Overview of The Badges (2 cases)
This episode of Park Predators (host Delia D’Ambra) recounts two separate crimes against game wardens nearly 30 years apart: the 1934 disappearance/murder of Idaho deputy game warden Ellsworth Teed, and the 1963 killing of Texas game warden J.D. (John “J.D.”) Murphree. Both stories explore the perilous nature of wildlife law enforcement, the long searches and investigations that followed, and how families and communities were affected. The episode also shows how new information — decades later in one case, and via trial in the other — finally provided answers or accountability.
Case 1 — Ellsworth Teed (Shoshone County, Idaho — disappearance, 1934)
- Who: Ellsworth Teed, deputy game warden for Shoshone County (known as Ellsworth in reporting).
- When/Where: Disappeared August 28–29, 1934 near Boulder Gulch / Mountain View Cemetery trailhead outside Mullan, Idaho.
- Circumstances:
- Teed left to investigate suspected deer poaching; his locked Model A Ford Coupe was found with his lunch and coat inside near a trailhead — suggesting he expected to return that day.
- Large multi-day search (up to ~1,000 volunteers) used pilots, scent dogs, Boy Scouts, Civilian Conservation Corps, miners, etc. Treacherous terrain, heat and fire warnings hindered efforts.
- Evidence of poaching was found: illegally taken birds and deer carcasses in shallow graves. A few suspicious items (shell casings, handkerchief) were recovered but not conclusively linked to him.
- The community suspected he had been confronted or ambushed by poachers he was actively targeting; Teed had been aggressive in enforcement that summer.
- Investigation developments:
- Months later, a tip claimed Teed was seen walking toward Canada in Republic, Washington; investigators could not corroborate.
- Teed had taken a $3,000 life insurance policy two weeks before his disappearance; in 1942 his widow Alma won a civil suit and the policy payout after a judge legally declared him deceased.
- For decades the case remained unsolved.
- Resolution (2023–2024):
- In 2023 Teed was added to law enforcement memorials; family/community conversations prompted people to share stories and family oral histories.
- Shoshone County investigators, reviewing old files and these stories, identified three individuals now believed responsible: George Pentland Jr., his son John Robert Pentland, and Oscar Downey.
- Allegation: the three were illegally harvesting deer, encountered Teed, George killed him, and the others assisted with disposal. Investigators mapped likely disposal areas but opted not to search intensively for remains after ~90 years of environmental change.
- Outcome: Sheriff’s office declared the case closed in 2024 with George Pentland Jr. named as the prime suspect. The named suspects are deceased (George died 1964; John died 2002). Teed was officially memorialized as a fallen officer in 2023.
- Impact/notes:
- Family members expressed relief at finally having an explanation after generations of uncertainty.
- No modern criminal prosecutions were possible; the physical remains were not recovered.
Case 2 — J.D. (John “J.D.”) Murphree (Jasper County, Texas — murder, 1963)
- Who: John “J.D.” Murphree, Texas game warden, age 33.
- When/Where: Killed December 8, 1963 while patrolling a bayou near Mauriceville, Texas (Jasper County).
- Circumstances:
- Murphree heard a shotgun report and approached a hunting blind where hunters were likely duck-hunting after legal hours.
- As he identified himself, the hunters fled. A 16-year-old, Henry Edward Morse, fired shotgun rounds in Murphree’s direction; Murphree was hit in the stomach and the back/top of the head and died in about 18 inches of water.
- The group discussed the shooting; an older man left to report it to authorities. Murphree left behind a wife (Elora) and three children; no life insurance — community raised funds to help the family.
- Arrest and legal process:
- Henry Morse admitted responsibility that night, claiming the gun discharged accidentally when he fell while fleeing. He named companion Robert Harder.
- Henry was held on $20,000 bond; Robert Harder held as a material witness and cited for game violations.
- Henry was a juvenile at the time; after legal maneuvering he was released pending trial. He was indicted in 1964.
- Trial (January 1966):
- Prosecution witnesses (including Murphree’s widow and ballistics/deputy sheriff) testified that Henry fired multiple shots from close range; ballistics matched Henry’s 12-gauge shotgun.
- Deputy sheriff’s forensic testimony: three shots had been fired — first from ~9 ft (hit stomach), second hit Murphree’s hat, third from ~7 ft (hit top of head as Murphree bent over).
- Defense presented 16 witnesses including Henry’s mother (describing a nervous/fragile childhood and alleged developmental issues) and multiple witnesses who claimed they heard a pistol/rifle shot before the shotgun blasts (supporting claim Murphree may have fired first).
- Henry testified that Murphree had threatened him previously, that Murphree shot at him first, and that he panicked — he could not remember firing.
- Verdict/sentence: Henry Morse was found guilty of murder but received a two-year prison sentence.
- Aftermath/legacy:
- Reports suggest Morse expressed remorse after release and sought to live a better life; he died in 1999 at age 52.
- Murphree’s name is memorialized (1992 East Texas Police Academy marker). The J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (Port Arthur/nearby) was named in his honor and remains an important coastal habitat and managed hunting area.
- The case highlights the recurring violent risk to wildlife officers in Texas (other cases referenced, e.g., Gus Engling).
Key takeaways
- Game wardens and wildlife officers have long faced lethal risk enforcing hunting and fishing laws; both episodes illustrate fatal confrontations with poachers/illegal hunters.
- Investigations can span decades: one case ended with a conviction and short sentence (1966); the other remained unsolved for nearly 90 years until oral histories and archived records pointed to likely perpetrators.
- Families and communities bear long-term emotional and financial consequences; community fundraising and later memorialization attempt to preserve legacy and offer closure.
- Oral histories and renewed archival review can be pivotal in resolving cold cases when physical evidence is long gone.
Notable quotes / human moments
- Host framing: “You never know what someone is capable of when they're cornered.”
- Ellsworth Teed’s family: “It was heartbreaking. The family was ruined from losing him… We do [have closure].” — Melissa Sellers-Teed (relative).
- The episode emphasizes both the human cost for enforcement families and the persistence of communities in seeking answers.
Sources / further reading
- Episode references archival local newspapers (Shoshone News Press, Coeur d’Alene Press/Spokesman-Review), Associated Press coverage, Bison Media Company reporting, and county sheriff office statements.
- Park Predators website (parkpredators.com) lists source material for this episode.
If you want a one-line summary: two game wardens — Ellsworth Teed (Idaho, disappeared 1934) and J.D. Murphree (Texas, killed 1963) — were targeted in the line of duty; one case led to a conviction with a short sentence, the other remained unsolved until community oral histories and archival review identified likely perpetrators nearly 90 years later.