Park Predators: Episode "The Trio" Summary

Host: Delia D’Ambra
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Trio" of Park Predators, investigative journalist and park enthusiast Delia D’Ambra delves into a chilling murder case that unfolded within the serene expanse of Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. This case not only highlights the dark underbelly hidden within a beloved natural sanctuary but also raises questions about motive, justice, and the complexities of human relationships in the wilderness.

Setting the Scene: Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest spans approximately 650,000 acres in Tennessee, serving as a recreational haven for camping, picnicking, and whitewater adventures. A particularly remote area within the forest, the Tellico River region, is renowned for its trout fishing and tranquil backcountry settings. However, in the summer of 2012, this picturesque locale became the backdrop for a brutal murder that would leave lasting scars on the community.

The Crime: June 26, 2012

At around 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, Doug, a visitor from Florida, discovered the body of 18-year-old Justin Klick near the Tellico River. Justin lay approximately 20 to 30 feet down an embankment beside River Road, with bullets and a pair of glasses strewn nearby (00:05).

Initial Discovery and Evidence Collection

Doug promptly reported his find to a ranger station, triggering a swift response from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival, deputies and a sergeant unearthed spent shell casings, live bullets, and personal items belonging to Justin, including a Red Bull can and cigarette butts. The evidence suggested a violent confrontation involving a 380-caliber firearm (00:25).

Autopsy Findings

An autopsy revealed that Justin had suffered multiple gunshot wounds—blunt force trauma to his torso, shots to his forearms, back, right arm, chest, and a fatal close-range shot to his head. Blood spatter indicated a possible chase down the embankment, hinting at a prolonged and desperate struggle (00:45).

Background of the Victim and Suspects

Justin Klick:
Justin was a recent high school graduate, employed at a tubing insulation plant in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Described by his mother, Ronnie Sisk, as a trusting and cheerful individual, Justin had a close-knit relationship with his stepfather, Dean, and his cousin by marriage, Steven Chrisman Jr.

Steven Chrisman Jr. and Charles Kyle:
Steven, 31, and his friend Charles Kyle, 51, were closely associated with Justin. Despite the age gap, Justin often spent time with Steven, fostering a strong familial bond.

Investigation Unfolds

Initial Leads

Following Justin's disappearance on June 25, his mother, Ronnie, initiated a search with the help of family members and friends. It wasn't until she was alerted to Justin's death that the investigation took a more serious turn (01:15).

Confessions and Suspicions

Charles Kyle confessed to witnessing the murder, claiming that Steven shot Justin after a falling out during a drinking session in the national forest. He detailed their attempt to destroy evidence by burning the truck and disposing of the firearm (02:00).

Notable Quote:
Retired Detective Doug Brannon stated, "Justin was executed after being forced to kneel and plead for his life," highlighting the brutality of the crime (02:30).

Tracing the Murder Weapon

Investigators faced the daunting task of locating the disassembled firearm amidst the rugged terrain and aftermath of a storm. Remarkably, they recovered the gun's frame, identifying its origin from a bulk purchase linked to a suspected biker gang. This connection suggested a premeditated element to the murder (03:15).

Legal Proceedings and Trial

Motions Hearing: July 5, 2012

Charles Kyle's defense attorney challenged the sufficiency of the probable cause for first-degree murder charges, arguing that Charles had no prior knowledge of the intended homicide. The judge concurred, ordering a more detailed warrant and temporarily dropping the initial charges against Charles (04:00).

Meanwhile, Steven Christman Jr. faced steadfast charges of first-degree murder, with his bond set at $350,000 due to his flight risk and extensive criminal history.

Preliminary Hearing and Indictments: August 1, 2012

Both men were indicted by a grand jury, with Steven formally charged with first-degree murder and Charles receiving modified charges for attempted first-degree murder and accessory after the fact. This legal progression underscored the strength of the prosecution's case based on the evidence and confessions provided (05:00).

Plea Deals: April 2014

A significant development occurred when both defendants opted to plead guilty to lesser charges—Charles to facilitation of second-degree murder and Steven to second-degree murder. These plea deals resulted in reduced sentences: Charles received eight years, while Steven faced a maximum of 15 years. As of the episode's recording, Charles had been released in 2019, whereas Steven remains incarcerated until March 2026 (06:30).

Unanswered Questions and Reflections

Delia D’Ambra raises critical questions about the case:

• Motive Authenticity: Steven's claim that Justin had sexually assaulted his daughter surfaced only post-murder, with no prior reports or evidence to support the allegation.

• Absence of Additional Charges: The individual who provided the accelerant for the truck fire remains unidentified and uncharged, despite their clear involvement in the cover-up.

• Biker Gang Connections: The traced firearm linked to a suspected biker gang adds another layer of complexity, yet little public information exists about these connections or potential further investigations.

Notable Quote:
Delia muses, "Sometimes murder is not complicated, but the circumstances that precede it, that contribute to it, can be," reflecting on the intricate web that often surrounds violent crimes (09:00).

Impact and Conclusion

The tragic loss of Justin Klick has left an indelible mark on his family and community. His mother, Ronnie, continues to mourn and grapple with the absence of closure, expressing regret over the plea deals that granted some semblance of justice but left many questions unanswered.

Final Thoughts:
Delia emphasizes the profound and lasting effects of such crimes, underscoring that while the act of murder may be straightforward, the underlying causes and repercussions are often deeply complex and enduring.

Closing Quote:
"The lives of these three men and their loved ones are forever changed," encapsulates the episode's somber reflection on the consequences of the tragedy (12:00).

Key Takeaways

• Complex Motives: The case illustrates how personal grievances and unverified allegations can escalate into tragic violence.

• Investigative Challenges: Recovering evidence in remote and adverse conditions poses significant hurdles for law enforcement.

• Legal Nuances: The legal process, including motions hearings and plea deals, can significantly alter the trajectory of justice.

• Lingering Questions: Unresolved aspects of the case highlight the limitations of investigations and the enduring quest for truth and closure.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Delia D’Ambra (00:05): "Doug put two and two together and realized that something was seriously wrong."

• Retired Detective Doug Brannon (02:30): "Justin was executed after being forced to kneel and plead for his life."

• Delia D’Ambra (09:00): "Sometimes murder is not complicated, but the circumstances that precede it, that contribute to it, can be."

Further Information

For a comprehensive list of source materials and additional resources related to this episode, visit parkpredators.com. Connect with Park Predators on Instagram @arcpredators for more updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

This summary encapsulates the key elements of "The Trio" episode, providing an in-depth overview for those who seek to understand the complexities of this tragic case within Cherokee National Forest.