Park Predators: The Tenter

Host: Delia Diambra
Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "The Tenter," investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia Diambra delves into a chilling true crime story set in the serene landscapes of Concord, New Hampshire. This episode unravels the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of a retired couple, Steven and Wendy Reed, highlighting how even the most tranquil environments can harbor dark secrets.

The Disappearance of Steven and Wendy Reed

On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, [01:52] Delia Diambra recounts the unsettling morning when Susan Forry, a former commander with the New Hampshire State Police, became alarmed by her brother Steven Reed’s sudden absence.

Delia Diambra [01:52]: "On the morning of Wednesday, April 20, 2022, a woman named Susan Forry checked her cell phone to see if she had any texts or calls from her older brother, Steven Reed."

Steven, aged 67, and his wife Wendy, aged 66, had planned a tennis match that day but failed to appear, prompting Susan to investigate their sudden silence. Concerned, she visited their apartment complex, Out In Woods Apartments, only to find a disturbingly untouched home. With no immediate clues, she reported them missing by 6:20 PM.

Initial Investigation and Discovery

Delia details the early investigative efforts led by the Concord Police Department and the involvement of various search teams.

Delia Diambra [Detailed Time Unavailable]: "Search crews from the police department, New Hampshire State Police, and the Central New Hampshire Special Operations Unit fanned out along the trail system as well as adjacent roads around the apartment complex."

Despite thorough searches using search dogs and other resources, the couple remained missing until their bodies were discovered the following evening. The initial investigation revealed that both Steven and Wendy had been shot multiple times, with no immediate signs of forced entry or struggle within their apartment.

Key Witnesses and Emerging Clues

A pivotal witness, Nan Nutt, provided critical information that steered the investigation towards a suspect.

Delia Diambra [Around 25:00]: "Nan Nutt reported hearing five distinct gunshots near the Marsh Loop Trail around the time the Reeds were believed to have been murdered."

Nan described seeing the Reeds walking into a wooded area and later hearing gunshots, suggesting the possibility of an attack. Another witness corroborated hearing gunshots and spotting spent shell casings, although the initial search did not locate these casings immediately.

The Suspect: Logan Clegg

A breakthrough occurred months later when investigators identified Logan Clegg as a person of interest.

Delia Diambra [Approx. 55:00]: "Law enforcement officials in Burlington, Vermont picked up a 26-year-old unhoused man named Logan Clegg and brought him in for questioning."

Through meticulous tracking of surveillance footage and transaction records, detectives linked Logan to purchases of camping supplies found at an abandoned campsite near the crime scene. His alias "Arthur Kelly" and suspicious behavior further solidified his connection to the case. Despite initial denials, pieces of evidence such as a Glock 17 handgun found in his possession and ballistic tests linking his firearm to the bullets that killed the Reeds were compelling.

Trial and Conviction

Logan Clegg's trial was a tense courtroom battle, culminating in his conviction.

Delia Diambra [During Trial]: "The prosecution argued that Logan and Logan alone had murdered the Reeds. However, the state was unable to present a clear motive."

Although the prosecution failed to establish a definitive motive, the accumulation of circumstantial evidence and ballistic links led to Logan's conviction. He was sentenced to serve 50 years to life in prison for second-degree murder charges, among other convictions.

Family and Community Impact

The murders profoundly affected the Reed family and the Concord community.

Delia Diambra [Conclusion]: "If you read their obituary online, you'll see comment after comment from folks who knew and loved them over the course of many decades."

Steven and Wendy Reed were remembered as dedicated humanitarian workers with a global footprint. Their untimely deaths not only left their family devastated but also instilled a lingering fear within the community, leading to increased police patrols and heightened security measures in local parks and trails.

Conclusion

"The Tenter" serves as a stark reminder that beneath the veneer of natural beauty and peacefulness, darkness can lurk unexpectedly. Delia Diambra's thorough investigation and storytelling shed light on the complexities of true crime investigations and the profound impact such tragedies have on individuals and communities alike.

Delia Diambra [Final Thoughts]: "The legacy this couple left behind was said to be a remarkable one with a true global footprint. And even though in the end their lives were taken so violently, they did leave this world together."

Notable Quotes

• Delia Diambra [01:45]: "Is that good?"
  Context: Delia's lighthearted interaction amidst serious storytelling.

• Concord Police Chief [Date Unavailable]: "This is a tragedy. It came out of nowhere and we're going to be doing our due diligence and investing all of our resources and working with the state."

• Delia Diambra [Conclusion]: "Park Predators is an Audio Chuck production."

Acknowledgments

For a comprehensive list of sources and further information, listeners are encouraged to visit the Park Predators website and follow the podcast on Instagram @arcpredators.