Digest

The episode delves into the murder of Henry Allen Stange, a father of two struggling with opioid addiction, in Joshua Tree National Park. The investigation reveals a complex love triangle involving Henry, his ex-wife Melissa, and his girlfriend Ashley Stapp, who was also involved with Curtis Krueger, a US Marine Lieutenant. The discovery of Henry's body, partially buried in the desert, leads investigators to his home, where they find evidence of a violent struggle. The lack of forced entry suggests the perpetrator knew Henry, and the missing security system DVR points to a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence. Through wiretapped conversations, investigators uncover incriminating discussions between Curtis and Ashley about disposing of a body and covering up their involvement. Both are arrested for murder and conspiracy. Ashley initially denies involvement but later confesses to being present during the murder and helping Curtis clean up the scene. She claims Curtis beat Henry in a jealous rage after she alleged a sexual assault. Curtis refuses to answer questions. The District Attorney's Office initially declines to file murder charges against Curtis and Ashley, leading to their release. Public outcry follows, and Curtis is re-arrested on a first-degree murder charge. Investigators uncover Curtis' obsessive and controlling behavior towards Ashley, including a previous hammer attack on Henry in January 2018. Ashley is arrested after months of being missing and confirms her previous confession, revealing more details about Curtis' previous attack on Henry and the true reason for his presence at Henry's house on the day of the murder. A preliminary hearing is held for Curtis, where evidence is presented, including photos of the crime scene and Henry's body. The judge rules there is sufficient evidence for trial. Ashley fails to complete her substance abuse treatment and is re-arrested. The trial begins, with both sides acknowledging the love triangle and Ashley's substance use disorder. The defense argues Curtis' controlling behavior stemmed from his love for Ashley and concern for her well-being. The prosecution alleges Curtis murdered Henry out of jealousy. Ashley testifies as a defense witness, describing the escalation of events, her addiction, and her fear of Curtis. She admits to using Henry for drugs but denies a romantic relationship. Curtis testifies, claiming self-defense and blaming Ashley for the cover-up. The jury finds Curtis guilty of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder and three years for the assault. Henry's family expresses their pain and frustration with the outcome. Curtis appeals his conviction, but it is upheld. He remains in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2029. Ashley is in treatment and has not been charged with any crimes. The episode concludes with a reflection on the tragic consequences of the love triangle and the impact on all involved.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Henry Allen Stange

This episode explores the murder of Henry Allen Stange in Joshua Tree National Park, highlighting the complex love triangle and drug addiction that led to his death. The investigation reveals the involvement of Curtis Krueger, a US Marine Lieutenant, and Ashley Stapp, Henry's girlfriend, who was also involved with Curtis.

00:02:46

Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation

A hiker discovers Henry's body partially buried in the desert. Investigators find evidence of a violent struggle at Henry's home, suggesting the perpetrator knew him. The missing security system DVR indicates a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence.

00:09:59

Henry's Life and Relationships

The episode delves into Henry's life, including his struggles with opioid addiction, his separation from his wife Melissa, and his relationship with Ashley Stapp. His last communication was on May 24, 2018, before his disappearance.

00:13:56

Suspects and Wiretapped Conversations

Investigators focus on Curtis Krueger and Ashley Stapp as suspects. Wiretapped conversations reveal incriminating discussions about disposing of a body and covering up their involvement, leading to their arrests.

00:24:53

Curtis' Obsessive Behavior and Ashley's Disappearance

The episode explores Curtis' obsessive and controlling behavior towards Ashley, including a previous hammer attack on Henry. Curtis manipulates his superiors to track Ashley down after she fails to show up at a family event. He reports her as suicidal but she is not found.

00:34:00

Preliminary Hearing, Trial, and Testimony

A preliminary hearing is held for Curtis, where evidence is presented, including photos of the crime scene and Henry's body. The judge rules there is sufficient evidence for trial. Ashley fails to complete her substance abuse treatment and is re-arrested. The trial begins, with both sides acknowledging the love triangle and Ashley's substance use disorder. Ashley testifies as a defense witness, describing the escalation of events, her addiction, and her fear of Curtis. Curtis testifies, claiming self-defense and blaming Ashley for the cover-up.

00:44:38

Verdict, Sentencing, and Aftermath

The jury finds Curtis guilty of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder and three years for the assault. Henry's family expresses their pain and frustration with the outcome. Curtis appeals his conviction, but it is upheld. He remains in prison and will be eligible for parole in 2029. Ashley is in treatment and has not been charged with any crimes. The episode concludes with a reflection on the tragic consequences of the love triangle and the impact on all involved.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the main motives for Henry Allen Stange's murder?

  The episode suggests that the primary motives for Henry's murder were sex and drugs. Curtis Krueger, the perpetrator, was driven by jealousy over Henry's relationship with Ashley Stapp, and there were indications that Ashley's drug use played a role in her involvement with both men.

• How did investigators uncover the involvement of Curtis Krueger and Ashley Stapp?

  Investigators initially became suspicious of Curtis and Ashley due to their relationship and Curtis' cell phone records placing him at Henry's house on the day of the murder. Wiretapped conversations revealed incriminating discussions about disposing of a body and covering up their involvement, leading to their arrests.

• What was the nature of Curtis Krueger's relationship with Ashley Stapp?

  Curtis was described as highly obsessive and controlling towards Ashley. He tracked her phone, followed her, checked her emails, and threatened men he believed shouldn't be interacting with her. His behavior escalated over time, leading to the murder of Henry.

• What role did Ashley Stapp play in the murder?

  Ashley was initially present at Henry's house when Curtis attacked him. She helped clean up the scene and transported Henry's body to the desert. She initially lied to police about the events but later confessed to her involvement and revealed more details about Curtis' previous attack on Henry.

• What was the outcome of the trial?

  Curtis was found guilty of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder and three years for the assault. Ashley was not charged with murder but pleaded guilty to harboring a person suspected of committing a felony and received a sentence of 300 days in jail and three years of probation.

Show Notes