The Hunter

Summary

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.

Transcript

[Nourish Advertisement]

If you have health insurance, you might be able to see a personal dietitian for $0 out of pocket. Nourish connects you with a dietitian that fits your needs covered by your insurance. Nourish accepts hundreds of insurance plans and 94% of patients pay $0 out of pocket. Meet with your dietitian online and message them anytime through the Nourish app. With hundreds of five star reviews from real patients, you know you're in good hands. Find your [e-mail] that's usenourish.com if you have health insurance, you might be able to see a personal dietitian for $0 out of pocket. Nourish connects you with a dietitian that fits your needs covered by your insurance. Nourish accepts hundreds of insurance plans and 94% of patients pay $0 out of pocket. Meet with your dietitian online and message them anytime through the Nourish app. With hundreds of five star reviews from real patients, you know you're in good hands. Find your [e-mail] that's usenourish.com.

[Narrator]

The following episode contains references to harassment, intimidation and stalking. Listen with Care.

[Linda Updike]

I Left actually was a birthday gift to myself in September 2005.

[Narrator]

That gift to herself for her 41st birthday was something Linda Updike had long desired a separation from her husband, Mark Stover.

[Linda Updike]

I moved out of the main house of my family's property up to a small guest house on the property.

[Narrator]

But while Linda put some space between herself and Mark, she didn't leave Kickit island, home to their profitable dog training business, Island Dog Adventures.

[Linda Updike]

I stayed there for a number of months to see if Mark would finally understand the seriousness that I really would be leaving if we could not build a relationship and he would seek help at that point.

[Narrator]

They'd been together for 14 years, the last three as a married couple. After nearly seven months, Linda finally decided she was ready.

[Linda Updike]

I drove down from the house that I was staying at down to the main house and I told him that I wanted a divorce. And he right there and then I could tell he just snapped. He went just sheer white. His eyes went just crazy. He clenched his hands and fists and he was just in a shaking rage with me.

[Narrator]

Startled, Linda said she stayed as calm as she could and tried to lower the temperature by offering to talk, but could tell she needed to leave. She got into her Suburban and drove back to the guest house.

[Linda Updike]

I knew I just had a short period of time to grab A bag and leave.

[Narrator]

As she gathered her things, Linda could see Mark heading in her direction.

[Linda Updike]

And he comes out of the car and he's shaking his fists. He says, you've got war. I'm not going to grant this to you. You've got a big fight on your hands.

[Narrator]

In April 2006, Linda said she fled Kickit Island, a property her family owned. She was now on the run.

[Linda Updike]

Well, instantly at that point when I left, he was calling me constantly. It was obsessed, excessive phone calls on my cell phone trying to reach me. He would call, you know, 40, 50 times that evening.

[Narrator]

She kept her whereabouts a secret.

[Linda Updike]

I left the area and was just traveling around with my dog in a suitcase in hotels, just trying to move through the state. He'd leave messages on my cell phone that he was driving all over the state to try to find me.

[Mark Stover]

This is war.

[Narrator]

This is goddamn war. You're wrecking my. You've wrecked my life enough. Linda spent the summer and fall of 2006 in Sisters, Oregon. That December, she relocated to the western themed town of Winthrop, Washington. The downtown included an antique boardwalk and old time saloons. Linda got a house outside of town. She put more than 250 miles of winding roads and a mountain range between her and Mark.

[Linda Updike]

I left the whole west side of the state.

[Narrator]

She tried everything to avoid leaving a trail.

[Linda Updike]

I immediately stopped my credit card accounts. I was worried that he would follow me there. I got a mailing address in Bellevue. I tried to close contact with anything where I could be tracked.

[Narrator]

But Mark, an avid hunter, still managed to track Linda down. On October 16, 2007 at about 7am, Linda said she was getting ready to start her day.

[Linda Updike]

I just stepped out of my shower right here and I heard my dog Sojo in the backyard barking incredibly loud, very defensive, like I've never heard her bark before.

[Narrator]

Linda scanned the hillside overlooking her house.

[Linda Updike]

And I see Mark Stover hunkered down with a hunting rifle pointed right at me through the window, looking through his spotting scope.

[Narrator]

According to Linda, the man she left was crouched down like a lion preparing to pounce on his prey.

[Linda Updike]

I really did feel that my life was in danger.

[Narrator]

That incident would be one of many in which Linda said her life was threatened. I'm Peter van Sant from 48 Hours. This is trained to kill the Dog Trainer, the Heiress and The Bodyguard Episode 2 the Hunter.

[Linda Updike]

I walked away from almost literally everything except for my own investments that I had before I met him.

[Narrator]

In the spring of 2006, Linda Updike was perfectly fine, leaving everything behind if that meant getting away from her husband, Mark Stover. We spoke about this in 2010. How much money was the business making? How successful was.

[Linda Updike]

Became very successful. At the time I left in September 2005, it was just under a million dollars a year that it was making.

[Narrator]

That's extraordinary.

[Linda Updike]

It really is.

[Narrator]

Linda said she took none of that money with her when she left.

[Linda Updike]

Well, I put in over $100,000 startup capital into the business. I can't recall what the divorce settlement was, but it was not much, over $100,000. I did not get any retirement benefits out of it. I got no proceeds from the business.

[Narrator]

But she said Mark still wanted more. She said his rage and incessant calls pushed her to give him what he wanted. According to Linda, Mark demanded she return one of her dogs to the island.

[Linda Updike]

He told me that he would track me down to no end until he could have the dog back. So I thought that if I gave the dog back that he would leave me alone.

[Narrator]

But Linda said that wasn't enough either. Karen Lundgren worked at a salon near Linda's house in Winthrop. She told me about a frightening moment when Mark dramatically entered the salon.

[Linda Updike]

Linda Opdyke was here, and I was sitting here.

[Narrator]

What were you doing?

[Linda Updike]

I was doing a European facial on her. And of course, she's lying down like this. And Mark, or excuse me, Mr. Stover, came in and moved the screen and walked right in and just. And stood here.

[Narrator]

Barges right in, just stood right here. She sat Linda up.

[Linda Updike]

She said, what are you doing here? And he said, well, I saw your vehicle, so I thought I'd just stop. Stop in and see you and just saw your vehicle.

[Narrator]

He lives more than 150 miles away from here, right? Right. Karen was sure Mark hadn't just stumbled upon Linda's car. He'd somehow crossed a mountain range and tracked her down. The two spoke, and Karen said Mark left after a few minutes. But Linda said Mark's stalking behavior didn't stop at the beauty salon.

[Linda Updike]

He came into my bedroom, somehow gotten into my house, came into my bedroom.

[Narrator]

Linda said he had an uncanny ability to get inside her home.

[Linda Updike]

I was in bed about 9:00 at night, and he walks in and he's got a gun in his hand. He told me he had just driven 18 hours straight from Montana. Then he gets on his knees bedside, puts a gun right on my pillow, right next to my head, and then starts sobbing and is very emotional about not wanting to let the divorce go.

[Narrator]

She tried to stay calm and sat with him until he decided to leave. Linda said instead of calling the police, she tried to handle those kinds of unwanted visits herself.

[Linda Updike]

You're just dealing with what you see at the time and trying not to escalate his behavior and get him upset, off the chart to hurt me. Another big reason why I did not make a report initially on a number of things is I knew he would deny being here.

[Narrator]

But she didn't think her tactics were working. She found herself feeling increasingly paranoid. So you'd hear any noise and you're wondering, is it Mark? The phone would ring. You're wondering, is it Mark?

[Linda Updike]

Yes, you wondered. Anytime you went outside with Mark there, then you're pulling the blinds. You're living behind closed blinds all the time, and you're trying to just move on with your life. And it's very, very difficult. It was very difficult.

[Narrator]

On November 2, 2007, Linda couldn't hide her fear anymore. She called 911 after Mark came to her house and chased her in his Chevy Suburban as she tried to drive away.

[Linda Updike]

And he came driving, flying down my driveway and down the road, following me at a rapid speed into Winthrop.

[Narrator]

Linda said the police contacted Mark but didn't make an arrest. How was Mark after all these incidents? Still walking free? Soon after, Mark discovered something about Linda that truly pushed him over the edge. It involved Mark's friend and hunting partner.

[Instacart Advertisement]

If you're a parent or share a fridge with someone, Instacart is about to make grocery shopping so much easier. Because with family carts, you can share a cart with your partner and each add the items you want. Since between the two of you, odds are you'll both remember everything you need. And this way, you'll never have to eat milkless cereal again. So minimize the stress of the weekly shop with family carts, download the Instacart app and get delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Plus enjoy $0 delivery fees on your first 3 orders. Service fees apply for 3 orders in 14 days. Excludes restaurants this season, let your shoes do the talking. Designer Shoe Warehouse is packed with fresh styles that speak to your whole vibe without saying a word. From cool sneakers that look good with everything to easy sandals you'll want to wear on repeat, DSW has you covered. Find a shoe for every heel from the brands you love like Birkenstock, Nike, Adidas, New Balance and more. Head to your DSW store or visit dsw.com today.

[Narrator]

It had been more than two years since Linda's decision to leave Mark. Linda told me that Mark had forced her down a terrifying path Dodging and hiding from his harassment. But there was someone in his corner who didn't believe Linda's accusations. Someone who's known Mark longer than Linda. His sister, Victoria Simmons.

[Victoria Simmons]

My brother adored Linda Updike, just loved her. It was hard for my brother to lose someone he loved, but that was difficult for him, and he would take a while to find his bearings and move on.

[Narrator]

She said that Mark was devastated by the separation.

[Victoria Simmons]

He was blindsided. He told me he thought everything was fine.

[Narrator]

Victoria doesn't believe her brother was as much of a danger as. As Linda Updike claimed.

[Victoria Simmons]

He was terribly hurt. It was. Not only was it a surprise, but the circumstances surrounding it were so painful. Double betrayal.

[Narrator]

Mark discovered that Linda once got some drinks and went to the house of John Bonica, Mark's best man, at their wedding.

[Victoria Simmons]

It shook his foundation. He was just so angry that two really valuable relationships in his life were destroyed in one fell swoop. If she wanted to hurt him and really knock his feet out from under him, having an affair with John Bonica would be about the worst thing she could choose to do.

[Narrator]

Here's Linda again.

[Linda Updike]

John Benica is a person that has known Mark for many years. And I met him shortly after meeting mark, probably in 1992. And he was a friend to both of us. Once John learned of Mark's antics and behavior towards me, he ceased having friendship with Mark.

[Narrator]

You developed a relationship with John Bonica, is that right? Yes, a romantic relationship.

[Linda Updike]

Very briefly, we had an intimate occurrence.

[Narrator]

Linda said she got a call from Mark the day after she and John were together. He told her that he knew what.

[Linda Updike]

They'D done, described in detail of what had occurred between John and myself that evening.

[Narrator]

Was it accurate?

[Linda Updike]

Yes, it was accurate. It was horrifying.

[Narrator]

So do you believe that someone was at John Bonica's house watching you be intimate with John?

[Linda Updike]

Yes, I do. And after hearing that from Mark, I actually drove down with a friend down there to see if I could find any signs of Mark being there. And I went down there and saw tire tracks where the Suburban was parked. I saw footprints of his L.L. bean boots. They have a very distinct tread. I could see them along the fence line and up to the house. And John told me that he saw the same thing and received phone calls from Mark saying that he was in his house as well.

[Narrator]

At other times, she said that John was horrified and fearful of Mark.

[Linda Updike]

He wrote me a letter saying that he needed to seize any friendship or relationship with me do for the safety of him, his children. And he advised Me to do the same thing, to take all precautions that I could for my safety and well being as he was.

[Narrator]

When Mark found out about John, he was so angry that that Linda decided to go stay with her father in Hawaii until things cooled down. She returned several weeks later in January 2008, when Mark finally signed the divorce papers. Linda still didn't think having the divorce finalized would make Mark stop. So she reached out to the local sheriff's office to let them know she was worried. My initial advice to her is immediately get a protection order. Here's then chief deputy Dave Rodriguez with the Okanagan County Sheriff's office. He told Linda that if she got a protective order, law enforcement could act more decisively to where? If you do make even these loose kind of threats, we can do something about it. But without a protection order, it's harder. Did Linda seek it out? She didn't. She didn't. She did not. Why not? I have no idea. Linda said she was now relying on the advice of security experts she hired.

[Linda Updike]

They felt this particular type of personality that getting a domestic violence protection order and contacting the police could possibly escalate the situation.

[Narrator]

Some of the sheriff department staff still tried to help Linda, even though she wouldn't file for a protective order after hours. Once they got off the clock, they agreed to help Linda. Here's Sergeant Jean Davis. We felt, at least I felt the threat was severe enough that we did every option we could to help her out by training a protection dog, similar to a police dog, but it's more designed. If somebody came to her house and tried to harm her, her dog would protect her. What kind of dog did she have? She had a young female German shepherd. And those are good guard dogs, right? Very good dog. I have one myself. Linda specifically wanted a dog that hadn't been trained by Mark and had no connection to him. Remember, she only met Mark because she needed him to train one of her dogs for protection. And now she was training a dog against that same man. But Linda concluded that wasn't enough. She wanted even more security.

[Linda Updike]

I installed cameras onto my house, added to the security system.

[Narrator]

Linda got into a routine of of checking her cameras every day and reviewing footage. Her instincts proved to be right. While the divorce had been finalized, Linda said it seemed nothing would stop Mark from harassing her. Linda said one of her cameras spotted a ghostly black and white image of Mark in the middle of the night.

[Linda Updike]

It was very creepy, very eerie, very scary. Gary knowing he was here and then seeing his body language. And he went underneath the house. And all of a sudden, you can tell he had recognized that there was cameras here. And then he's seen two minutes later walking away with the shirt pulled over his head and sneaking off the property.

[Narrator]

We reviewed the footage, and you can see a man crossing Linda's lawn, pulling up a shirt to cover his face. She said Mark started calling her, demanding she give back their wedding photos. Here's a voicemail of Mark threatening Linda. It's a little hard to hear, but Mark is saying, I swear to God, if I ever find out that you're in possession of those wedding pictures. You know, I'm a guy who can hold a grudge. At one point, Linda was convinced that Mark tapped her phones and was listening to her calls.

[Linda Updike]

I knew for a fact that he was on my phones because I was talking to my stepmother and she was telling me about how the Montana police were utilizing tasers, and she was asking me if I knew anything about tasers for one of my self defense tools. And Mark called and left a message and said, you gals sitting around talking about tasering me and shooting me. And he says, I would have let you shoot me at one point in time, but now I'm going to survive this just to ruin your life.

[Narrator]

Fearing that Mark's campaign of harassment was now escalating toward violence, Linda started brainstorming both battle and escape plans. Getting all those firearms, was that wise or was that paranoia?

[Linda Updike]

I think it was very wise. I'm dealing with somebody that was incredibly skilled with firearms. He was somebody that would go on hunting trips, and he would stay on his hunting trips until he acquired his hunt, his kill. And I knew this was somebody that could take my life. It was a real threat to her.

[Narrator]

Mark had proven he was willing to cross any boundary she set. Linda decided to turn her house into a fortress.

[Victoria Simmons]

The missing child is Lucia Blix, 9 years old.

[Linda Updike]

Please let her come back home safely tonight.

[Victoria Simmons]

The kidnappers plumbed it meticulously.

[Narrator]

If money is what it takes to.

[Linda Updike]

Get her back, we're going to pay it.

[Instacart Advertisement]

The secrets they hide.

[Linda Updike]

You can't talk about this. You can't write about it.

[Instacart Advertisement]

Are the clues.

[Linda Updike]

The mother's hiding something. I know it.

[Narrator]

To find her, tell me where she is.

[Instacart Advertisement]

The stolen girl tonight at 10 on Freeform and stream on Hulu.

[Narrator]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments, but that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for.

[Instacart Advertisement]

3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month. Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail] this episode is brought to you by Lifelock. It's tax season and we're all a bit tired of numbers, but here's one you need to $16.5 billion. That's how much the IRS flagged for possible identity fraud last year. Now here's a good number. 100 million. That's how many data points Lifelock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it. Guaranteed. Save up to 40% your first year. @lifelock.com podcast terms apply.

[Linda Updike]

I have a safe room in there. I have a plan A, a plan B, a plan C. If he comes in this door, if he comes into my bedroom, if he breaks in downstairs.

[Narrator]

She gave me a tour of her hidden arsenal.

[Linda Updike]

This one was put in the living room entryway area. Obviously, I'm very vulnerable in this area.

[Narrator]

We walked from room to room as she pointed out the spots where she was hiding her guns. There's this magnet right here.

[Linda Updike]

Yes.

[Narrator]

So there was a gun hooked onto that?

[Linda Updike]

Yes.

[Narrator]

She had one in her office, one next to her bed and one in the hallway, another behind a wall hanging. It seems she was never more than six feet away from a firearm.

[Linda Updike]

The security company installed a magnet for me to have bedside.

[Narrator]

As she guided me through her security system, I couldn't help but think how this reminded me of something out of a James Bond movie. I had never seen so many guns in a home in my life.

[Linda Updike]

I knew exactly what they were, so in a time of stress that I could count on them being there. It wasn't like, wow, where's my firearm? Do I have it on me to defend myself? They were always consistently there.

[Narrator]

Linda felt certain that Mark would eventually try to hurt, maybe even kill her. But until she had hard evidence, a witness, or filed for a protection order, sheriff's deputies couldn't arrest him. Then on March 18, 2008, at about 10am, Linda's neighbor, Ruthie Hagmeister, was on her way over to visit.

[Mark Stover]

We were gonna do some cooking together and then take our dogs for a walk. As I pull up here, I notice there's a white station wagon here and there's a gentleman over at Linda's trash cans taking the trash out of the trash cans.

[Narrator]

Right across the street.

[Mark Stover]

Right across the street.

[Narrator]

Ruthie was immediately suspicious and pulled her car right up to this man's white station wagon.

[Mark Stover]

I blocked his car. I did. I blocked his car. And I proceeded to get out of my car. I left my door open, and I asked the gentleman, I said, excuse me, who are you? He says, my name is John. I go, why are you taking my friend's trash? And he's like, I have permission to take the trash. You have permission to take someone's trash? How can you have permission to take someone's trash?

[Narrator]

You're not buying it?

[Mark Stover]

No, I'm not buying it at all. So I proceed to say, okay, well, we'll find out. I walk around my truck to the passenger door. My cell phone's on the seat. Pick up my cell phone, and I dial Linda's house. I'm like, linda, there's a man down here. In the meantime, he's getting the trash, throwing it in his car, closing the door. I'm like, there's a man down here stealing your trash.

[Linda Updike]

And I said, no. I couldn't believe it. And she said, yes. She starts describing who this person is, and it's Mark.

[Narrator]

While Ruthie was on the phone, Mark got back in his car and drove off.

[Linda Updike]

And Ruth is like, ah, no, this is. You know, something's really wrong with this. And we're like, so finally somebody's seen him. There's a witness to him being here. So she calls 91 1. And that was, you know, he finally got pulled over for that.

[Narrator]

After more than two years of what Linda described as a campaign of harassment and fear, the county finally had enough evidence to charge Mark with stalking and theft. Mark entered what's called an Alford plea. That's when someone claims to be innocent but admits there's enough evidence that a judge or jury will likely find them guilty. Mark was sentenced to two years probation and 12 months of anger management. The court also entered a protection order against him, which meant Mark had to turn over all of his weapons and never go near Linda ever again. Linda was not satisfied with the sentence.

[Linda Updike]

He got a slap on the hand, and it was very disheartening to me.

[Narrator]

Throughout 2008 and into 2009, Linda repeatedly called the sheriff's office to report suspicious activity she thought could be marked. But she was never able to link those situations to him, but stayed vigilant about her security. And in the summer of 2008, Linda made a decision that would forever change her life. She hired a former security consultant to do an assessment of her house.

[Nourish Advertisement]

I did an analysis of sort of her home security situation and what the steps she was taking, looked into the.

[Narrator]

People that she was working with and made some suggestions on that front. His name was Michael Ochs. He was a gun and safety enthusiast. Similar to her relationship with Mark, things started professionally but soon became something more. Did you fall in love with her?

[Nourish Advertisement]

I did.

[Narrator]

That same summer, Mark left Kickit island for Anacortes, Washington, about 10 miles away. He bought several acres and a new house on Thompson Road, where he opened his new business. His sister Victoria said Mark even started dating someone new. Teresa Vox, Michael he was amazing.

[Linda Updike]

He would drive down almost every weekend, take me to dinner.

[Narrator]

To those around him, Mark really seemed to have moved on.

[Linda Updike]

He was joking with me all the time and he was always fun, you know, when we were on the phone and yeah, he was very happy.

[Narrator]

Then in October 2009, Linda heard from one of Mark's employees and she informed.

[Linda Updike]

Me via email late in the afternoon that Mark was missing. I was very concerned that he would be coming over my way.

[Narrator]

But detectives had a different theory. They believed Mark was dead from 48 hours this is Train to Kill, the Dog Trainer, the Heiress and the Bodyguard, produced by Sony Music Entertainment. I'm your host, Peter Van Sant. Judy Tigard is the executive producer of 48 Hours, original reporting by 48 Hours producers Ryan Smith and Liza Finley. Jamie Benson is the senior producer for Paramount Audio and Maura Waltz is the senior story editor. Recording assistance from Alan Peng and Reginald Bazile. Special thanks to Paramount Podcast Vice President Megan Marcus. It is written and produced by Alex Schuman. Stephanie Serrano is our editor. Our executive producer is Shira Morris. Our associate producer is Zoe Culkin. Theme and original music composed by Hansdale She. Cedric Wilson is our sound designer and mixed the episodes. We also use music from APM and Epidemic Sounds. Fendal Fulton is our fact checker. Our production manager is Tamika Balance Kolasni. I'm Peter Van Santa. If you're enjoying this show, be sure to rate and review. It helps more people find it and hear our reporting. You can listen to Train to Kill early and ad free right now by subscribing to 48 Hours plus on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening.