fort Gibson Lake, Oklahoma. Delia uncovers the layers of this unsettling story through meticulous research, court documents, and interviews, revealing how a day of fishing turned into an unsolved mystery.
Discovery of the Victim
On the evening of September 2, 2003, around 6:30 PM, Michael, a local jeep enthusiast, was searching for a fishing spot at Fort Gibson Lake. He stumbled upon a two-door blue car parked off the gravel road at Toppers Point, with the driver's side door ajar and a bloodied man lying on the grass nearby. Alarmed, Michael contacted the Wagner County Sheriff's Office.
Delia D’Ambra [12:45]: "Something about the vehicle just didn't seem quite right... I immediately sensed something was wrong."
Upon arrival, authorities found that the victim had sustained fatal injuries to his neck and chest, with no identification on him, making it difficult to determine his identity initially.
Investigation and Identification
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) took over the case by 10:00 PM, enlisting special agents to assist. Through meticulous examination of the scene and forensic analysis, the victim was later identified as 32-year-old Steven Brett Neilmyer, commonly known as Brett.
Despite thorough searches, no murder weapon or Brett’s wallet was found, complicating the investigation further.
Delia D’Ambra [25:30]: "Divers even went into the lake to try and find evidence, but came up empty-handed."
Witness Accounts
The investigation began to piece together Brett’s last day. Jeff, Brett’s fishing buddy, provided a critical timeline, stating that Brett spent the day fishing with him and had planned to meet later. Jeff mentioned another angler, described as a late 40s man with a beard, glasses, and a potbelly, who arrived around 4 PM.
Jeff [34:15]: "We had made plans to meet at Toppers Point on Wednesday morning, which is why Jeff was even there."
Starla, another witness, reported overhearing two men arguing and saw a large man with the described features speed off in a yellow car after the supposed conflict.
Starla [45:50]: "I noticed a large pot-bellied man... run up from the water's edge, get into a small yellow car and speed off."
Suspect Identification and Confession
Through diligent investigation, OSBI agents identified David Allen Kennedy, a 46-year-old with a suspiciously matching yellow Mercury Lynx, linking him to the crime scene. Initial interviews revealed discrepancies in David’s statements, leading to further scrutiny and eventual confession.
David Allen Kennedy [1:02:10]: "I got into a fight with Brett while fishing... Brett pulled a folding knife on me, and I ended up stabbing him."
Despite his confession, David’s claim of self-defense was met with skepticism due to the lack of physical evidence supporting his narrative.
Legal Proceedings
The case progressed to a preliminary hearing in December 2003, where evidence from witnesses and David’s prior criminal history was presented. Brett’s family expressed profound grief and frustration with the justice system.
Vicki [1:15:30]: "We will not rest until justice is served."
After a hung jury in the initial trial and subsequent delays due to David’s health issues, he eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in July 2006, reducing the charges from second-degree murder.
Outcome and Aftermath
David was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, amounting to roughly 10 years of incarceration plus probation. However, his release in 2013 was marred by repeated offenses, including DUI and probation violations, raising concerns about his potential threat to the community.
Jamie [1:35:20]: "If David Allen Kennedy receives a light sentence for his crimes and is released into your community, no one will ever be safe from him."
Brett’s family mourned not only his loss but also the perceived failure of the criminal justice system to adequately punish David, highlighting the emotional and societal impacts of unresolved crimes.
Reflections and Lessons
Jamie, Brett’s sister, poignantly reflected on the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones, sharing her regret over not staying in closer contact with Brett before his untimely death.
Jamie [1:40:45]: "The guilt is strangling us. I talked to you last week and you said to call you that night, but I was too busy. And now I will never talk to you again."
Delia concludes the episode by emphasizing the critical lessons learned from this case: the necessity of thorough investigations, the profound effects of unresolved crimes on families, and the importance of staying connected with those we care about.
Conclusion
"The Angler" episode of Park Predators offers a compelling exploration of a tragic event overshadowed by Fort Gibson Lake’s natural beauty. Delia D’Ambra masterfully uncovers the layers of mystery and tragedy surrounding Brett Neilmyer’s death, shedding light on the darker aspects hidden within serene landscapes. This case serves as a haunting reminder that beneath the surface of the most beautiful places, hidden secrets and unresolved crimes can lie waiting.
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Notable Quotes:
- Delia D’Ambra [12:45]: "Something about the vehicle just didn't seem quite right... I immediately sensed something was wrong."
- Jeff [34:15]: "We had made plans to meet at Toppers Point on Wednesday morning, which is why Jeff was even there."
- Starla [45:50]: "I noticed a large pot-bellied man... run up from the water's edge, get into a small yellow car and speed off."
- David Allen Kennedy [1:02:10]: "I got into a fight with Brett while fishing... Brett pulled a folding knife on me, and I ended up stabbing him."
- Vicki [1:15:30]: "We will not rest until justice is served."
- Jamie [1:35:20]: "If David Allen Kennedy receives a light sentence for his crimes and is released into your community, no one will ever be safe from him."
- Jamie [1:40:45]: "The guilt is strangling us. I talked to you last week and you said to call you that night, but I was too busy. And now I will never talk to you again."
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture the essence and key details of the "The Angler" episode of Park Predators. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.