Park Predators, "The Arson"

Host: Delia D’Ambra
Release Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In "The Arson," Delia D’Ambra explores the tragic case of 22-year-old Shawn Moss, whose body was found inside a burned-out car in Prentiss Cooper State Forest, Tennessee, in February 2020. Through meticulous investigation, Delia uncovers a harrowing story of friendship, betrayal, and justice deferred, shedding light on how a seemingly accidental fire masked a violent homicide. The episode examines the winding investigation, the problems with the justice system, and the enduring scars left on Shawn’s family and friends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Crime Scene Discoveries

• Setting: Prentiss Cooper State Forest, Tennessee—a forest noted for natural beauty, popular with bird watchers, hikers, and campers.
• Timeline:
  • Feb 6, 2020 – 4:15 AM: A jogger spots a seemingly abandoned silver Toyota sedan near Game Preserve Road in Prentiss Cooper State Forest.
  • 6:45 AM: Forestry officers detect smoke and burning plastic from the car. Upon opening a rear door, a small fire erupts, prompting a call for firefighters.
  • 7:32 AM: Firefighters extinguish the blaze and find human remains in the back seat amidst towels and clothing.
  • Law enforcement quickly determines the fire was set intentionally. "The vehicle fire had been set deliberately," Delia notes. (07:00)

Victim Identification & Early Investigation

• The car’s license plate is traced to Shawn Moss of Franklin, TN (22 years old).
• Police attempts to contact Shawn are unsuccessful; social media and call records are scrutinized.
• Surveillance video from Prentiss Cooper captures Shawn’s car entering the park at 3:46 AM, followed closely by a red Volkswagen Jetta.

Unraveling the Perpetrators

• Caleb Cox (22, of Hixson, TN): Last seen with Shawn, brought in for questioning.
• John Beth Holland (22, of Huntsville, AL): Caleb’s girlfriend; seen driving the red Volkswagen traced to the forest.
• Caleb’s initial claim: Shawn overdosed on drugs, prompting a cover-up and the arson with John Beth’s help.
• Forensic evidence contradicts Caleb:
  • Medical examiner: Shawn was shot multiple times, not an overdose victim.

Changing Stories & Confessions

• Confronted with autopsy results, Caleb revises his story:
  • He claims a fight over drugs led Shawn to pull a revolver, which he claimed in "self-defense" he used to shoot Shawn.
  • Caleb describes disposing of Shawn’s belongings and involving John Beth in concealing the crime.
• Police skepticism high: “Because of that inconsistency over the gun and the fact Caleb had already lied... investigators weren't going to take his word as gold.” (13:23)

Legal Proceedings and Delays

• Caleb and John Beth are arrested—charged with aggravated arson, abuse of a corpse, and accessory after the fact.
• Charges upgraded: Caleb faces first-degree murder; John Beth, accessory to homicide.
• Both post bail ($250,000 for Caleb, $10,000 for John Beth).
• COVID-19 pandemic and other factors stall the trial for years: "Homicide cases that probably should have glided toward trial fairly fast found themselves stuck in slow motion." (17:40)

Additional Arrests and Troubled Behavior

• May 2021: Out on bond, Caleb and John Beth are arrested in Alabama for drug possession and paraphernalia; their child is present.
• Both test positive for fentanyl; John Beth also positive for hydrocodone.
• Charges follow for chemical endangerment of a child and possession.

The Long Wait & Plea Deals

• Multiple delays lead to frustration for Shawn’s family and friends.
  • “What happened to the sixth Amendment Speedy trial? ... Three years. These two people murdered one of my best friends, yet they still walk free on these streets. ... The court has done nothing but reschedule for three years. This is disgusting.” – Shawn's friend (23:33)
• Case scheduled for February 2024 trial; a last-minute plea agreement changes everything:
  • Caleb’s Plea: Voluntary manslaughter & abuse of a corpse (max 15 years); first-degree murder dropped.
  • John Beth’s Plea: Tampering with evidence & abuse of a corpse; no prison time, only probation via judicial diversion, over strong objections from prosecutors.

The Aftermath and Family Impact

• Shawn Moss remembered: Eagle Scout, glass-blower, beloved friend, and son.

• Family and community devastated by the crime and the outcome:

  • “It took about a year before Shawn’s ashes were released to his family so they could have a proper funeral.” (28:42)
  • “You have no idea what you have put us through.” – Martha Moss, Shawn’s mother, at Caleb’s sentencing (29:39)
  • “You helped destroy important evidence...I hope you are haunted by the images...” – Martha to John Beth at sentencing (31:52)

• Martha Moss and friends publicly condemn the lenient sentence, continued delays, and John Beth’s role, expressing heartbreak and anger.

• John Beth violates probation in September 2024, but is shortly returned to supervised probation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Delia D’Ambra’s Opening Reflection:
  “This case is not only heartbreaking, but in my opinion, it's extremely frustrating... It's forced me to revisit the all too familiar questions. How well do you really know the people you keep company with? And how far will a person stretch the truth to save themselves?” (02:04)

• Caleb’s Shifting Story:
  Delia, summarizing Caleb’s statements to investigators:
  “He told investigators that he and Shawn had been hanging out … Sean had ingested substances that caused him to overdose. And Caleb said that when he realized Shawn wasn't alive anymore, he'd panicked and called his girlfriend to assist him in covering up the situation.” (10:19)
  Later, after learning the truth:
  “He admitted that he lied before about the overdose story and went on to explain that what really happened to Shawn was a result of an argument between the two of them over narcotics.” (11:58)

• Family Despair Over Delays:
  A friend of Shawn’s writing about justice postponed:
  “I'm disgusted in the amount of rescheduling there has been in the Hamilton county court system. What happened to the sixth Amendment Speedy trial? ... The court has done nothing but reschedule for three years. This is disgusting.” (23:33)

• Prosecutor’s Strong Words on Sentencing:
  Andrew Doyle (prosecutor), court documents:
  “Not every charge of tampering with evidence involves the death of a young man, the intentional traveling outside of the county and setting fire to the decedent’s vehicle, and then the subsequent cleaning of the crime scene… The offenses committed by the defendant were especially violent, horrifying, shocking, reprehensible, offensive, and excessive.” (27:54)

• Mother’s Final Words to John Beth:
  Martha Moss at sentencing:
  “I really do hope that you are haunted by the images. These crimes couldn't have been committed without your help, John Beth. You helped destroy important evidence.” (31:52)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Prentiss Cooper State Forest and discovery of burning car: 01:30–06:44
• Initial investigation and identification of Shawn Moss: 06:45–09:03
• Interviews with Caleb and John Beth, conflicting stories: 09:04–12:45
• Autopsy results and Caleb’s new confession: 12:46–14:19
• Arrests and charges filed: 14:20–15:47
• Delays in justice, COVID impacts: 17:40–20:12
• Drug-related re-arrest of Caleb and John Beth: 20:13–21:53
• Court frustrations and plea bargains: 23:00–27:20
• Family statements and emotional impact: 28:42–32:40
• Case conclusion and reflection: 32:41–34:27

Conclusion and Legacy

Delia D’Ambra concludes the episode by emphasizing how the case reflects not just on the dark underbelly lurking in beautiful places, but also on failures and inconsistencies in the justice system. Most importantly, she asks listeners to remember Shawn Moss—a young artist and friend—as more than just a victim, but as an inspiration for kindness and passion in the world.

"Whenever you see hand-blown glass, think of Shawn because like the care and craftsmanship he poured into every piece of his art, I hope you'll do the same with whatever you're passionate about." – Delia D’Ambra (34:15)

For source references and more details, visit parkpredators.com.