Park Predators: Episode "The Marine" – Detailed Summary

Host: Delia D'Ambra
Production: AudioChuck
Podcast Description: Explore the dark side of the world’s most beautiful places with investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia D’Ambra. Each week, Delia guides you deep into national parks and forests across the globe, uncovering stories where nature’s breathtaking beauty has masked sinister secrets.

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Marine," host Delia D'Ambra delves into a harrowing murder case that unfolded within Joshua Tree National Park, California. This case intertwines elements of jealousy, manipulation, and addiction, ultimately revealing how a picturesque natural setting can harbor dark human emotions and actions.

Discovery of the Body

June 1, 2018 – Joshua Tree National Park

• Mark Powers' Hike: At noon, Mark Powers was hiking alone near the intersection of Bighorn Pass Road and Park Boulevard when he noticed vultures circling a spot 15 feet away.

  • Quote: “I just figured whatever the birds were after was likely a casualty of traffic.” (Delia, 00:05)

• Initial Investigation: The next morning, after reviewing Mark's photos of the vultures, his wife felt something was amiss and urged him to contact the park ranger. Rangers discovered a decomposed torso, leading to the identification of the victim, Henry Allen Stange, a 54-year-old from Murrieta, Riverside County.

Initial Forensic Findings

• Autopsy Results (June 4, 2018):

  • Multiple fractures on Henry's skull.
  • Wounds to his chest and neck from a sharp object, likely a knife.
  • Conclusion: The death was ruled a homicide.
  • Quote: “He didn’t get away with cold blooded murder.” (Delia, 07:30)

• Crime Scene at Henry’s Home:

  • Blood Evidence: Large blood pool (4ft x 2ft), drag marks, and blood-soaked towels found in the garage.
  • Security System Sabotage: Parked nearby, the home’s security camera archive system was destroyed, indicating the perpetrator had knowledge of the system and intent to eliminate evidence.
  • Quote: “It seemed more and more like the crime was personal.” (Delia, 12:15)

Investigating Henry's Life and Relationships

• Personal Struggles:

  • Addiction: Henry was battling a severe opioid addiction, exacerbated by a painful car accident and a pending divorce from his wife, Melissa Stange.
  • Financial Difficulties: Struggled to maintain basic utilities, highlighting his dire circumstances.
  • Ham Radio Hobby: Henry was active in the ham radio community, which later became crucial in tracking his last communications.

• Last Communications:

  • May 24, 2018: Henry was active on the ham radio until 3:55 PM, signing off saying, “my beautiful, lovely and smart Ashley was here.” (Delia, 20:50)

Emergence of Suspects: Curtis Kruger and Ashley Stapp

• Ashley Stapp:

  • Age: 27
  • Relationship: Simultaneously involved with Henry and Curtis Kruger, a 30-year-old U.S. Marine lieutenant.
  • Background: Met through Craigslist; allegations of domestic violence led to previous restraining orders, though many were dropped.

• Curtis Kruger:

  • Age: 32 (at the time of sentencing)
  • Occupation: First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, communications officer with extensive martial arts training.
  • Behavior: Displayed obsessive and controlling tendencies towards Ashley, including tracking her movements and threatening others.

• Timeline of Suspicion:

  • May 24, 2018: Curtis’s phone was near Henry’s house on the day Henry was murdered.
  • August 24, 2018: Wiretapped phone conversations between Curtis and Ashley revealed discussions about loading a body into Curtis's black truck and covering up their involvement.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

• Initial Arrest (August 29, 2018):

  • Charges: Curtis and Ashley were arrested for Henry's murder and conspiracy.
  • Evidence: Phone records, blood spatter, absence of forced entry, and sabotaged security system.

• Release from Custody (August 31, 2018):

  • Reason: District Attorney's office declined to file murder charges immediately, leading to their release due to the 48-hour holding period expiring.
  • Quote: “They just walked right out of the jail a few days after being arrested for murder surprised a lot of people.” (Delia, 25:10)

• Re-arrest and Formal Charges (December 2018):

  • Curtis: Charged with first-degree murder and later pled guilty to second-degree murder.
  • Ashley: Charged with accessory after the fact and kidnapping; later received a plea deal for harboring a person suspected of a felony.

Court Proceedings and Trial

• Trial Dynamics:

  • Curtis’s Defense: Claimed self-defense, stating Henry attacked him with a knife.
  • State’s Case: Presented evidence of Curtis’s obsessive behavior, motive rooted in jealousy, and incriminating digital evidence.
  • Quote: “I took an American's life thinking he was more of a threat than he was.” (Curtis, sentencing, 40:00)

• Outcome:

  • Verdict: Curtis was found guilty of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Sentence: 15 years to life for murder and an additional three years for assault.
  • Appeal: Curtis appealed his conviction, but the California Court of Appeals upheld the verdict in December 2021.

Ashley's Involvement and Sentencing

• Initial Charges: Accessory after the fact and kidnapping.

• Plea Deal:

  • Charges Dropped: Kidnapping.
  • Sentence: 300 days in jail (already served), probation for three years, and participation in a substance abuse treatment program.
  • Post-Conviction: Ashley continued to have issues with adhering to her rehabilitation program, leading to further legal complications.

• Final Statement:

  • Quote from Henry’s Sister: “Ashley was present at both attacks and she could have done something at any time. She didn’t. She’s equally guilty.” (Delia, 42:15)

Conclusion

The "Marine" episode of Park Predators meticulously unpacks the complex web of relationships, personal struggles, and obsessive behaviors that culminated in the tragic murder of Henry Stange. Through detailed investigation and courtroom drama, the episode highlights how love, addiction, and jealousy can intertwine disastrously, even in the serene settings of national parks. The resolution of Curtis Kruger's conviction stands as a testament to diligent investigative work, while Ashley Stapp's lesser sentence underscores the nuances and challenges within the legal system when dealing with accomplices and varying levels of culpability.

Notable Quotes

• Delia D'Ambra (02:05): “The most beautiful places hide the darkest secrets.”
• Detective (12:45): “Whatever had happened in there was not quick and said all signs pointed to a prolonged assault.”
• Curtis Kruger (40:00): “I took an American's life thinking he was more of a threat than he was. I destroyed a family, a beautiful American family.”
• Henry's Mother: “He was still breathing. Some part of him was holding on to life.”
• Henry's Sister Judy: “Ashley was present at both attacks and she could have done something at any time. She didn’t. She’s equally guilty.”

Final Thoughts

"The Marine" serves as a compelling exploration of how human emotions and flawed relationships can manifest in tragic ways, even in places designed for peace and reflection. Delia D'Ambra effectively illustrates the intersection of natural beauty and human darkness, reminding listeners that beneath the surface of serene landscapes lie stories of profound complexity and, sometimes, sinister actions.

For more information and source materials related to this episode, visit parkpredators.com and follow Park Predators on Instagram @arcpredators.