Up and Vanished Weekly: Episode Summary – "MURDERED: Mark Stover"

Introduction

In the May 21, 2025 episode of Up and Vanished Weekly, host Maggie Freeling delves into the intricate and tragic case of Mark Stover, a renowned dog trainer whose life was cut short amidst a turbulent love triangle. Joining her is Peter Van Sant, a veteran journalist and correspondent for 48 Hours, known for his in-depth true crime reporting. Together, they unpack the complexities surrounding Stover’s murder, exploring themes of obsession, self-defense, and the darker aspects of human nature.

Case Background

Maggie Freeling sets the stage by outlining the harrowing events of October 28, 2009, in Anacortes, Washington. Mark Stover, a celebrated dog trainer to celebrities like Eddie Vedder and Howard Schultz, finds himself entangled in a deadly love triangle with Linda Opdyke, the daughter of multimillionaire Wally Opdyke, and Michael Oakes, a self-taught security expert.

Investigation and Trial

The episode meticulously narrates the sequence of events leading up to Stover’s death. After a decade-long marriage filled with increasing tension and Mark’s alleged stalking behavior, Michael Oakes becomes involved in Linda’s life. On the fateful morning of October 28, 2009, an altercation between Michael and Mark results in Mark’s death. Michael’s subsequent actions—disposing of the body and inconsistent statements—lead to his arrest and a high-profile trial.

Key Developments:

• Mark Stover’s Decline: Post-marriage, Mark's behavior becomes increasingly aggressive, leading to separation in 2005 and escalating to stalking in 2006. Linda cites instances where Mark threatened her, prompting her to seek enhanced security measures.

• Michael Oakes’ Involvement: Hired by Linda for security, Oakes becomes a central figure when Mark’s harassment shifts towards him. On the day of the murder, Oakes claims self-defense after being shot by Mark, leading to Mark’s death.

• The Trial: Michael Oakes is charged with first-degree murder, with the prosecution arguing vigilante justice, while the defense claims self-defense. After a month-long trial featuring 50 witnesses and 700 pieces of evidence, Oakes is convicted and sentenced to 26.5 years in prison.

Notable Quotes:

• Maggie Freeling on Human Nature:
  "This case is emblematic of the best and worst of human nature... it's about what we do for love, for our families, and to stay alive when authority's hands are tied." [07:00]

• Peter Van Sant Expressing Doubt:
  "I do not buy Michael Oakes story for a moment." [35:32]

Peter Van Sant’s Insights and Podcast

Peter Van Sant introduces his podcast, Trained to Kill, where he revisits the Mark Stover case with fresh perspectives. He expresses skepticism about Michael Oakes’ self-defense narrative, highlighting inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding the case.

Key Insights:

• Questioning Oakes’ Story:
  Van Sant points out anomalies in Oakes' account, such as his knowledge of Mark’s habits and the specifics of the dog’s behavior, which seem too precise for someone not intimately involved.

• Linda Opdyke’s Involvement:
  He explores Linda’s transformation into a highly secured individual, her acquisition of numerous firearms, and her unwavering support of Oakes despite the circumstances.

• Unresolved Questions:
  The body of Mark Stover was never recovered, and Oakes remains evasive about its location, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Van Sant suggests that the case may hold more secrets yet to be uncovered.

Notable Quotes:

• Van Sant on Human Emotions:
  "Obsession and anger, hate, jealousy, envy... it's amazing how those emotions can take people down." [31:30]

• Van Sant on the Murder Night:
  "How would he know Mark Stover's patterns in the morning, what time he arrives at work? And the fact that Mark Stover had a dog trained to kill another human being..." [40:00]

Guest Interaction

Maggie engages deeply with Van Sant, prompting him to reflect on the human condition and the capacity for darkness within everyone. Their conversation highlights the intricacies of the case and the broader implications for true crime storytelling.

Key Points:

• Human Nature Explored:
  Both hosts discuss how true crime reveals the complexities of human emotions and actions, emphasizing the role of storytelling in understanding these phenomena.

• Podcasting’s Role:
  They agree on the intimate nature of podcasting, where the absence of visual distractions allows for a focused exploration of narratives and emotions.

Notable Quotes:

• Maggie on Podcasting’s Intimacy:
  "There's something so intimate about a voice being in your ear... that is what you're hearing, and you're creating this world based on what you're hearing." [48:12]

Conclusions

The episode concludes with Maggie summarizing the unresolved elements of the case, including the missing body and lingering doubts about Michael Oakes’ guilt. She underscores the importance of questioning and re-examining such cases to seek justice and truth.

Final Thoughts:

• Unresolved Mysteries:
  The absence of Mark Stover’s body leaves room for speculation and doubt, suggesting that the story may not be entirely closed.

• Call to Action:
  Maggie encourages listeners to engage with the ongoing investigation through Peter’s podcast, fostering community discussion and amateur sleuthing to uncover further truths.

Notable Quotes:

• Maggie on Human Nature and Desperation:
  "There's nothing more important than human life... the desperation these people feel to stay safe and keep their loved ones safe." [50:15]

• Peter on Reopening the Case:
  "If his story is shown to be a lie, could they reopen? I believe they could with dramatic new evidence like this." [43:26]

Conclusion

Up and Vanished Weekly offers a compelling exploration of the Mark Stover case, blending detailed investigative reporting with insightful guest commentary. The episode not only recounts the events leading to Stover’s murder but also delves into the psychological and emotional underpinnings that drive such tragedies. By inviting Peter Van Sant to share his perspectives and ongoing work, the podcast encourages listeners to engage critically with true crime narratives and seek deeper understanding.

For Further Listening:

• Peter Van Sant’s Podcast:
  Trained to Kill
  Explore Peter Van Sant’s detailed investigation into the Mark Stover case and other intriguing true crime stories. Available on all major podcast platforms.

Relevant Timestamps:

• Introduction of Guests and Case: [02:17] – [08:41]
• Detailed Case Timeline: [08:41] – [25:08]
• Trial Proceedings: [25:08] – [28:00]
• Peter Van Sant’s Analysis and Podcast Discussion: [29:21] – [50:15]

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussion and analysis of the case.