Park Predators: "The Hunters" – Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Park Predators
- Host: Delia D’Ambra
- Description: Investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia D’Ambra delves into the hidden darkness lurking within the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes, uncovering chilling stories where nature's splendor conceals sinister secrets.
- Episode: The Hunters
- Release Date: May 6, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "The Hunters," Delia D’Ambra explores a harrowing case of predatory violence within Florida's serene national forests. Delia meticulously unpacks the brutal murders of two seasoned hunters, Don Hill and Greg Wood, examining the motives, investigative challenges, and eventual resolution that shed light on the eerie phenomenon of predators targeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
The Murders: Don Hill and Greg Wood
Don Hill's Death in Osceola National Forest
Timestamp: [13:50]
Delia begins by recounting the tragic events of November 19, 1993, when 63-year-old Don Hill, a retired Navy chief petty officer from San Diego, California, was found murdered in Osceola National Forest, Florida. Don was an experienced outdoorsman who frequented the area for hunting. On that fateful Friday night, his son Joe Hill arrived to find Don's campsite locked and his vehicle missing, sparking immediate concern.
Key Details:
- Location: Osceola National Forest and Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area.
- Discovery: Joe Hill found his father's body near a tree stand, indicating foul play with multiple gunshot wounds.
- Evidence: Missing belt, hunting knife, and Don’s wallet suggested robbery motives.
Notable Quote:
"I imagine not wanting to send his mom into a panic or anything... but deep down, he was definitely worried by that point." – Delia D’Ambra [14:15]
Greg Wood's Murder in Camp Blanding Wildlife Management Area
Timestamp: [13:50]
Just days later, on November 24, 1993, Greg Wood, a 35-year-old armed veteran and hunter from Orange Park, Florida, vanished during his planned hunting trip. His body was discovered near Kingsley Lake, also indicating execution-style shooting with similar evidence to Don Hill's case.
Key Details:
- Date of Disappearance: November 24, 1993 (Thanksgiving Day).
- Discovery: Greg was found dead near a hunting blind, with his belongings missing.
- Evidence: Stolen firearms and personal items pointed towards robbery, though motives remained unclear.
Notable Quote:
"...the fact that he'd been shot twice with ammunition suspected to have come from a firearm that didn't belong to the gun he was hunting with was a strong indicator that he'd not died by suicide or some kind of bizarre hunting accident." – Delia D’Ambra [17:45]
The Investigation: Forming Task Force Orion
Initial Investigation Challenges
Timestamp: [13:50]
Delia outlines the initial investigation hurdles, including limited physical evidence and the brazen nature of the crimes. The murders shocked the hunting community, leading to heightened fear and changes in hunting practices, such as hunting in pairs for safety.
Formation of Task Force Orion
Timestamp: [22:10]
In response to the escalating fear and the connection between the two cases, Baker County and Clay County Sheriff's Offices, along with other agencies, established Task Force Orion on December 8, 1993. The task force aimed to consolidate resources and expertise to identify the perpetrator(s) responsible for the murders.
Key Actions:
- Tip Hotline: Established to gather information from the public.
- $20,000 Reward: Offered for credible leads.
- NCIC Database Entry: Greg Wood’s stolen firearms were cataloged to track their movement across the country.
Notable Quote:
"One murder was one thing, but two was super unusual... This was a crazy person doing this." – Business Owner, The Tampa Bay Times [19:30]
Suspect Identification: Jimmy Ray Beagle
Tracing the Stolen Handgun
Timestamp: [25:25]
Delia narrates how investigative detective Jim Redmond leveraged a pawn shop transaction to trace Greg Wood's stolen Smith & Wesson handgun. This led to Jimmy Ray Beagle, a 39-year-old security guard with a questionable background and a known fixation on firearms.
Key Findings:
- Pawn Shop Transaction: The stolen handgun resurfaced at Super Pawn in Palatka, Florida.
- Chain of Custody: Traced through multiple individuals to Jimmy Ray Beagle.
- Profile: Outgoing yet odd personality, failed attempts to join law enforcement, and a history of selling firearms to family members.
Notable Quote:
"Jimmy Ray was very cold... he could care less that Paul and Michael might have a man's murder pinned on them." – Paul Tyler, Cold Case Files [23:05]
Undercover Operations and Increased Pressure
Timestamp: [29:50]
Task Force Orion employed various strategies, including an undercover sting operation where Detective Redmond posed as bait in the wildlife management area. Although this initial attempt failed to draw out the suspect, it intensified the investigation.
Key Actions:
- Surveillance: Constant monitoring of potential hotspots.
- Community Alerts: Hunters were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The Confrontation: Standoff and Resolution
Interrogation Tactics
Timestamp: [35:10]
Delia details the intense interrogation techniques used to corner Jimmy Ray Beagle. Detective Redmond tailored the interrogation environment to leverage Beagle's newfound Christian faith, hoping to elicit a confession by appealing to his morality.
Key Elements:
- Clergy-Like Setup: Detective Redmond dressed to resemble a clergy member.
- Biblical References: Utilized to create psychological pressure.
Notable Quote:
"He revealed incriminating details about Don Hill's murder... Jimmy Ray threatened to kill detective Redmond if he didn't leave the room immediately." – Delia D’Ambra [37:20]
The Hostage Standoff
Timestamp: [38:00]
The situation escalated when Jimmy Ray Beagle brandished a firearm, leading to a nine-hour standoff with the SWAT team. During this tense period, Beagle communicated through messages detailing more about the murders but ultimately took his own life after a failed gas operation and an exchange of gunfire with authorities.
Key Outcomes:
- Confession Revealed: Through the standoff, Beagle inadvertently confessed to additional crimes, including arson.
- Closure on the Case: While Beagle’s death prevented formal charges, investigators were confident in his culpability.
Notable Quote:
"It's heartbreaking to think that was his reason for taking two lives. For gunning down in cold blood two men who had families and people who loved them." – Delia D’Ambra [39:40]
Conclusion: Reflections and Lessons Learned
Timestamp: [40:13]
Delia wraps up the episode by reflecting on the tragedy of Don Hill and Greg Wood's murders. She underscores the importance of vigilance among outdoor enthusiasts and the unsettling reality that predators can be closer than they appear, even within tight-knit communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Vigilance: Always remain cautious, even among seemingly familiar individuals.
- Investigation Complexity: Highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving crimes with limited evidence.
- Community Impact: The murders left a lasting fear in the hunting community, prompting changes in safety practices.
Notable Quote:
"Because sometimes predators are much closer than you may think." – Delia D’Ambra [40:00]
Final Thoughts
"The Hunters" episode of Park Predators masterfully combines detailed investigative storytelling with the haunting backdrop of Florida's national forests. Delia D’Ambra not only recounts the grim details of the case but also delves into the psychological and communal repercussions of such targeted violence against hunters. This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers that can lie beneath the surface of even the most peaceful natural settings.
For more detailed source material and additional episodes, visit parkpredators.com and follow Park Predators on Instagram @arcpredators.