Park Predators — "The Unspeakable"
Host: Delia D’Ambra
Episode Date: March 24, 2026
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode, investigative journalist Delia D’Ambra explores the 2014 disappearance and murder of 19-year-old Erin Corwin in and around Joshua Tree National Park, California. “The Unspeakable” is a deeply researched, emotionally resonant look into how an illicit affair, hidden trauma, and the vast, beautiful desolation of a national park became the backdrop for an unthinkable crime. Drawing from Shanna Hogan’s book, Secrets of a Marine’s Wife, and exclusive interviews—including one with Erin’s mother, Lore Heavlin—Delia unpacks the complex details of Erin’s life, the investigation, and the tragic ripple effects of her murder.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Disappearance (03:25–10:55)
- Erin’s Last Day: On June 28, 2014, Erin Corwin leaves home to scout Joshua Tree for her upcoming birthday plans with her mother.
- John Corwin’s Worry: Her husband John grows increasingly concerned when Erin doesn’t return or answer calls. By the next morning, he files a missing persons report with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
- Initial Search Efforts: Friends, family, Marines, and search crews comb the area. Erin’s Toyota Corolla is found abandoned five miles outside Joshua Tree’s boundary (10:55).
2. The Corwin-Lee Dynamics (11:00–16:30)
- Revelation of an Affair: Investigators discover Erin had an affair with neighbor Chris Lee, contradicting his initial statements.
- Community Ties: The Corwins and Lees are both young Marine families living in close quarters, forming tight yet ultimately volatile bonds.
- Marital Strife: Both marriages are stressed by financial troubles, pregnancy loss, and ultimately infidelity.
3. The Investigation Tightens (16:30–24:20)
- Love Notes & Clues: Searches turn up further evidence of the affair—love notes, references to possible plans together in Alaska, and missing weapons owned by Chris Lee.
- Chris Lee’s Story: Chris provides shifting stories, claiming to have been alone hunting the day Erin disappeared and denying the affair was sexual—statements later contradicted by witnesses and evidence.
- Pregnancy Secret: Erin, newly pregnant, confides to a friend that Chris is possibly the father, suggesting greater motive for secrecy (21:36).
“She was about three weeks along when they discovered she was expecting... Secretly, Erin suspected the baby wasn’t John’s.” — Delia D’Ambra (20:00-20:30)
4. Mounting Evidence & Chris Lee’s Arrest (24:20–31:00)
- Cell Data & Behavioral Red Flags: Chris’s phone is suspiciously powered down; hunting buddy observes him with a propane tank and expresses intent to “blow up a mine shaft.”
- Lack of Physical Evidence: Detectives lack direct evidence tying Chris to Erin’s disappearance, but circumstances raise serious suspicions.
- Chris Arrested: Eventually arrested on an unrelated charge (possession of a potato launcher), Chris is released on bail and flees to Alaska with his family.
5. Discovery and Forensic Breakthroughs (32:28–36:30)
- The Mineshaft: After nearly two months, Erin’s decomposed body is found at the bottom of a remote, 140-foot-deep mine shaft, along with evidence of an attempted cover-up (propane tank, rope, zip ties, makeshift torch).
- Determining Cause of Death: Autopsy confirms strangulation by garrote and possible blunt force trauma. DNA evidence on objects links Chris and Erin to the crime scene.
“The smell of accelerant on many of those items, as well as inside the mine itself… suggested that whoever had put the stuff down there intended for it to burn. But it hadn’t, because the depth of the mine had restricted the presence of oxygen.” — Delia D’Ambra (34:04-34:27)
6. The Trial and Aftermath (36:31–43:10)
- Physical Evidence: Sprite bottle, climbing rope, torch, and love notes all contain Chris’s DNA.
- Chris’s Defense: On the stand, Chris changes his story, admits to the sexual nature of the affair, but claims in court (for the first time) that Erin had molested his daughter—a claim wholly unsupported by any prior report or evidence.
- Verdict & Sentencing: Jury finds Chris Lee guilty of first-degree murder; he receives life without parole.
- No Charges for Fetal Death: Prosecutors consider but ultimately do not pursue further charges related to Erin’s unborn child.
“Every ounce of love I had for her turned into hate. I felt justified in a way because of how angry I was.” — Chris Lee, testifying (approx. 40:00-40:30)
7. Erin’s Legacy & Family’s Grief (43:10–44:46)
- Lore’s Perspective: Erin’s mother, Lore, insists blame falls solely on Chris, and that an affair—while a hurtful mistake—should never have cost Erin her life.
- Memorial Garden: A small garden near Joshua Tree now marks a tribute to Erin, with Lore finding solace in memories and her own work helping others process loss.
“Having an affair was not right, but it didn’t deserve death, number one. But having an affair involves two people... Each person has the ability to say, ‘No, I’m not going to do this.’ And just remember that just because someone’s made a wrong choice doesn’t mean that they’re an evil, horrible person. The ripple effect this case had shattered so many lives on both sides.” — Lore Heavlin (43:22-43:50)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Lore’s Enduring Grief: “...if Erin could know that, she’d be thrilled. Even now, more than a decade without her daughter, Lore is still able to smile or chuckle at things that would have made Erin happy. She’s confident her daughter is in a better place…” (44:10-44:30)
- On Erin’s Early Life: “She was the second youngest of seven children and had come to the family from foster care at just three weeks old. Eventually, her family legally adopted her and she lived a sheltered but fulfilling life. She had a passion for taking care of animals and loved riding horses, according to her mom.” — Delia D’Ambra (after 42:30)
- On the Injustice: “There was no good outcome for anyone in this situation. Today, a small garden exists near Joshua Tree National Park... Over the years, people have left mementos and several purple cacti have disappeared. Initially everyone thought it was visitors who were stealing the plants, but turns out native jackrabbits were making off with them as a source of food. Lore told me that if Erin could know that, she’d be thrilled.” — Delia D’Ambra (44:00-44:25)
Notable Timestamps
- 01:28 — Delia sets up research background; introduces Erin’s mother, Lore Heavlin.
- 03:25 — Account of Erin’s last known movements and first stage of investigation.
- 10:55 — Discovery of Erin’s abandoned Toyota Corolla.
- 21:36 — Erin’s pregnancy revelation and suspected paternity.
- 32:28 — Search team discovers the mineshaft and Erin’s remains.
- 36:31 — Forensic breakthroughs and charges against Chris Lee.
- 40:00-40:30 — Chris Lee’s testimony with disturbing, unsupported claims.
- 43:10-44:46 — Lore’s reflections, Erin’s legacy, and the episode’s emotional conclusion.
Tone & Approach
Delia D’Ambra’s narration combines empathy, journalistic precision, and a deep respect for the Corwin family. The episode avoids sensationalizing the tragedy, instead honoring Erin’s life, addressing the consequences of difficult choices, and emphasizing the catastrophic, far-reaching impact of the crime.
Further Resources
- Secrets of a Marine’s Wife by Shanna Hogan (investigative source)
- Remembering Erin Corwin Facebook Page
- Justice for Erin Facebook Group
- parkpredators.com (show notes and sources)
This summary offers a comprehensive and accessible understanding of "The Unspeakable," providing listeners and non-listeners alike with the critical facts, emotional context, and legacy of a haunting crime in one of America’s most picturesque places.