Park Predators: The Attacks – Episode Summary

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Delia D’Ambra
Description: In this gripping episode of Park Predators, investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia D’Ambra delves into two unsettling, yet unconnected, unsolved murders that occurred in America's cherished national parks. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Delia sheds light on these tragedies, exploring the dark undercurrents that sometimes lurk beneath nature’s serene facade.

Introduction

Delia D’Ambra opens the episode by introducing two recent, chilling murders that took place in distinct national parks across the United States. Both victims met their untimely ends under eerily similar circumstances, yet their cases remain unresolved, raising unsettling questions about safety and the hidden dangers within these natural havens.

Case 1: The Murder of John Craig Schmutzer at Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

Park Overview:
Devil’s Lake State Park, situated an hour northwest of Madison, Wisconsin, spans over 10,000 acres within Sauk County. Renowned for its pristine hiking trails, camping sites, and the actual Devil’s Lake, the park holds cultural significance to the Ho Chunk Native American Nation, who refer to it as "holy" due to its ancient effigy mounds.

The Incident:
On October 14, 2020, at approximately 11:30 AM, a hiker witnessed a violent confrontation near the Grotto’s Trail alongside railroad tracks (Timestamp: [11:30]). Two men were engaged in a disturbing altercation that escalated to the stabbing death of 24-year-old John Craig Schmutzer from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The attacker, described by witnesses as wearing dark attire and a face covering, fled towards the south shore parking lot but evaded immediate capture.

Victim Background:
John was a financial analyst working for BMO Harris Bank since January 2019. An animal lover and wine enthusiast, he was known for his love of classical music and outdoor adventures. His untimely death left his parents, Craig and Lynn, and two siblings devastated.

Investigation Efforts:
Law enforcement responded swiftly, shutting down park roads and deploying aerial searches. Witnesses provided a detailed description of the suspect, but challenges arose due to the prevalence of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic, complicating identification efforts.

Delia notes, "Finding the suspect was at the very top of investigators' priority list because they knew he was still at large and was dangerous" ([Timestamp: 12:45]).

Community and Family Impact:
John’s friends and family expressed disbelief over his murder, highlighting his non-hostile nature. A poignant quote from his family reads, "For now, our quartet will be a trio until we meet again. John is at peace, and we know that love leaves more behind than death can take away" ([Timestamp: 25:10]).

Ongoing Challenges:
Despite over 150 tips and multiple search warrants, the case remains unsolved. DNA evidence is pending due to backlog issues at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab. Authorities suspect the killer may have mental health issues or substance abuse problems, further complicating the investigation.

Current Status:
As of 2023, the case remains cold with no substantial leads. John’s family established the John Craig Schmutzer Foundation, raising over $100,000 to support therapy dog initiatives for children undergoing medical treatments.

Case 2: The Shooting of Jason Jose Cortez Nativi at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles

Park Overview:
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, located in the Montecito Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, spans nearly 300 acres. Unlike the rural expanse of Devil’s Lake, this park features bustling amenities, including hiking trails, biking paths, and event shelters, offering panoramic views of downtown LA.

The Incident:
On September 10, 2021, at around 3:30 PM, firefighters and paramedics responded to a desperate 911 call reporting a gunshot wound (Timestamp: [15:20]). They found 29-year-old Jason Jose Cortez Nativi, a film and video studies graduate from George Mason University, dead from a gunshot to the back. An eyewitness reported hearing a single loud gunshot and saw a man emerge from the bushes wielding what appeared to be a rifle before fleeing the scene.

Victim Background:
Jason had recently moved to Los Angeles to work as a TV news editor in Beijing and had been married to Karina Cortez. Described as a free spirit and dedicated mentor, his death deeply impacted his family and community, leading to the establishment of a GoFundMe fundraiser that raised over $70,000 for funeral expenses.

Investigation Efforts:
The LAPD initiated a thorough search but found limited evidence, including a single shell casing near the shooting site. Surveillance cameras failed to capture the incident, and initial focus on nearby encampments yielded no leads. A composite sketch was developed based on eyewitness descriptions, but the vastness of the park and high visitor traffic posed significant challenges.

Delia highlights, "Narrowing down the shooter was tricky because the park itself was about 300 acres with hundreds of daily visitors" ([Timestamp: 35:50]).

Community and Family Impact:
Jason’s wife, Karina, along with his parents and brother, actively campaigned for justice, including canvassing the park area with flyers and engaging the community through memorial websites. Their efforts underscored the lack of media attention compared to John's case.

A heartfelt plea from Jason’s mother, Reyna Cortez, translated from Spanish: "As a mother, a piece of my heart died with my son Jason" ([Timestamp: 47:15]).

Ongoing Challenges:
Officials ruled out gang involvement, deeming the murder seemingly random and senseless. The LAPD offered a $50,000 reward for information but, like the Wisconsin case, no significant breakthroughs have emerged.

Current Status:
As of 2023, Jason's case remains unresolved. His legacy continues through memorial websites and the continued advocacy of his family and friends, who remain hopeful for new evidence or witnesses to come forward.

Conclusion

Delia D’Ambra wraps up the episode by reflecting on the unsettling reality that even in places of natural beauty and respite, dark and unpredictable dangers exist. She emphasizes the importance of community awareness and the relentless pursuit of justice to bring closure to the victims’ families. Delia urges listeners to stay vigilant and support ongoing investigations, ensuring that these unsolved cases do not fade into obscurity.

"These murders are a stark reminder that predators can lurk anywhere, and it's crucial to shine a light on these tragedies to prevent future incidents," Delia remarks ([Timestamp: 1:05:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• "Finding the suspect was at the very top of investigators' priority list because they knew he was still at large and was dangerous." – Delia D’Ambra [11:30]

• "For now, our quartet will be a trio until we meet again. John is at peace, and we know that love leaves more behind than death can take away." – Schmutzer Family [25:10]

• "Narrowing down the shooter was tricky because the park itself was about 300 acres with hundreds of daily visitors." – Delia D’Ambra [35:50]

• "As a mother, a piece of my heart died with my son Jason." – Reyna Cortez [47:15]

• "These murders are a stark reminder that predators can lurk anywhere, and it's crucial to shine a light on these tragedies to prevent future incidents." – Delia D’Ambra [1:05:30]

Final Thoughts

Park Predators masterfully intertwines investigative rigor with empathetic storytelling, offering listeners a profound look into two haunting cases that underscore the vulnerability within beloved natural spaces. Delia D’Ambra’s dedication to uncovering the truth serves as a compelling call to action for communities, law enforcement, and individuals alike to remain vigilant and supportive in the quest for justice.

For more detailed information and to follow these cases, visit parkpredators.com.