Park Predators – "The Badges" (February 17, 2026)

Host: Delia D’Ambra
Theme: Two cases of game wardens murdered in the line of duty—one in 1934 Idaho, the other in 1963 Texas. Both cases involve officers confronting poachers and facing tragic outcomes, highlighting the dangers of wildlife law enforcement and the lingering impact on communities and families.

Episode Overview

Delia D’Ambra delves into two chilling historical cases where law enforcement officers tasked with protecting wildlife were murdered while on duty. Despite the nearly 30-year distance between the crimes, both men were game wardens investigating illegal hunting. The episode explores the circumstances around their disappearances and deaths, the aftermath for families, and how, even decades later, justice and closure came in different forms.

Case 1: The Disappearance and Murder of Deputy Game Warden Ellsworth Teed (Shoshone County, Idaho, 1934)

Setting the Scene

• Date/Location: August 28, 1934. Mullan, Idaho—Boulder Gulch region, Shoshone County.
• Victim: Ellsworth Teed, 39, Deputy Game Warden, known for his determination to crack down on poaching.
• Family: Wife Alma and several sons.

[00:59] Introduction to Teed and His Disappearance

• “The first case happened in the summer of 1934, so quite a long time ago. It took place in Shoshone County, Idaho ... The second case … took place near a wildlife bayou in eastern Texas …” (Delia D’Ambra, 00:59)
• Ellsworth left home at 7:30 AM to investigate out-of-season deer harvesting. He promised to return for a teen’s funeral at 2 PM but never arrived.
• His locked car, with lunch and coat inside, was later found near Mountain View Cemetery—a known trailhead.

[03:45] Search and Unfolding Mystery

• Alma, his wife, wasn’t initially worried but reported him missing that night.
• Massive search initiated: law enforcement, locals, Boy Scout troop, pilots, and bloodhounds—at times, up to 1,000 volunteers.
• Harsh conditions: heat, dust, and fire warnings impeded the search. Despite the effort, no trace was found.

Notable Quote

• “You never know what someone is capable of when they're cornered. For some, the act of murder is as instinctual as a bird taking flight.” (Delia D’Ambra, 01:44)

[06:25] Suspicions and Theories

• Given Ellsworth’s reputation as a relentless lawman—especially during the Depression, when poaching spiked—many suspected he was targeted.
• Recent local crimes: ammunition caches found, poachers chased by authorities. Ellsworth’s summer crackdown had made headlines: “he was only beginning what would become a months-long initiative to stop poachers and anglers in their tracks.” (10:11)

[13:42] Lulls and Rumors: Hope Fades

• Theories emerged: Ellsworth succumbed to injuries; he had run off (one tip placed him in Canada, but was unsubstantiated).
• Rewards offered: $100 from the Sportsman's Association; $300 from his sister in Canada.
• Nearly 8-year investigative standstill; only a civil court ruling in 1942 formally declared him deceased, allowing his widow to claim life insurance.

[19:42] Break in the Cold Case — 2023–2024 Updates

• In 2023–2024, family stories sparked renewed investigation. Locals recounted tales implicating George Pentland Jr., his teenage son John, and Oscar Downing.
• “[Four] people came to [Sheriff’s Office] and shared that they’d been told by relatives that George and the two teens had been illegally harvesting deer … George ultimately killed [Ellsworth] and got Oscar and John to assist in getting rid of the body.” (22:50)
• Authorities closed the case, identifying George as the prime suspect but didn’t recover remains; all suspects deceased.

Family Closure

• “It was heartbreaking. The family was ruined from losing him. It was a sad story for years … His son in his 80s was tearing up and crying, wishing he knew what happened to his father before he died. They never had that closure. We do.” —Melissa Sellers Teed, Ellsworth’s descendant (23:28)

[15:31] Notable Quote

• “As time dragged on, the number of people involved in searching began to dwindle ... Ellsworth's sister in Canada offered up her own $300 reward.” (Delia D’Ambra, 15:31)

[Key Segment Timestamps]

• 00:59–06:25 – Ellsworth Teed’s background, disappearance, and the unfolding investigation.
• 13:42–16:50 – Reward offers and legal declaration of death.
• 19:42–23:30 – 2023–2024 breakthroughs, suspect naming, case closure, and family reaction.

Case 2: The Murder of Game Warden J.D. Murphree (Cow Bayou, Texas, 1963)

Introduction

• Date/Location: December 8, 1963. Cow Bayou, Jasper County, TX.
• Victim: John “J.D.” Murphree, 33, Texas Game Warden.
• Family: Wife Elora and three young children.

[24:39] The Crime

• JD heard illegal after-hours shotgun fire while patrolling.
• Approached a duck blind with several people; identified himself as a warden.
• As the group fled, 16-year-old Henry Edward Morse fired twice at close range, killing JD instantly.

Notable Quote

• “He was left in about 18 inches of water, but not long after the shooting, an older man who'd been in the hunting group pulled JD's body from the water and reconvened with the others. The group discussed the shooting, and the older man decided to leave the area and report what had happened.” (Delia D’Ambra, 26:19)

[27:45] Community Fallout and Investigation

• News devastated JD’s family; his widow left in financial hardship with no life insurance or meaningful state support.
• Local community, charities, and outdoors publication groups fundraised to help.
• Morse confessed but claimed the shooting was accidental during a chaotic escape.
• The group in the blind included Robert Harder and the Stanley family.

[29:40] Prosecution and Defense

• Morse, tried as a minor, was indicted for murder.
• Evidence showed he fired at JD three times, with two fatal wounds.
• Defense described Morse as nervous, easily frightened, and academically challenged. Testimony conflicted over whether JD fired first.
• Morse claimed: “When he went to pick [ducks] up, he heard JD's voice say, ‘now I’ve got you.’ ... instinctively, Henry said he ran ... that’s when he panicked and shot at the game warden.” (Delia D’Ambra, 38:53)

[42:28] Verdict and Aftermath

• Jury found Morse guilty, sentencing him to just two years in prison given his juvenile status and the circumstances.
• Morse later apologized to JD’s widow, having become a Christian in prison. He died in 1999.
• JD Murphree became a namesake of a large Wildlife Management Area, a memorial marker, and remains a symbol among fallen officers. The area he protected continues as a critical conservation site.

Notable Quote

• “I have to think that if JD were still alive, he'd be proud to know that the land he tried to protect on the day of his death has gone on to thrive and become a place of refuge for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.” (Delia D’Ambra, 49:19)

[Key Segment Timestamps]

• 24:39–27:45 – The evening of the crime; Morse’s confession.
• 29:40–38:53 – Court proceedings and conflicting interpretations.
• 42:28–49:19 – Aftermath: sentencing, memorialization, legacy.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Risk and Human Nature:
  “You never know what someone is capable of when they're cornered. For some, the act of murder is as instinctual as a bird taking flight.” (Delia D’Ambra, 01:44)

• On Family Loss and Closure:
  "His son in his 80s was tearing up and crying, wishing he knew what happened to his father before he died. They never had that closure. We do." —Melissa Sellers Teed (23:28)

• On Law Enforcement Sacrifice:
  “JD Murphree became a namesake of a large Wildlife Management Area, a memorial marker, and remains a symbol among fallen officers.” (Delia D’Ambra, 47:32)

Episode Takeaways

• Both cases spotlight the deadly risks wildlife wardens and conservation officers face—especially when confronting poachers.
• The loss of these men haunted their families and communities for generations.
• Closure can arrive decades later, but the truth still matters—both for the memory of the fallen and for their loved ones.
• The legacy of these officers lives on in the landscapes and laws they died protecting.

For detailed sources and further reading, visit parkpredators.com.

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