Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard
Episode: Put Up or Shut Up
Host/Author: CBS News (Peter Van Sant)
Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard is a gripping six-episode podcast series by CBS News that delves into a dark and complex love triangle involving Mark Stover, Linda Updike, and Michael Ochs. In the fifth episode, titled "Put Up or Shut Up," host Peter Van Sant unravels the events leading up to Mark Stover's mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder, as well as the intricate investigation that followed.

Background: The Triangle Formed

Mark Stover, renowned as the dog whisperer of the Pacific Northwest, was not only a talented dog trainer but also a charismatic individual who caught the attention of Linda Updike, a wealthy blonde heiress. Their relationship blossomed into a business partnership and marriage, drawing public and media interest.

However, Linda revealed a darker side of Mark. As their marriage began to deteriorate, Mark's obsession became apparent. When Linda attempted to leave the marriage, Mark’s behavior escalated to obsessive stalking, leading her to seek the protection of Michiel Ochs, a security expert who soon became Linda's new love interest and bodyguard.

The Fateful Night: October 28, 2009

The episode zeroes in on the night of October 28, 2009—a pivotal moment that changed the lives of those involved.

Confrontation at Mark's House

In the early hours of that morning, Michael Ochs was observed on surveillance footage driving to Mark Stover's house in Anacortes. When questioned, Michael firmly denied any intent to kill Mark.

Michael Ochs [01:11]: "I most certainly did not."

Upon arrival, Michael was instructed by Mark to park a quarter mile away at a church parking lot. This strange directive set the stage for a bizarre and tense encounter.

The Altercation

Michael described being escorted into Mark's house, where he was confronted with demands to produce missing wedding photographs. The situation quickly escalated when Mark, accompanied by his trained attack dog, Ding, grew agitated.

Michael Ochs [02:22]: "It certainly did sound bizarre, and I certainly was frightened."

As tensions peaked, Mark allegedly turned and pulled a gun, shooting Michael in the chest. However, Michael claimed he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which allowed him to survive the shot. Utilizing his security expertise, Michael retaliated by grabbing Mark’s gun and shooting him, claiming self-defense.

Michael Ochs [04:28]: "He started a gunfight and I won."

After the altercation, as Michael exited the house, Ding attacked him, prompting Michael to shoot the dog.

Detective Dan Luvera’s Investigation

Detective Dan Luvera of the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, who dedicated nearly 2,500 hours to investigating Mark’s killing, presented a starkly different narrative.

Detective Dan Luvera [05:04]: "This is not a case of self defense. This is a case of cold blooded murder."

Challenging Michael’s Story

Detective Luvera meticulously dismantled Michael's account by highlighting inconsistencies:

• Alibi Discrepancies: Surveillance footage placed Michael at a Walmart store three hours before the alleged confrontation, purchasing items such as anchor lines, camo clothing, and bolt cutters—items more suited for concealment and disposal of evidence than a peaceful meeting.

  Detective Dan Luvera [08:47]: "We have him on surveillance tape at a local Walmart store here in Mount Vernon at approximately 5:30 in the morning."

• Mocking the Story: The purchases suggested premeditation rather than a spontaneous act of self-defense.

  Detective Dan Luvera [09:24]: "I believe that he bought those items to dispose of Mark's body."

Reconstructing the Crime Scene

Using the crime scene at Mark’s home, Luvera illustrated how the physical evidence did not align with Michael’s narrative:

• Blood Evidence: Blood splatters were found in the hallway, contradicting Michael’s claim that the shooting happened in the bathroom.

• Shell Casings: Spent shell casings indicated multiple gunshots, suggesting a prolonged attack rather than a brief encounter.

  Detective Dan Luvera [11:15]: "Spent shell casings were found outside."

Jennifer Thompson’s Testimony

Jennifer Thompson, Michael’s ex-wife, played a crucial role in unveiling the truth. During questioning, she revealed alarming details about Michael's plans.

Jennifer Thompson [19:23]: "They would basically use Linda as sort of bait to lure the ex spouse toward her."

She disclosed that Michael and possibly others had orchestrated a plan to eliminate Mark Stover, indicating premeditation.

Jennifer Thompson [25:37]: "Wally Updike wanted to hire Michael Oakes to take out the ex husband that was stalking his daughter Linda."

The Conspiracy Deepens: Wally Updike’s Involvement

Further investigations suggested that Wally Updike, Linda’s father and a multimillionaire business tycoon, might have been involved. Jennifer hinted at a deeper conspiracy:

Jennifer Thompson [25:50]: "Wally Updike wanted to hire Michael Oakes to take out the ex husband that was stalking his daughter Linda."

Both Linda and Michael denied any involvement or manipulation by Wally, but Detective Luvera remained suspicious.

Detective Dan Luvera [27:07]: "I believe that she knows more than what she's saying and what she's telling."

Linda Updike’s Possible Complicity

Linda Updike, shielded by legal representation, maintained her innocence and denied any knowledge of the conspiracy.

Linda Updike [29:42]: "It's not something I wanted to have. Any involvement with Mark again. I wanted no harm or anything to happen to Mark."

Despite her denials, the evidence pointed towards a coordinated effort to eliminate Mark, with Linda potentially complicit through her familial ties and resources.

Conclusion: The Hunter and the Hunted

The episode "Put Up or Shut Up" meticulously outlines the unraveling of a seemingly straightforward self-defense claim into a labyrinth of deceit, premeditation, and possible familial conspiracy. Detective Luvera's relentless investigation challenges the initial narrative presented by Michael Ochs, revealing a deeper, more sinister plot that implicates powerful individuals seeking to protect their interests.

The culmination of interviews, surveillance evidence, and testimonies paints a picture of Michael Ochs not as a victim, but as a calculated participant in Mark Stover's murder, possibly orchestrated with the backing of Linda Updike's influential father.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Ochs [01:11]: "I most certainly did not."
• Detective Dan Luvera [05:04]: "This is not a case of self defense. This is a case of cold blooded murder."
• Jennifer Thompson [19:23]: "They would basically use Linda as sort of bait to lure the ex spouse toward her."
• Jennifer Thompson [25:37]: "Wally Updike wanted to hire Michael Oakes to take out the ex husband that was stalking his daughter Linda."
• Detective Dan Luvera [27:07]: "I believe that she knows more than what she's saying and what she's telling."

Final Thoughts

Put Up or Shut Up serves as a compelling examination of how appearances can be deceiving and how those closest to the truth may hold the keys to unlocking it. As the investigation deepens, listeners are left questioning the true motives and alliances of the individuals involved, setting the stage for further revelations in the subsequent episodes of this enthralling series.