Park Predators: Episode Summary – The Gate

Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Delia D’Ambra

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Gate," Delia D’Ambra delves into the chilling unsolved case of Anita Redmond, a Stone Mountain Park employee who was tragically killed during an alleged armed robbery. This episode explores the intricate details of the crime, the subsequent investigation, and the lingering questions that have left the case unresolved for nearly two decades.

Stone Mountain Park: A Dual Nature

Delia sets the scene by describing Stone Mountain Park in Georgia—a sprawling 3,200-acre recreation area near Atlanta. Known for its picturesque trails, historic structures, and granite quarry, the park also served as a venue for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. This juxtaposition of serene natural beauty and high-intensity athletic competition underscores the park's multifaceted character.

"It's the juxtaposition of those two scenes... One year the area is this crowded Olympic sports venue, and just a few decades later it's been transformed into a nature sanctuary teeming with wildlife."
[03:20] Delia D’Ambra

The Tragic Night: Anita Redmond’s Murder

On July 16, 2005, shortly after midnight, Anita Redmond, a 63-year-old part-time communications operator at Stone Mountain Park, was tragically shot while working alone at the park's west entrance gate. Delia recounts how Anita, a retired police officer from Doraville, Georgia, sent a distress call using the emergency code 44444, signaling an armed robbery in progress.

"Anita's distress call immediately triggered a response from a Stone Mountain park police officer who happened to be on duty about 45 seconds away."
[03:50] Delia D’Ambra

Upon arrival, the responding officer found Anita with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Despite immediate medical attention, Anita succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning.

Initial Investigation and Involvement of GBI

Due to the gravity and rarity of such a violent crime in the park, Stone Mountain Park Police Chief Chuck Kelly enlisted the expertise of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) early in the investigation. The GBI initiated a comprehensive approach, including canvassing a one-mile radius around the west gate and interviewing local residents and businesses.

One significant early lead involved a woman who had interacted with Anita shortly before the shooting. According to an article by Joshua Sharp for the Gwinnett Daily Post, Anita had let a woman in a truck through the gate to retrieve a pair of shoes. This interaction became a crucial, yet unreleased, piece of information in the public domain.

Composite Sketches and the Mark Wolf Arrest

On July 18, 2005, the GBI released two composite sketches of potential suspects. These sketches depicted two men wearing baseball caps, differing only in hat orientation and color. Shortly after, a 36-year-old man named Mark Wolf from Ellenwood, Georgia, was arrested for criminal solicitation to commit armed robbery. Mark was implicated based on a tip suggesting he had attempted to recruit assistance for robbing the park's attendant booths around the time of Anita's murder.

"Authorities learned from a witness that Mark had been at a family reunion in Stone Mountain Park on July 4, 2005, and had discussed robbing an attendant booth."
[10:15] Delia D’Ambra

Mark's background included previous misdemeanors and a 2003 conviction for child cruelty, but investigators viewed his earlier offenses as not directly related to the severity of the current case. Despite his claims of innocence and providing an alibi, Mark was held without bail and eventually released when the district attorney's office dismissed the charges in early 2006. The DA's office later destroyed all records related to Mark's case, leaving many questions unanswered.

Mark Wolf’s Perspective and Aftermath

In a rare interview, Mark Wolf vehemently denied any involvement in Anita's murder, asserting that the accusations were false and baseless. He recounted his cooperative efforts with the GBI, including presenting alibi witnesses and evidence of his whereabouts during the time of the crime.

"I would never have been caught up in such a crime. I provided alibi witnesses and phone records that placed me at home during the timeframe of Anita's murder."
[27:45] Mark Wolf

Mark also shared the personal toll the wrongful accusation took on his life, including damaging his reputation and personal relationships. Despite his innocence, no further charges were brought against him, and he never received a formal apology from authorities.

Ongoing Investigation and Family Advocacy

Anita’s family has tirelessly advocated for justice, employing various strategies to keep the case in the public eye. In 2010, the GBI’s crime lab retrieved touch DNA from evidence believed to be connected to the killer, although details remain undisclosed. By 2011, Anita’s daughters established a Facebook memorial page, continuously updating it with new developments and maintaining public awareness.

In 2013, Anita’s family engaged with news outlets to discuss advancements in DNA technology, hoping to revive the investigation. Despite these efforts, progress remained stagnant, and the case continued to baffle investigators.

"My mom was my best friend. We were all very close."
[25:30] Melinda, Anita’s Daughter

Current Status and Unanswered Questions

As of the episode's release in 2025, Anita Redmond’s case remains unsolved. Advances in forensic technology have not yet yielded a definitive suspect, and the initial primary suspect, Mark Wolf, has been definitively cleared without explanation. The GBI maintains a public case page, albeit with reduced visibility, and occasional increases in reward offers have failed to bring new leads.

Delia highlights the emotional and psychological impact on Anita’s family, who yearn for closure and justice. The recent unrelated shooting at Stone Mountain Park in 2023 has reignited some public interest, but the original case remains in limbo.

"You never know what can make someone talk. Could be time. It could be that was their best friend or their significant other..."
[35:50] GBI Spokesperson

Conclusion and Call to Action

Delia concludes the episode with a heartfelt plea for anyone with information related to Anita Redmond’s murder to come forward. She emphasizes the enduring pain experienced by Anita’s family and the community's desire to finally close this dark chapter.

"Give Anita's family the peace and closure they've waited so long for."
[36:50] Delia D’Ambra

Listeners are encouraged to contact the Stone Mountain Park Police Department or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation if they possess any pertinent information.

Notable Quotes

• "Nature always finds a way to balance back out. And I feel the same way about justice..."
  — Delia D’Ambra [04:10]

• "Anita to us was family. She’s the sister of a law enforcement officer and a retired policewoman ourselves."
  — Chuck Kelly, Stone Mountain Park Police Chief [30:15]

• "I would never have been caught up in such a crime. I provided alibi witnesses and phone records that placed me at home during the timeframe of Anita's murder."
  — Mark Wolf [27:45]

Final Thoughts

The Gate serves as a poignant exploration of a tragic unsolved crime, highlighting the complexities of park safety, the challenges of law enforcement investigations, and the enduring quest for justice by a grieving family. Delia D’Ambra masterfully weaves together factual reporting with emotional narrative, urging the public to remain vigilant and compassionate in the pursuit of truth.

For more information and to possibly contribute to solving this case, please visit parkpredators.com or follow Park Predators on Instagram @arcpredators.