Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard - Episode: The Hunter

In the gripping second episode of CBS News' "Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard," host Peter Van Sant delves deep into the tumultuous and dark unraveling of Linda Updike’s marriage to Mark Stover. This episode, titled "The Hunter," meticulously chronicles Linda's desperate fight to reclaim her life from a seemingly charismatic yet dangerously obsessive husband.

1. The Breaking Point

Linda Updike reveals a pivotal moment in September 2005, marking her 41st birthday with a life-altering decision.

[01:11] Linda Updike: “I left actually was a birthday gift to myself in September 2005.”

Despite maintaining her ties to their lucrative dog training business, Island Dog Adventures, Linda sought separation by moving to a guest house on the family’s Kickit Island property.

[01:28] Linda Updike: “I moved out of the main house of my family's property up to a small guest house on the property.”

After 14 years together, including three years of marriage, Linda's request for divorce ignited a volatile reaction from Mark Stover.

[02:13] Linda Updike: “I told him that I wanted a divorce. And he right there and then I could tell he just snapped... in a shaking rage with me.”

2. The Onslaught Begins

Following the divorce announcement, Mark's behavior shifted dramatically from charming partner to relentless pursuer. Linda recounts Mark's obsessive attempts to maintain control.

[03:32] Linda Updike: “Instanly at that point when I left, he was calling me constantly... 40, 50 times that evening.”

Her attempts to remain discreet—traveling with her dog and avoiding digital trails—proved futile as Mark’s hunting skills enabled him to track her movements.

[05:10] Narrator: “But Mark, an avid hunter, still managed to track Linda down.”

A chilling incident occurred on October 16, 2007, when Linda spotted Mark on her property with a hunting rifle.

[05:42] Linda Updike: “I see Mark Stover hunkered down with a hunting rifle pointed right at me through the window... I really did feel that my life was in danger.”

3. Escalating Threats and Stalking

As Linda attempted to rebuild her life in Winthrop, Washington, Mark’s harassment escalated. Witnessed by neighbors and intruding into her personal spaces, his actions instilled constant fear.

[08:58] Narrator: “He came into my bedroom, somehow gotten into my house, came into my bedroom.”

Despite repeated threats and invasive behaviors, Linda hesitated to involve law enforcement formally, fearing escalation and Mark’s denials.

[10:23] Linda Updike: “Another big reason why I did not make a report initially... he would deny being here.”

4. Conflicting Narratives: Mark’s Defense

Amidst Linda’s accounts of relentless harassment, Victoria Simmons, Mark’s sister, offers a contrasting perspective, defending his character and rejecting allegations of his dangerous behavior.

[13:37] Victoria Simmons: “My brother adored Linda Updike, just loved her...”

Victoria attributes Mark’s distress to the sudden end of their relationship rather than any malicious intent.

[14:22] Narrator: “Mark discovered something about Linda that truly pushed him over the edge...”

5. The Role of John Bonica

Linda introduces John Bonica, Mark’s best man and a mutual friend, into the narrative, alleging that Mark used John to monitor her activities.

[15:05] Linda Updike: “I saw tire tracks where the Suburban was parked... And John told me that he saw the same thing...”

John corroborates Linda’s suspicions, expressing fear of Mark’s intentions and severing ties to protect himself and his family.

[16:42] Linda Updike: “He wrote me a letter saying that he needed to seize any friendship or relationship with me...”

6. Inadequate Legal Protection

Linda’s outreach to the Okanagan County Sheriff's office highlights the challenges victims face without formal protective orders. Despite training a protection dog with the sheriff’s assistance, Linda felt insufficiently protected.

[18:20] Linda Updike: “They felt this particular type of personality that getting a domestic violence protection order... could possibly escalate the situation.”

Sergeant Jean Davis emphasizes the importance of protective orders for effective law enforcement intervention.

7. Fortifying Her Defenses

Recognizing the imminent threat, Linda transformed her home into a fortress. She incorporated advanced security measures, including cameras, a trained German Shepherd named Sojo, and strategically placed firearms.

[24:29] Linda Updike: “I have a safe room in there. I have a plan A, a plan B, a plan C...”

The security setup mirrored a high-stakes defense mechanism, reflecting Linda’s anticipation of potential violence.

8. The Turning Point: Witnessing Mark

The relentless stalking culminated when Ruthie Hagmeister, Linda's neighbor, observed Mark tampering with Linda’s trash, providing the crucial eyewitness testimony needed to hold him accountable.

[26:35] Linda Updike: “And Ruth is like, ah, no, this is...something's really wrong with this.”

This incident propelled law enforcement to take decisive action, leading to Mark’s arrest on charges of stalking and theft.

9. Legal Proceedings and Aftermath

Mark entered an Alford plea, acknowledging sufficient evidence for a probable conviction while maintaining his innocence. Consequently, he received two years probation, 12 months of anger management, and was subjected to a protection order, barring him from contacting Linda.

[27:40] Narrator: “Mark was sentenced to two years probation...”

However, Linda remained dissatisfied, perceiving the sentence as a mere slap on the wrist.

[28:29] Linda Updike: “He got a slap on the hand, and it was very disheartening to me.”

10. Ongoing Vigilance and Final Mysteries

Despite the legal resolution, Linda continued to experience fear and uncertainty. Regular security assessments, coupled with persistent vigilance through her security systems, underscored her unresolved anxiety.

In a mysterious twist, Mark was reported missing in October 2009, leading detectives to speculate on alternative theories surrounding his disappearance.

[30:28] Linda Updike: “Mark was missing. I was very concerned that he would be coming over my way.”

The episode closes on an enigmatic note, leaving listeners contemplating the true fate of Mark Stover and the enduring impact on Linda Updike’s life.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Obsessive Behavior: Mark Stover's transformation from a charismatic dog trainer to an obsessive stalker highlights the potential volatility in seemingly stable relationships.

• Victim’s Dilemma: Linda's hesitation to involve law enforcement underscores the challenges victims face in seeking protection without sufficient legal mechanisms.

• Protective Measures: The episode illustrates the extremes to which victims may go to secure their safety, including fortifying their homes and relying on trained protection dogs.

• Conflicting Accounts: Victoria Simmons' defense of Mark introduces complexity in understanding abusive relationships, where external perspectives may clash with victim testimonies.

• Legal Limitations: The legal system's constraints in providing immediate and effective protection without formal orders are evident, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support for victims.

"The Hunter" serves as a harrowing exploration of domestic obsession and the lengths to which one must go to escape a dangerous situation. Through candid interviews and meticulous storytelling, Peter Van Sant presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the psychological and physical battles faced by victims of relentless stalking.