Park Predators: Episode Summary – "The Suit"

Release Date: January 7, 2025
Host: Delia D’Ambra

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Suit," Delia D’Ambra delves into a haunting true-crime story set within the serene expanse of the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma. This episode meticulously unpacks a case that has lingered unresolved for over two decades, uncovering the dark motives and intricate investigations behind the brutal murders of Charles and Shirley Chick.

The Crime Scene

On the afternoon of Friday, July 11, 2003, tragedy struck the Winding Stair Campground in Ouachita National Forest. A man on a motorcycle stumbled upon a gruesome scene: a man lying face down with his right shoe missing and a woman's body nearby, both deceased from gunshot wounds. Intriguingly, a 1996 Ford Econoline van found at the site bore a Texas license plate with signs of forced entry ([02:15]).

Quote:
"We were dealing with a homicide where the victims were clearly strangers to the area, and there was no immediate sign of a weapon." — Delia D’Ambra ([05:45])

Identification and Investigation

Authorities swiftly identified the victims as Charles (47) and Shirley Chick (50) from Hearst, Texas, through dental records. The couple, avid outdoor enthusiasts with a penchant for dispersed camping, had registered at the campground just three days prior to their demise. Investigators were baffled by the lack of a clear motive and the absence of a firearm at the scene, ruling out a murder-suicide scenario.

Quote:
"The meticulousness of the crime suggested premeditation, but nothing pointed directly to a suspect initially." — Delia D’Ambra ([10:20])

Emergence of Edward Leon Fields Jr.

A breakthrough came when a 33-year-old woman from Worcester, Oklahoma, Carol Lamb, provided a tip linking the murders to Edward Leon Fields Jr. Her revelation connected Edward to the crime scene through a homemade camouflage suit and a .22 caliber rifle—items matching evidence found at the site.

Quote:
"Edward had taken measures to blend into his surroundings, turning himself into a predator within the very heart of nature's beauty." — Delia D’Ambra ([18:30])

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

On Friday, July 18, Edward was apprehended at a plastics warehouse in Poto, Oklahoma. The search of his Chevy pickup truck yielded the ghillie suit, .22 caliber rifle, prescription medications, and computers. The absence of a clear motive perplexed investigators, as Edward had no significant criminal history prior to the murders.

During his sentencing hearing, Edward attempted suicide, raising questions about his mental competency. However, he was deemed fit to stand trial and was subsequently indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and using a firearm during a violent crime.

Quote:
"His actions were calculated and cold, reflecting a chilling transformation from a nature lover to a lethal predator." — Delia D’Ambra ([22:10])

Defense and Sentencing

Edward's defense team highlighted his long history of chronic depression and bipolar disorder, attributing his violent actions to a "manic flip" induced by the antidepressant Effexor. They argued that his mental health issues impaired his judgment, leading to the horrific murders.

Despite the defense's arguments, the prosecution maintained that Edward's premeditated actions were inexcusable, presenting a ghillie suit as evidence of his intent to become undetectable in the wilderness.

Quote:
"This creature coming from the woods toward her. For Shirley, Chick’s death took this form." — Prosecutor ([30:50])

Ultimately, the jury sentenced Edward to death, marking a significant moment as the first death sentence in Oklahoma's federal system in twelve years.

Appeals and Commutation

Edward filed multiple appeals citing ineffective assistance of counsel and exacerbated mental health issues, including organic brain damage. Despite these efforts, his death sentence was upheld through various court rulings. However, in December 2024, President Joe Biden commuted Edward's sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, along with 36 other federal inmates.

Quote:
"This case serves as a stark reminder that evil can manifest even in the most picturesque and tranquil settings." — Delia D’Ambra ([35:50])

Conclusion

Delia D’Ambra closes the episode by reflecting on the tragic loss of Charles and Shirley Chick, emphasizing the randomness and brutality of their murders. The case of Edward Leon Fields Jr. underscores the complex interplay between mental health and criminal behavior, leaving listeners to ponder the depths of human darkness that can lurk beneath nature's facade.

Final Quote:
"This reminds us that evil doesn't just live in the city, it comes to the country, too." — National Forest Spokeswoman ([36:35])

Additional Resources

For a comprehensive list of sources and further information on this episode, listeners are encouraged to visit parkpredators.com and follow Park Predators on Instagram @arcpredators.

Park Predators continues to unravel the hidden sinister tales that lie beneath the world's most beautiful natural landscapes, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving and danger can lie in unexpected places.