Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard Episode: Secret Meetings Release Date: April 23, 2025 Host: Peter Van Sant, CBS News

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Secret Meetings" from the six-part series Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard, 48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant delves into a complex and dark love triangle involving Mark Stover, Linda Updike, and Michael Oakes. The story intertwines themes of obsession, betrayal, and hidden dangers, unraveling the mysterious disappearance of Mark Stover and the subsequent investigation.

The Initial Incident

The narrative begins in August 2009 with an anonymous 911 call to the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, alerting authorities to a potential crime involving a dangerous drug dealer. The caller, revealing the suspect's last name as "Stover" (00:30), inadvertently identifies Mark Stover, a renowned dog trainer in the Pacific Northwest.

Mark Stover (01:55):

"We want you to go to jail."

During a subsequent traffic stop, Mark refuses a car search. Private investigator Lee Herron, hired by Mark, explains that his non-cooperation led to a search warrant being executed.

Lieutenant Michael Oakes (02:58):

"K9 was brought to the scene and..."

The police discover a small metallic box containing marijuana cigarettes and low-grade cocaine (03:03), which Mark claims were planted to frame him. This incident heightens Mark's paranoia about his ex-wife Linda Opdyke's capabilities to harm him (03:30).

The New Relationship: Linda Updike and Michael Oakes

Amidst these tensions, Linda Updike enters a new romantic relationship with Michael Oakes, a security expert. Their bond is portrayed as the "knight in shining armor" dynamic, with Michael dedicating himself to Linda and her family.

Michael Oakes (05:20):

"Everything he did took into account of his children. He worked at home so he could be there for them."

Michael describes himself as a "self-taught security specialist," with extensive training in firearms and protective measures (05:40). Despite being characterized by others as Linda's bodyguard, Mark clarifies that his role was limited to security consulting, receiving minimal compensation (06:27).

Stalking and Threats: Mark's Obsessive Behavior

As Michael and Linda's relationship flourishes, Mark Stover's obsession intensifies. In Memorial Day 2009, Michael encounters Mark menacingly standing by his car at Costco in Kennewick, Washington—a location over 200 miles from Mark's residence (10:22).

Mark Stover (11:10):

"He said that I was in a relationship with Linda. He said his wife... and that I was going to get it for him."

Mark's demands center around retrieving wedding photo albums, a fixation that indicates deep-seated grievances from their past marriage. Michael attempts to placate Mark by agreeing to a meeting at Northgate Mall in Seattle on July 14, 2009, but arrives empty-handed, escalating Mark's frustration (12:19).

Michael Oakes’ Dark Side: Allegations of Abuse and Obsession with Violence

Interwoven into this saga is Michael Oakes' troubled past. Jennifer Thompson, Michael's second wife, reveals a darker aspect of his personality, describing him as having a "potentially violent" side intertwined with his obsession with firearms and the psychology of killing.

Jennifer Thompson (20:13):

"It's called On Killing, and it's a book about the psychology of killing."

She recounts instances of physical abuse and Michael's belief in his right to eliminate "bad people" without remorse—a trait that raises red flags about his true nature.

Michael Oakes (20:45):

"He had the right to just take a bad man out."

These revelations cast Michael in a complex light, questioning whether his protective instincts were genuine or driven by his violent inclinations.

The Final Confrontation: A Mysterious Outcome

By October 2009, tensions reach a boiling point. Surveillance footage captures Michael preparing for a significant journey, loading items including a rifle bag (24:25). The couple shares a heartfelt embrace, symbolizing Michael's resolve to confront Mark as a protector.

Lee Herron (25:04):

"The long, passionate embrace... indicates that Michael Oakes thought of himself as the prince who was out to slay the dragon."

On October 24, 2009, Michael and Mark meet at a church in Anacortes, Washington. This final showdown remains shrouded in mystery, as only those who witnessed the aftermath describe it as "evil" and "horrible" (26:35).

The episode leaves listeners pondering the true nature of the relationships involved and the identities of the hunter and the hunted within this dark triangle.

Conclusion

"Secret Meetings" masterfully unpacks the tangled dynamics between Mark Stover, Linda Updike, and Michael Oakes. Through detailed accounts, interviews, and surveillance evidence, Peter Van Sant paints a vivid picture of obsession, fear, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones—or their own dark agendas. The unresolved confrontation leaves room for speculation, setting the stage for the subsequent episodes in this riveting series.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Stover (02:03):

  "I have to not be found out about this. He's very dangerous, perpetually carries a gun."

• Michael Oakes (07:19):

  "It's a beautiful love. It's, in my opinion, it's legendary. It's something that you read about in romance novels or movies."

• Jennifer Thompson (21:35):

  "I remember his hand coming up and slapping me across the face... He had never at me."

Timestamps Referenced:

• 00:30 - Introduction of Mark Stover through the 911 call.
• 01:55 - Mark's interaction with the deputies.
• 03:30 - Mark's fear of Linda's capabilities.
• 05:20 - Michael's dedication as a single parent.
• 06:27 - Clarification of Michael's role with Linda.
• 10:22 - First encounter between Michael and Mark.
• 11:10 - Mark's demands and recognizing stalking behavior.
• 12:19 - Michael's failed attempt to appease Mark.
• 20:13 - Jennifer discusses Michael's obsession with killing.
• 20:45 - Michael's justification for eliminating "bad people."
• 24:25 - Surveillance footage of Michael preparing for confrontation.
• 25:04 - Interpretation of Michael and Linda's embrace.
• 26:35 - Description of the aftermath of the final meeting.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights from the "Secret Meetings" episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have yet to listen.