The Stars

Park Predators — “The Stars” (Jan 13, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode of Park Predators, investigative journalist Delia D’Ambra explores the unsolved double homicide of Brandon Rumbaugh and Lisa Guerreri, a young couple found shot to death while camping under the stars along Bumblebee Road in rural Yavapai County, Arizona. Delia retraces the investigation, key leads, impact on loved ones, and remarkable similarities with other outdoor murders, while reflecting on the vulnerability and darkness that can hide in even the world’s most beautiful places.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Crime

[01:44] Brandon (20) and Lisa (19) were found by friends in Paula Guerreri’s white Ford F150 on Sunday, Oct. 19, asleep in their sleeping bags but deceased.
Initially, there were no obvious signs of trauma; later confirmed multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
No drugs, alcohol, robbery, or sexual assault indicated; physical evidence was scarce.

2. Victims’ Last Movements

[05:30] Couple left Friday night for a camping trip to celebrate their one-year anniversary at a sentimental spot (Bumblebee) — their first date locale.
Planned to return Paula's truck by Saturday morning since Brandon had to work.
Regular check-ins with family were expected; when they didn't return or contact anyone, families grew concerned.

3. Immediate Aftermath and Search

[08:40] Paula (Lisa's mother) reported an early sense of dread:

"About 9 o'clock in the morning on Saturday... I just knew in my heart something was terribly wrong."
Families initiated their own search when authorities and park rangers weren’t immediately available.

4. Initial Investigation and Community Fear

[12:58] No shell casings, tire tracks, or robbery.
Law enforcement weighed random versus targeted violence (“Do we believe that this was a random act... Not necessarily. Can we rule it out? Not necessarily.”)
Recreationalists became wary; local campsite safety practices were critiqued.

5. Victims’ Backgrounds & Community Response

[17:30] Both were college students with close families and jobs. Described as cheerful, diligent, and loving.
Community rallied: car washes, funeral services, and fundraising for funeral costs.

6. Person of Interest and Leads

[22:02] Authorities sought a Phoenix man (“Michael”) who had been in the area with a black Ford F150; he was quickly ruled out after cooperation.
[23:45] Mention of a possible argument days earlier between Brandon and an unknown “tall, husky man, around 40”; never identified.

7. Striking Similarities to Other Cases

[28:30] Another double homicide occurred in May 2004 (Ray Middaugh & Omer Casey); initial suspicions of a serial connection were officially denied.
[33:47] Comparison to Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen (California, 2004) — similar M.O. (shot while sleeping, no robbery, no shell casings), but the cases proved unrelated.

8. Ongoing Investigation and Evidence

[39:12] Despite extensive media coverage and reward (eventually $16,000), leads dried up; frustration and grief for families grew with each anniversary.
[43:24] Notable evidence later revealed:
- Missing video camera (belonged to Lisa's mom, Paula).
- Lisa’s keys and the actual camera missing; a broken disposable camera found 100 ft away with undeveloped film.
- Two final photos (one of Brandon, one of Lisa), both smiling in the truck at night—likely the last taken of them alive.
- One overexposed photo of a light fixture, later established as taken inside a local restaurant.

9. Recent Developments

[47:46] As of Sept. 2023, new forensic work underway:

"One item of evidence retrieved from the crime scene was at a DNA lab... they were in the midst of doing genealogy work to narrow down and identify who the DNA belonged to."
Commander's speculation that Lisa may have been awake during the attack.
Questions remain on the disposable and missing video camera.

10. Family Grief, Legacy, and Broader Implications

[49:58] Paula Guerreri passed away in late 2024 without answers; her persistence and heartbreak highlighted.
Brandon's mother, Desiree, found solace helping others through yoga and meditation:

"There is so much suffering and scarcity in the world, and there is so much joy and abundance. ...There is a healthy way to learn how to accept whatever has happened in the past and embrace your life with gratitude and regain motivation. No one said it was easy, but then, nothing worth having is ever easy."
The community continues to mourn, remember, and push for answers.

11. New and Related Crimes

[53:41] Reference to a 2025 double homicide in Maricopa County (Pandora Schillsrude and Evan Clark) during a camping trip. Suspect in custody, contrasting to Brandon and Lisa’s still-unsolved case.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On community worry:
“Do we believe that this was a random act and that there’s a crazy person running around? Not necessarily. Can we rule it out? Not necessarily.” — Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant [15:19]
On safety in the outdoors:
“When you go camping, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and who is around you... Never take things for granted because you’re out there underneath the stars.” — US Forest Service officer [56:09]
Paula Guerreri on not giving up:
“Here we are 14 years later. I just hope that this is solved before I go, before I die. I want to know who did it. But it could be that it’s not going to happen because Lisa doesn’t want me to know who did it.” [50:38]
Desiree Rumbaugh on moving forward:
“There is so much suffering and scarcity in the world, and there is so much joy and abundance when faced with loss or pain, there is a tendency toward resignation and a withdrawal from living fully. ...No one said it was easy, but then, nothing worth having is ever easy.” [51:11]

Timestamps of Key Segments

00:00 Intro/context
01:44 Discovery of bodies
05:30 Victims’ last known activities
08:40 Family search efforts, early dread
12:58 Initial investigation, lack of evidence
15:19 Law enforcement on “random act”
17:30 Victims’ backgrounds and community response
22:02 Person of interest ("Michael")
23:45 Mysterious argument with unknown man
28:30 Similar crime (Middaugh & Casey)
33:47 California couple comparison
39:12 Case turning cold/frustration
43:24 Evidence: missing camera, final photos
47:46 Forensic updates and genealogy testing
49:58 Family grief, coping, and legacy
50:38 Paula’s plea for answers
51:11 Desiree’s healing journey
53:41 Reference to 2025 double homicide
56:09 Law enforcement’s final advice on outdoor safety

Conclusion

“The Stars” details a haunting case of innocence turned tragedy amidst Arizona’s scenic desert, where two young lives were lost under mysterious, star-lit circumstances. Delia D'Ambra provides a thorough, empathetic, and investigative retelling, lifting the stories of both the victims and their families while illustrating the complex challenges of solving crimes in vast, wild places. The episode closes with a solemn call to remain vigilant in nature — because sometimes, as Delia notes, “the most beautiful places hide the darkest secrets.”

If you have information:
Contact Yavapai Silent Witness at yavapaisw.com or 1-800-932-3232.

Park Predators — “The Stars” (Jan 13, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Crime

[01:44] Brandon (20) and Lisa (19) were found by friends in Paula Guerreri’s white Ford F150 on Sunday, Oct. 19, asleep in their sleeping bags but deceased.
Initially, there were no obvious signs of trauma; later confirmed multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
No drugs, alcohol, robbery, or sexual assault indicated; physical evidence was scarce.

2. Victims’ Last Movements

[05:30] Couple left Friday night for a camping trip to celebrate their one-year anniversary at a sentimental spot (Bumblebee) — their first date locale.
Planned to return Paula's truck by Saturday morning since Brandon had to work.
Regular check-ins with family were expected; when they didn't return or contact anyone, families grew concerned.

3. Immediate Aftermath and Search

[08:40] Paula (Lisa's mother) reported an early sense of dread:

"About 9 o'clock in the morning on Saturday... I just knew in my heart something was terribly wrong."
Families initiated their own search when authorities and park rangers weren’t immediately available.

4. Initial Investigation and Community Fear

[12:58] No shell casings, tire tracks, or robbery.
Law enforcement weighed random versus targeted violence (“Do we believe that this was a random act... Not necessarily. Can we rule it out? Not necessarily.”)
Recreationalists became wary; local campsite safety practices were critiqued.

5. Victims’ Backgrounds & Community Response

[17:30] Both were college students with close families and jobs. Described as cheerful, diligent, and loving.
Community rallied: car washes, funeral services, and fundraising for funeral costs.

6. Person of Interest and Leads

[22:02] Authorities sought a Phoenix man (“Michael”) who had been in the area with a black Ford F150; he was quickly ruled out after cooperation.
[23:45] Mention of a possible argument days earlier between Brandon and an unknown “tall, husky man, around 40”; never identified.

7. Striking Similarities to Other Cases

[28:30] Another double homicide occurred in May 2004 (Ray Middaugh & Omer Casey); initial suspicions of a serial connection were officially denied.
[33:47] Comparison to Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen (California, 2004) — similar M.O. (shot while sleeping, no robbery, no shell casings), but the cases proved unrelated.

8. Ongoing Investigation and Evidence

[39:12] Despite extensive media coverage and reward (eventually $16,000), leads dried up; frustration and grief for families grew with each anniversary.
[43:24] Notable evidence later revealed:
- Missing video camera (belonged to Lisa's mom, Paula).
- Lisa’s keys and the actual camera missing; a broken disposable camera found 100 ft away with undeveloped film.
- Two final photos (one of Brandon, one of Lisa), both smiling in the truck at night—likely the last taken of them alive.
- One overexposed photo of a light fixture, later established as taken inside a local restaurant.

9. Recent Developments

[47:46] As of Sept. 2023, new forensic work underway:

"One item of evidence retrieved from the crime scene was at a DNA lab... they were in the midst of doing genealogy work to narrow down and identify who the DNA belonged to."
Commander's speculation that Lisa may have been awake during the attack.
Questions remain on the disposable and missing video camera.

10. Family Grief, Legacy, and Broader Implications

[49:58] Paula Guerreri passed away in late 2024 without answers; her persistence and heartbreak highlighted.
Brandon's mother, Desiree, found solace helping others through yoga and meditation:

"There is so much suffering and scarcity in the world, and there is so much joy and abundance. ...There is a healthy way to learn how to accept whatever has happened in the past and embrace your life with gratitude and regain motivation. No one said it was easy, but then, nothing worth having is ever easy."
The community continues to mourn, remember, and push for answers.

11. New and Related Crimes

[53:41] Reference to a 2025 double homicide in Maricopa County (Pandora Schillsrude and Evan Clark) during a camping trip. Suspect in custody, contrasting to Brandon and Lisa’s still-unsolved case.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On community worry:
“Do we believe that this was a random act and that there’s a crazy person running around? Not necessarily. Can we rule it out? Not necessarily.” — Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant [15:19]
On safety in the outdoors:
“When you go camping, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and who is around you... Never take things for granted because you’re out there underneath the stars.” — US Forest Service officer [56:09]
Paula Guerreri on not giving up:
“Here we are 14 years later. I just hope that this is solved before I go, before I die. I want to know who did it. But it could be that it’s not going to happen because Lisa doesn’t want me to know who did it.” [50:38]
Desiree Rumbaugh on moving forward:
“There is so much suffering and scarcity in the world, and there is so much joy and abundance when faced with loss or pain, there is a tendency toward resignation and a withdrawal from living fully. ...No one said it was easy, but then, nothing worth having is ever easy.” [51:11]

Timestamps of Key Segments

00:00 Intro/context
01:44 Discovery of bodies
05:30 Victims’ last known activities
08:40 Family search efforts, early dread
12:58 Initial investigation, lack of evidence
15:19 Law enforcement on “random act”
17:30 Victims’ backgrounds and community response
22:02 Person of interest ("Michael")
23:45 Mysterious argument with unknown man
28:30 Similar crime (Middaugh & Casey)
33:47 California couple comparison
39:12 Case turning cold/frustration
43:24 Evidence: missing camera, final photos
47:46 Forensic updates and genealogy testing
49:58 Family grief, coping, and legacy
50:38 Paula’s plea for answers
51:11 Desiree’s healing journey
53:41 Reference to 2025 double homicide
56:09 Law enforcement’s final advice on outdoor safety

Conclusion

If you have information:
Contact Yavapai Silent Witness at yavapaisw.com or 1-800-932-3232.

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Summary

Park Predators — “The Stars” (Jan 13, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Crime

2. Victims’ Last Movements

3. Immediate Aftermath and Search

4. Initial Investigation and Community Fear

5. Victims’ Backgrounds & Community Response

6. Person of Interest and Leads

7. Striking Similarities to Other Cases

8. Ongoing Investigation and Evidence

9. Recent Developments

10. Family Grief, Legacy, and Broader Implications

11. New and Related Crimes

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

Park Predators — “The Stars” (Jan 13, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Crime

2. Victims’ Last Movements

3. Immediate Aftermath and Search

4. Initial Investigation and Community Fear

5. Victims’ Backgrounds & Community Response

6. Person of Interest and Leads

7. Striking Similarities to Other Cases

8. Ongoing Investigation and Evidence

9. Recent Developments

10. Family Grief, Legacy, and Broader Implications

11. New and Related Crimes

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps of Key Segments

Conclusion