Park Predators – “The Siblings” (November 4, 2025)
Host: Delia D’Ambra (audiochuck)
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode, Delia D’Ambra investigates the tragic murder of Laura Sinner, a 20-year-old woman found dead in the breathtaking yet remote Trinity Alps Preserve, adjacent to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. Through firsthand accounts, court records, and media reports, Delia unravels a harrowing tale of betrayal among a close-knit group of siblings and friends. This story is a stark reminder that the darkest secrets can hide in even the most beautiful places.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Setting the Scene: The Trinity Alps Preserve and the Discovery
- Background (05:20): Delia establishes the Trinity Alps Preserve as a popular spot for those seeking solitude and dispersed camping.
- Crime Discovery (06:12): On April 18, 1998, hikers found a recently used, abandoned campsite with trash and a makeshift firepit. In the charred remains, they noticed a human-shaped form and called the authorities.
- Body Found (07:27): Investigators discovered the nude, partially buried body of a young woman (later identified as Laura Sinner), showing signs of head and arm trauma, a bag over her head, wrist injuries, and bruises. Alcohol was detected at the scene.
Victim Profile: Laura Sinner
- Identification (09:15): Laura was IDed via her driver's license found in a purse near the body and later confirmed by dental records.
- Her Background (11:12): Laura had moved to California with her fiancé, Tim Smith, after her mother’s death. She was known as a kind, trusting, and helpful person, described by her family as having "a big heart."
- Personal Struggles (13:00): Her stepfather and brother recount her challenges, including struggling with a learning disability and dropping out of college after moving in with Tim.
The Group Dynamic and Rising Tensions
- Friend Group (14:00): Laura, Tim, and his half-siblings (Paul and Laurie Smith), along with Paul’s younger girlfriend Amy Stevens (14 years old), formed a tight but tumultuous group. Laurie’s boyfriend Eric Rubio also became involved.
- Tensions (15:43): Discord escalated, particularly over Laura’s vocal disapproval of Paul’s relationship with underage Amy. Jealousies and conflicts within the group intensified.
Key Events Leading to the Crime
- Camping Trip (20:17): Paul, familiar with the national forest, organized a camping trip with the intention of resetting group dynamics, but underlying resentments boiled over.
- Altercation & First Stories (21:24): Amy claimed Laura drunkenly tried to seduce Paul and, embarrassed, ran into the woods—never to return. Amy painted herself as a nonparticipant.
- Investigators’ Skepticism (22:30): Police questioned Amy’s account but lacked evidence to arrest her.
Shifting Stories and Breakthroughs in the Investigation
- Eric Rubio’s Arrest (23:41): After being found with Laura's car, Eric was interrogated. He said Amy and Laurie attacked Laura in a fight that became violent, with Amy slamming her head on a tree and Laurie hitting her with a can of beans (found at the scene).
- Paul’s Interrogation (30:05): Initially denied involvement but, faced with physical evidence (a bloody dent puller), Paul confessed to ultimately killing Laura after the girls' assault.
- Cover-Up (31:30): The group attempted to conceal the murder by burning and burying Laura’s body.
“What they did to her went beyond just simple murder. It's unimaginable to me. If they were so drugged up and didn't know what they were doing, then why did they hide the body?”
— Laura’s stepfather, on the group’s actions (37:13)
Arrests, Trials, and Sentencing
- Multiple Charges (32:51): All four (Paul, Laurie, Eric, Amy) were arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy, and other felonies.
- Court Proceedings (39:48): Details of the crime’s brutality emerged: the attempted use of Laura’s bank card, and the disturbing fact some ate from the same can used in the assault.
- Plea Deals & Testimonies (43:25):
- Laurie and Eric reached plea deals to testify against Paul.
- Amy, tried as a juvenile, was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years; considered a pawn but still responsible.
- Noted manipulation and duress used by Paul over the others, with threats to their safety if they talked.
Paul’s Separate Trial and Subsequent Violence
- Paul’s Attempted Jailbreak (49:41): While in custody, Paul violently assaulted a jail guard in a failed escape attempt.
- Trial Outcomes (51:32): Paul was sentenced to death, later commuted to life without parole on appeal over a legal technicality; Laurie and Eric received lengthy sentences. Amy was released in 2009.
“In my opinion, they are beyond rehabilitation and it's time to pay.”
— Prosecutor at Amy Stevens’ sentencing (47:10)
The Aftermath and Reflections
- Family Impact (58:20): Laura’s brother Ryan expressed profound grief, saying:
“I've lost that. I don't think I'll ever be able to go camping again.”
— Ryan Sinner, testifying at Paul’s sentencing (58:28)
- Justice System Observations (59:42): The judge, prosecutor, and coverage discuss influence, responsibility, and the complex dynamics of peer pressure, manipulation, and missed intervention opportunities.
- Witness Regret (1:00:31): A caretaker encountered Laura distraught and asking for help prior to her murder but, intimidated by Paul, left without intervening—a haunting missed chance.
- Host’s Reflection (1:02:01):
- Delia highlights how multiple people failed to intervene, stressing the importance of trusting your gut and acting on concerns.
“Trust your gut instinct. If it's telling us something is off, we should all stay just a little more vigilant. Because who knows, it could just save someone's life.”
— Delia D’Ambra’s closing reflection (1:03:11)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote or Moment | |-----------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 37:13 | Laura’s Stepdad | “What they did to her went beyond just simple murder... then why did they hide the body?” | | 47:10 | Prosecutor | “In my opinion, they are beyond rehabilitation and it's time to pay.” | | 58:28 | Ryan Sinner | “I've lost that. I don't think I'll ever be able to go camping again.” | | 1:03:11 | Delia D’Ambra (host) | "Trust your gut instinct... Because who knows, it could just save someone's life." |
Important Timestamps
- 05:20 – Introduction to Trinity Alps Preserve and camping culture
- 06:12 – Discovery of the abandoned campsite and initial investigation
- 09:15 – Identification of Laura Sinner
- 14:00 – Introduction to key group members and living arrangements
- 20:17 – Plan and purpose for the camping trip
- 21:24 – Amy's version of the events
- 23:41 – Eric Rubio found with Laura’s car; his statement
- 30:05 – Paul Smith's interrogation and shifting story
- 32:51 – Arrests and filing of charges
- 39:48 – Preliminary hearing and disturbing crime details
- 43:25 – Plea deals, division among co-defendants, and Amy’s fate
- 49:41 – Paul Smith’s violent jail behavior and escape attempt
- 58:20 – Laura’s family’s victim statements during sentencing
- 1:00:31 – Testimony of a bystander who might have intervened
- 1:03:11 – Host's closing reflection
Tone and Language
Delia maintains a sober, investigative tone, balancing compassion for the victim’s family with a methodical presentation of facts. Firsthand family and witness accounts add a deeply personal dimension, while her analysis at the close is reflective and gently admonishing—a call for empathy and vigilance.
Suggested Listeners
This episode is for true crime enthusiasts, especially those interested in stories involving complex group dynamics, rural or wilderness settings, and the devastating consequences of peer pressure and broken trust. It also serves as an important cautionary tale about staying vigilant for the warning signs of manipulation and violence in isolated, communal settings.
For more case details, visit: parkpredators.com