Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard Hosted by CBS News

Summary

Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard delves deep into the dark and complex story surrounding Mark Stover, a renowned dog trainer known as the "Dog Whisperer of the Pacific Northwest." Hosted by CBS News correspondent Peter Van Sant, this six-episode podcast meticulously unpacks a tragic love triangle that culminated in murder, exploring themes of obsession, fear, and the fragility of human relationships.

Introduction to the Case

The narrative begins on October 28, 2009, in the quiet town of Anacortes, Washington. Stephanie Poor, an employee at Mark Stover's dog training business, arrives at his residence only to find a disturbing scene—bloodstains, fresh tire marks, and the unsettling odor of bleach. Mark Stover is nowhere to be found, setting off a chain of events that would unravel a web of deceit and violence.

Mark Stover: The "Dog Whisperer"

Mark Stover's journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a celebrated dog trainer is central to understanding the ensuing drama. Gifted a German shepherd puppy as a teenager, Mark found purpose and solace in training dogs, eventually building a successful business catering to high-profile clients like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, and Howard Schultz, then CEO of Starbucks. His charisma and expertise earned him the moniker "Dog Whisperer of the Pacific Northwest."

The Relationship with Linda Opdyke

In 1992, Mark partnered with Linda Opdyke, the daughter of millionaire Wally Opdyke, to launch a dog training business. Their professional relationship blossomed into a marriage in 2002. However, post-marriage, Linda began to notice a stark transformation in Mark. He became aggressive, controlling, and obsessively monitored her finances and expenditures. By 2005, after 14 years together, the couple separated. Linda attempted to move on, but Mark's obsession intensified, leading to relentless stalking and threatening behavior.

Linda Opdyke (Timestamp 07:42): "I am so curious about your opinions. And I wasn't gonna ask, but I am so curious."

Introducing Michael Oakes: The Bodyguard

Fearing for her safety, Linda sought the protection of Michael Oakes, a self-taught security expert and single father of four. Michael became Linda's protector and soon the new love of her life. This development further fueled Mark Stover's jealousy and obsession, escalating the tension between the parties involved.

The Fateful Morning: October 28, 2009

On the morning of October 28, 2009, Michael Oakes received a message from Mark Stover, expecting him to bring wedding photos to meet at Mark's residence. Believing he could reason with Mark, Michael complied. However, the confrontation turned violent when Mark, armed with a gun, shot Michael in the Kevlar vest he was wearing. In a dramatic struggle, Michael managed to wrestle the gun away and fatally shot Mark. Panicked, Michael attempted to conceal Mark's body, eventually disposing of it in a nearby waterway. Despite his efforts, inconsistencies in his account raised suspicions, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction for first-degree murder.

Peter Van Sant (Timestamp 25:40): "So did Michael Ochs act in self-defense or was this a personal vendetta against Mark?"

The Trial and Conviction

Michael Oakes was charged with premeditated murder, pleading not guilty. The prosecution painted him as a vigilante who took matters into his own hands, while the defense argued that Michael acted in self-defense against a dangerous stalker. The trial was intense, featuring 50 witnesses and 700 pieces of evidence. Ultimately, the jury found Michael guilty, sentencing him to 26 and a half years in prison.

Unanswered Questions and New Perspectives

Over a decade later, Peter Van Sant revisits the case through his podcast, Trained to Kill, seeking to uncover unresolved mysteries and discrepancies in Michael Oakes' account. Peter expresses skepticism about the official narrative, highlighting:

• Discrepancies in Michael's Story: Michael claimed to have dumped Mark's body in a slough, but extensive searches with submersibles yielded no results. Peter questions how Michael knew specific details about Mark’s appearance and habits necessary to create a plausible cover story.

• Linda Opdyke’s Role: Linda's unwavering support for Michael and her transformation into a fortress equipped with firearms suggest deeper complexities in her relationship with both Mark and Michael.

• Security Camera Footage: Videos captured Michael at Mark’s residence shortly before the murder, raising questions about his intentions and movements that contradict his claims of self-defense.

Peter Van Sant (Timestamp 37:56): "I do not buy Michael Oakes's story for a moment."

Exploring Human Nature and Obsession

Peter delves into the psychological aspects of the case, emphasizing how base emotions like obsession, anger, and jealousy can drive individuals to extreme actions. He discusses how even successful and intelligent individuals can succumb to these primal instincts, leading to tragic outcomes.

Peter Van Sant (Timestamp 29:25): "It's one of the great levelers of human beings… Obsession and anger, hate, jealousy, envy. And regardless of how successful you are or how important you may be in this world, it's amazing how those emotions can take people down."

The Quest for Truth

Peter aims to shed light on the unresolved elements of the case, hoping that renewed interest and investigative fervor from listeners might unearth new evidence or perspectives. He underscores the importance of questioning established narratives and remaining open to alternative explanations.

Peter Van Sant (Timestamp 39:43): "I believe that he took the body because when he drove back to Linda's place… I believe he pulled off somewhere and dumped the body there. And the reason why he won't even to this day, because we, we asked him… He won't change his story today because that body, if recovered, of course, it would just be bones."

Conclusion

Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard presents a compelling examination of a case that intertwines personal relationships, power struggles, and the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly successful lives. Through meticulous investigation and critical analysis, Peter Van Sant invites listeners to reconsider what they thought they knew and to ponder the complexities of human behavior when pushed to the brink.

For those intrigued by the lingering questions and the possibility of uncovering new truths, Peter's podcast serves as both a tribute to thorough journalism and a call to action for amateur sleuths to engage and assist in piecing together the full story.

Notable Quotes:

• Linda Opdyke (01:01): "Up and vanish weekly is released every Wednesday and brought to you absolutely free… Thank you for your support."

• Peter Van Sant (29:25): "It's one of the things that in true crime, people can do the smartest people can do the dumbest things. And that's part of the fascination."

• Michael Ochs (26:44): "They’re dead."

• Peter Van Sant (45:50): "It's trained to kill the dog trainer, the heiress, and the bodyguard. I've read it about 15 times."

Trained to Kill not only revisits a chilling true crime case but also challenges listeners to engage deeply with the intricacies of human emotion and the pursuit of justice.