Park Predators – "The Neighbor"

Host: Delia D’Ambra
Date: October 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In "The Neighbor," Delia D’Ambra examines the 2013 disappearance and death of Michelle Will in South Dakota’s scenic Black Hills National Forest, just miles from Mount Rushmore. This episode navigates the complexities of domestic violence, the procedural hurdles of a case shrouded in ambiguity, and the relentless persistence of a friend seeking justice. The episode lays bare the paradox of beautiful landscapes haunted by darkness, as investigative twists echo the winding "Pigtail Bridges" of the region.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Black Hills and Michelle’s Disappearance

• Location Context: Black Hills National Forest, a striking 1.2-million-acre region known for Iron Mountain Road and its "Pigtail Bridges."
• Victim Background: Michelle Will, 38, was a free-spirited woman and mother of two, recently relocated from Texas to Custer, SD for a fresh start.
• Timeline:
  • August 22, 2013: Last sighting by friend Nancy Herman, who recalls Michelle's excitement for an upcoming Mount Rushmore trip with a new boyfriend (04:25).
  • August 27, 2013: Michelle is reported missing after failing to show up for work at the Wrangler Restaurant (08:23).
  • August 31, 2013: A decomposing, partially skeletonized female body is discovered near Iron Mountain Road (11:06).

2. The Investigation Unfolds

• Initial Confusion: Authorities initially have little to go on—no clear signs of foul play, cause/manner of death is "undetermined" (16:40).
• Identification: After several days, fingerprints match the remains to Michelle Will (18:30).
• Relationship Dynamics: Attention quickly turns to Michelle’s boyfriend, Richard Schmitz, identified as having a violent past.
  • "Several women who knew Michelle...told deputies that Michelle and Richard had a history of domestic violence." (21:05)

3. Richard Schmitz: A Troubled Past

• Extensive Criminal History: Forgery, burglary, domestic violence, aggravated battery, and more, dating back to 1988.
• Pattern with Women: Repeated accusations and convictions related to violence against women, including ex-wife and a previous girlfriend, Bonnie.
  • "His mom apologized to Bonnie for the way her son was, but by that point, it was a little too late, in my opinion." (40:13)
• Behavior Post-Disappearance: Stalked acquaintances for news about Michelle yet failed to report her missing himself.

4. Evidence and Alibis

• Richard’s Defense: Claimed Michelle left for Texas following an argument and shared suspicious text messages as proof (54:05).
  • "How would I get her out of the apartment and into my open top Jeep and drive her to Iron Mountain Road?" — Richard, when questioned about logistics of disposing the body (59:01).
• Cell Phone & Motel Evidence:
  • Cell phone data places Richard near the crime scene at a crucial time (01:10:40).
  • Hotel records and staff confirm Michelle and Richard stayed at the Brookside Motel the night she disappeared; Michelle paid with a prepaid card (01:13:30).
  • Michelle's belongings, including medications, later found hidden at Richard’s mother’s property.

5. Breakthroughs and Obstacles

• Forensic Review: Years pass without resolution; original cause of death remains undetermined, hindering prosecution.
• Persistent Advocacy: Michelle’s friend Nancy Herman championed the case, keeping public attention alive through social media and direct follow-ups with law enforcement (01:27:00).
  • "I started to shake and cry. I was so happy. It has been almost eight years since she was murdered. I stayed at it the whole time." — Nancy Herman on Richard's eventual arrest (01:38:10).
• New Forensic Opinion (2021): Independent pathologist Dr. Thomas Bennett concludes homicide is probable, enabling the cause of death on record to be changed and providing grounds for arrest (01:33:50).

6. Legal Proceedings and Resolution

• Arrest & Charges (2021): Richard Schmitz is charged with second-degree murder.
• Courtroom Challenges:
  • Defense contests expert testimony, prior bad acts, and other key evidence.
  • Prosecution highlights Richard’s history of power and control in relationships.
• Plea Negotiation: Charges are reduced to second-degree manslaughter in 2024. Richard enters an Alford plea—accepting punishment without admitting guilt—and is sentenced to 10 years, with credit for time served (01:41:00).
  • "You have a significant challenge dealing with romantic relationships in your life. I think you continue to remain a danger." — Judge at sentencing (01:41:50).

7. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Setting:
  • "The design of these iconic bridges mirrors some of the realities of the criminal investigation...what goes around comes back around." — Delia D'Ambra (03:18)
• On Domestic Violence:
  • "She would never leave her animals for a long period of time without making arrangements for someone to care for them." — Friend of Michelle, underscoring the improbability of voluntary disappearance (36:15)
• On Persistence:
  • "I had shared tips and leads with investigators so much that I probably made them mad. But I just wanted justice for Michelle." — Nancy Herman (01:38:25)
• On Tragedy & Systemic Failure:
  • "[Nancy] felt like the justice system had failed Michelle by allowing Richard so many opportunities to harm women and seemingly get away with it." — Delia D’Ambra (01:30:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Black Hills & Pigtail Bridges Context — 02:15
• Michelle’s Last Sighting — 04:25
• Discovery of Remains — 11:06
• Richard’s Background and Red Flags — 21:05
• Police Interviews & Alibis — 54:00–59:30
• Motel Evidence Emerges — 01:13:30
• Persistent Friend Nancy’s Campaign — 01:27:00
• Critical Forensic Turn — 01:33:45
• Richard’s Arrest & Nancy’s Reaction — 01:38:10
• Plea Deal & Sentencing — 01:41:00

Notable and Memorable Moments

• Richard’s “How would I get her…” statement (59:01): His casual speculation on the logistics of moving a body, noted by Delia as especially telling.
• Friendship and Advocacy: Nancy adopting Michelle’s beloved cats, maintaining a relentless social media push, and connecting with the Vidocq Society to seek external review.
• Twist Ending: After years of gridlock, a seemingly small procedural change—a new autopsy review—breaks the case open.
• Disturbing Revelation: Allegation from Richard’s family about a childhood incident resulting in his sister’s death, never officially ruled a crime.

Episode Tone & Closing

The tone is methodical, empathetic, and investigative, weaving together personal testimony, evidentiary details, and broader reflections on justice for domestic violence victims. Delia D’Ambra emphasizes both the persistence required for closure and the sobering limitations of the criminal justice system. She concludes with a call for those experiencing abuse to seek help, and a touching portrait of Michelle Will as remembered by her friends.

For further reading and domestic violence resources, refer to the episode show notes and Park Predators website.