Park Predators — "The Getaway" Episode Summary

Host: Delia D’Ambra
Date: April 21, 2026
Case: The Murder of Chris McCallum in Klamath National Forest, California (2012)

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, host Delia D’Ambra recounts the tragic story of Chris McCallum, a family man who was murdered during a late-season camping trip along the Applegate River in Klamath National Forest, near the California-Oregon border. Through meticulous investigation, Delia traces Chris’s final days, the puzzling web of stories told by those closest to him, and the relentless pursuit of justice by his father, Mike McCallum. This episode explores themes of betrayal, familial bonds, and the chilling reality that even the most idyllic natural settings can mask sinister secrets.

Key Discussion Points

1. Setting and Discovery

• Background: The crime occurs in a remote area of the Klamath National Forest, known for its rugged beauty and isolation ([03:11]–[07:00]).
  • “It’s a beautiful, pristine location and it’s hard to reconcile such a beautiful place with the violence that was committed there.” (Mike McCallum, [48:37])
• Timeline: In November 2012, Chris goes missing after a camping trip with his wife, Tricia, and her stepsister, Amber Lubers.
• Discovery: Chris’s body is found inside a rolled-up tent at the base of a nearby cliff, bound by rope, and riddled with bullet wounds ([12:30]–[15:40]).

2. Initial Investigation and Conflicting Stories

• Tricia’s Conflicting Accounts: Tricia offers inconsistent recountings of her and Chris’s last days together ([17:50]–[25:00]).
  • First claims she left Chris camping alone because he was meeting a friend.
  • Later stories include Amber Lubers’ presence in the camping trip, and changing timelines on their movements.
• Amber’s Version: Amber’s statements don’t align with Tricia’s, especially regarding their actions after Chris disappeared.
  • Discrepancies noted and highlighted in interviews ([27:00]–[29:50]).

3. Evidence Mounts and Motive Explored

• Physical Evidence: Investigators find camp supplies scattered, Chris’s wallet and phone in Tricia’s car, and surveillance footage that contradicts Tricia’s timeline ([30:00]–[36:30]).
• Autopsy Details: Chris was shot multiple times while in his sleeping bag, and the bullets matched Tricia’s registered .40 caliber handgun, although the weapon was never recovered ([38:20]–[42:50]).
  • “Several of his injuries had fibers from the sleeping bag… The ME concluded Chris had most likely been laying down asleep… when he was shot.” (Delia D’Ambra, [40:25])
• Possible Motive: Tricia’s financial dependence on Chris, marital discord, extramarital affairs, and discussions about life insurance ([45:00]–[50:30]).

4. Deeper Dive into Tricia’s Personal Life

• Online Activities: Tricia was involved in online dating and BDSM communities, seeking financial support and potential new partners ([50:30]–[53:20]).
• Testimony from Lover: Jeremiah, one of Tricia’s former partners, testifies about her desire for Chris’s death, conversations about life insurance, and her attempts to recruit someone to kill Chris ([54:00]–[57:10]).
  • “Her life would be much easier if Chris were dead.” (Testimony summary, [55:35])

5. The Confession and Arrest

• Amber’s Cooperation: Amber accepts a plea bargain and testifies that Tricia planned and executed the murder, shooting Chris multiple times in the tent and disposing of evidence ([59:00]–[01:05:20]).
  • Amber: “Tricia…grabbed her gun from the car and walked over to the tent… and shot him multiple times.” ([01:03:10])

6. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

• Plea Deal Frustration: Amber sentenced to only 16 months for accessory after the fact, much to Chris’s family’s dismay ([01:07:00]–[01:10:30]).
  • Chris’s mother: “This seems like a slap on the hand for all her involvement and participation.” (Sarah McCallum, [01:08:30])
• Trial Outcome: Tricia is convicted in December 2013 of first-degree murder, corporal injury to a spouse, and assault with a firearm. She maintains her innocence during sentencing ([01:19:00]–[01:25:00]).
  • “I did not kill my husband. I am sorry that all of you were fooled by Amber Lubers. I hope that someday you come to realize that I am just as much of a victim here as everyone else.” (Tricia, [01:24:20])
• Parole and Aftermath: Tricia remains incarcerated, not eligible for parole until at least 2036.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Intersection of Beauty and Violence:

  • “It’s a beautiful, pristine location and it’s hard to reconcile such a beautiful place with the violence that was committed there.” (Mike McCallum, [48:37])

• Family Impact:

  • “I miss you dearly. I’ll always love you, my dear sweet boy, my wonderful young man and daddy. I am happy to have been your mommy.” (Sarah McCallum, from obituary, [48:30])

• Judge Addressing Amber:

  • “Ms. Lubers, I must say that this is a windfall, A great windfall for you. You need to be thoughtful of that for a long time. The court understands that Ms. Lubers’s cooperation in assisting… is never going to be sufficient to compensate for Christopher McCallum’s life.” (Judge, [01:09:45])

• Tricia’s Statement to the Court:

  • "I did not kill my husband...I hope that someday you come to realize that I am just as much of a victim here as everyone else…” (Tricia, [01:24:20])

• Chris’s Father’s Closing Note:

  • “To Chris, one of the finest, toughest, smartest young men I have ever known. I was so proud to have you as my son and so pleased with all you had done. You will always be in my heart and in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace...” (Mike McCallum’s blog, [01:26:40])

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 03:11 | Introduction & scene setting at Applegate River | | 12:30–15:40 | Discovery of body and transition to homicide | | 17:50–29:50 | Discrepancies in Tricia & Amber’s stories | | 38:20–42:50 | Autopsy findings and forensic evidence | | 50:30–53:20 | Tricia’s online life and possible motives | | 54:00–57:10 | Jeremiah’s testimony; discussions of murder | | 59:00–1:05:20| Amber admits Tricia’s intent and describes the crime| | 1:07:00–1:10:30| Amber’s plea deal and family's reaction | | 1:19:00–1:25:00| Trial outcome, sentencing, and Tricia’s statement | | 1:26:40 | Mike McCallum’s closing tribute |

Tone and Delivery

Delia’s narration is meticulous, respectful, and measured, conveying the gravity of loss while honoring the tenacity of a family seeking justice. The episode blends empathy for the victim’s family with a no-nonsense approach to the disturbing realities of the case, offering listeners both solace and stark truths about human nature in wild places.

Conclusion

"The Getaway" is a poignant and thorough exploration of how darkness can invade even the most pristine corners of the world. Delia’s deep dive into Chris McCallum’s case underscores the heartbreak of familial betrayal, the complexities of motive, and the lasting strength of those left behind. Through primary sources, family accounts, and court testimony, this episode stands as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to a life lost too soon.