Podcast Summary: Park Predators – Episode: "The Rest Stop"
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "The Rest Stop" from Park Predators, host Delia D’Ambra delves into a chilling crime that unfolded near Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Delia, an investigative journalist and passionate park enthusiast, meticulously unpacks the events surrounding the murder of Lavoine Parrish and the subsequent legal battles of the perpetrator, Christopher Dean Paul. This episode not only explores the harrowing details of the crime but also sheds light on the intricate web of investigations that spanned multiple states.
The Freeway Shooting Incident
The episode begins with a recounting of a violent encounter on September 16, 1998, involving California Highway Patrol Officer Richard Hedgecock. At approximately 8:30 PM (00:05:20), Officer Hedgecock observed a suspicious 1991 dark gray Mazda pickup truck exhibiting erratic driving behavior near Oceanside, California. Suspecting intoxication or driver fatigue, Hedgecock initiated a traffic stop.
As he approached the vehicle, Hedgecock noticed unusual modifications: an obscured license plate and a camper shell with a stretched-out sleeping bag, suggesting possible residency in the truck. When Hedgecock requested identification, the driver provided only a Social Security card, raising further suspicions.
Attempting to inspect the vehicle’s VIN, Hedgecock reached toward the driver’s side windshield, only to be met with sudden violence. The driver, revealing a 9mm handgun, fired two shots at Hedgecock:
- First Shot: Struck the officer's left chest above his bulletproof vest, exiting his left shoulder.
- Second Shot: Penetrated the visor of Hedgecock's motorcycle helmet.
Despite the severity of the assault, Hedgecock survived and managed to return fire, hitting the shooter in the head. The suspect, Christopher Dean Paul, was also left with a non-fatal gunshot wound.
Notable Quote:
"I felt like somebody hit me in the left shoulder with a sledgehammer. It took me an instant to figure out what was going on." – Officer Richard Hedgecock (00:12:45)
Investigation and Arrest
Following the shooting, Christopher Dean Paul was apprehended and charged with felony assault and attempted murder. Fingerprint analysis linked him to a past criminal record, revealing his status as a 34-year-old convicted felon from Phoenix, Arizona.
Investigators discovered discrepancies with the pickup truck's registration, which was under the name of a 67-year-old Idaho resident, Lavoine Parrish. This anomaly pointed toward Paul’s illicit use of the vehicle, igniting suspicions of deeper criminal involvement.
Christopher Dean Paul’s Background
Paul's criminal history painted the picture of a seasoned offender. Not only had he been convicted of armed robbery and burglary in Arizona, but two years prior, in August 1996, another near-fatal incident had occurred involving a motorist colliding with him during a traffic stop. This pattern underscored his volatile nature and propensity for violence.
The Victim: Lavoine Parrish
Lavoine Parrish, the unsuspecting victim, was an elderly man with a passion for railroads and Colorado's locomotive history. On September 13, 1998, while visiting Mesa Verde National Park, Parrish encountered Paul at the Sleeping Ute rest area along Highway 160. Their interaction quickly turned deadly as Paul lured Parrish under the pretense of showing him "real good Indian ruins" before shooting him in the chest and head to steal his vehicle.
Notable Quote:
"You took from us the kindest, gentlest man we ever had the privilege of knowing." – Lisa Parrish, Daughter of Lavoine Parrish (00:34:50)
Legal Proceedings
Paul’s arrest in California led to a complex legal journey involving multiple jurisdictions. Initially facing charges in California for the freeway shooting, Paul was also indicted in Colorado for the first-degree murder of Parrish. The prosecution highlighted Paul's pattern of violent behavior, leveraging his extensive criminal history to argue for severe sentencing.
During his preliminary hearing in San Diego County on October 21, 1998, Officer Hedgecock provided a harrowing testimony of the attack. Paul's demeanor in court was notably unremorseful, leading to heightened security measures within the courtroom.
Notable Quote:
"I could lie to you and tell you a nice story, but I'm a person without remorse. I wish I could feel remorse." – Christopher Dean Paul (00:45:30)
Sentence and Aftermath
In early March 2000, Paul accepted a plea bargain in Colorado to avoid the death penalty. He pled guilty to the murder of Parrish in exchange for the prosecution dropping other charges, including aggravated motor vehicle theft. Consequently, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Colorado, in addition to a 77-year sentence in California for the freeway shooting.
However, an unexpected turn in Paul's criminal trajectory occurred while incarcerated in California. In June 2002, he committed another murder within the prison system, targeting inmate Rick Wasson. This second act of violence resulted in an additional life sentence, effectively ensuring that Paul would spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
Impact on the Community and Reflections
The tragic loss of Lavoine Parrish resonated deeply within his community. During the sentencing hearing, Parrish's children expressed their grief and the profound impact of their father's violent end:
- Linda Parrish remarked, "You took away all our tomorrows. It is my wish that you have no tomorrows too." (00:50:15)
- Damron Parrish emphasized the irreversible loss, stating, "You took from us the kindest, gentlest man we ever had the privilege of knowing." (00:50:45)
Delia poignantly reflects on the irony and horror of Parrish being murdered by someone who would later face their own demise within the prison system:
"The irony of this tragedy is that he was murdered in cold blood by a self-confessed predator. A weak little man who should never see the light of day." – Delia D’Ambra (00:52:10)
Conclusion
"The Rest Stop" serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can lurk even in the most serene and beautiful settings like national parks. Delia D’Ambra masterfully weaves a narrative that not only recounts the facts of a heinous crime but also delves into the psychological and systemic failings that allowed a repeat offender like Christopher Dean Paul to wreak havoc across state lines. Through meticulous research and empathetic storytelling, this episode of Park Predators underscores the complex interplay between nature's tranquility and the darkness that can infiltrate it.
Key Takeaways:
- National parks, while places of beauty and tranquility, can be sites of unexpected and sinister events.
- The challenges of multi-jurisdictional investigations in cases involving repeated offenders.
- The profound and lasting impact of violent crimes on victims' families and communities.
Notable Quotes:
- "I felt like somebody hit me in the left shoulder with a sledgehammer. It took me an instant to figure out what was going on." – Officer Richard Hedgecock (00:12:45)
- "You took from us the kindest, gentlest man we ever had the privilege of knowing." – Lisa Parrish (00:34:50)
- "I could lie to you and tell you a nice story, but I'm a person without remorse. I wish I could feel remorse." – Christopher Dean Paul (00:45:30)
- "The irony of this tragedy is that he was murdered in cold blood by a self-confessed predator. A weak little man who should never see the light of day." – Delia D’Ambra (00:52:10)
Final Thoughts
Delia's in-depth exploration of "The Rest Stop" case not only entertains but also educates listeners on the complexities of criminal investigations and the unpredictable nature of human behavior within natural landscapes. This episode stands as a testament to the dark secrets that can be hidden beneath the surface of the world's most beautiful places.