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

Episode: Who Was The Hunter & Who Was The Hunted?
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host/Author: Peter Van Sant, CBS News

Introduction to Anacortes' Dark Secret

In the serene environs of Puget Sound's Anacortes, Washington, tranquility was shattered by a horrifying crime that left the tight-knit community reeling. Hosted by 48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant, this episode delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Mark Stover, a renowned dog trainer, and the ensuing tumultuous love triangle involving heiress Linda Opdyke and security expert Michiel Oakes.

The Grisly Crime Scene

On October 28, 2009, just three days before Halloween, the peaceful town of Anacortes was thrust into chaos. The once-celebrated home of Mark Stover became the epicenter of a grisly discovery. Detectives arrived to find blood splattered across Mark's driveway and throughout his residence, painting a grim narrative of the events that transpired.

Detective (00:33): "The blood on the walls, the blood on the carpet. It told a story of what took place."

Despite the evident violence, Mark Stover was nowhere to be found, setting off a frantic search that would unravel a web of obsession and betrayal.

Mark Stover: The Beloved Dog Whisperer

Mark Stover wasn't just any dog trainer; he was affectionately known as the "dog whisperer of Anacortes" and had a clientele that included celebrities and high-profile individuals. His charisma and unique ability to "speak dog" made him a beloved figure in the community.

Local Resident (00:48): "Mark was known as the dog whisperer of Anacortes and the dog trainer to the stars. He could speak dog. They knew that he knew them."

However, beneath this charming exterior lay complexities that would soon come to light, particularly concerning his relationships.

The Web of Obsession

As detectives delved deeper, they uncovered a tangled story of obsession that intertwined the lives of Mark, Linda Opdyke, and Michiel Oakes. Mark's inability to let go of Linda became the focal point of the investigation.

Detective (01:39): "You know, he chronicled his obsession."

Linda, seeking to escape the suffocating grip of her marriage, found solace in Michiel Oakes, a security expert who positioned himself as her protector and new partner. Their relationship was swiftly labeled by acquaintances as "legendary" and "a beautiful love."

Witness (01:56): "It's a beautiful love, in my opinion. It's legendary."

However, Mark's obsessive nature indicated that this newfound happiness for Linda might have dire consequences.

Witness (01:25): "His eyes went just crazy. He clenched his hands and fists, and he was just in a shaking rage."

Witness (01:42): "This is war. This is goddamn war. You've risked my life enough."

The Investigation Unfolds

Detectives faced a perplexing case filled with twists and uncertainties. The question loomed: Who was the hunter, and who was the hunted?

Detective (01:50): "I think Linda Opdyke knows more. More than what she's telling."

While the authorities pieced together the timeline and motives, local residents voiced their confusion and despair over the unresolved truths.

Local Resident (02:07): "We don't have the truth yet. We have some of the truth, but we don't have all of it."

The discovery of blood at Mark's residence and his subsequent disappearance pointed fingers towards the volatile dynamics between the trio, raising suspicions about Michiel's role in the unfolding drama.

Conclusion: A Mystery in the Making

As the episode progresses, Peter Van Sant masterfully navigates through the intricate details of this dark love triangle. The interplay of obsession, wealth, and protection creates a suspenseful narrative that keeps listeners questioning the true nature of each character's intentions.

Peter Van Sant (02:11): "This is trained to kill the dog trainer, the heiress, and the bodyguard."

With only partial truths surfaced, the community of Anacortes remains on edge, awaiting justice and clarity in a case that has left more questions than answers.

Join Peter Van Sant in this gripping episode of Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard as he unravels the complexities of human emotions and the lengths one might go to protect or possess.

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