The Manhunt

Summary of The Manhunt

by Audiochuck

34m•February 3, 2026
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Overview of The Manhunt (Park Predators)

This episode—hosted by Delia D’Ambra—recounts a violent three-day spree in Burke County, North Carolina (spring 2014) that culminated in a large manhunt, the deaths of three people (a U.S. Forest Service officer and a K‑9, plus two civilians), and the suicide of the suspect. The story traces the crime scene discovery, the multi‑agency search that followed, the fatal encounter that killed Officer Jason Crisp and his dog Maros, and the suspect’s background, including an earlier homicide from 1996 that many argue foreshadowed the 2014 violence.

Key events — timeline

  • March 12, 2014, ~8:00 AM: Burke County deputies perform a welfare check at Levi and Rhonda Wisnett’s home on Fish Hatchery Road after a coworker reports Rhonda missing.
  • Deputies find blood trail in the house; Levi (60) and Rhonda (55) found shot to death in the basement—likely killed between March 9–10.
  • The couple’s adult stepson, 38‑year‑old Troy Wisnett, becomes the prime suspect. His vehicle is found abandoned; he flees and steals/crashes multiple vehicles.
  • ~Noon: Large multi‑agency manhunt forms (as many as 150 officers). U.S. Forest Service K‑9 Maros and handler Jason Crisp are called in to track.
  • ~2:50 PM: While tracking, Jason and Maros are ambushed. Troy shoots Jason in the head, killing him, and shoots Maros. Troy takes Jason’s sidearm.
  • ~4:30 PM: Troopers spot Troy near a farmhouse. Confrontation ensues; Troy is found with a gunshot wound to the buttocks and a self‑inflicted fatal wound to the head (Jason’s service weapon). Troy dies on scene.
  • Aftermath: Community shock, funerals and memorials; public criticism resurfaces over Troy’s 1996 plea deal.

Main people involved

  • Jason Crisp — U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer (handler of K‑9 Maros). Killed during the manhunt. Husband and father of two boys (Garrett and Logan). Maros’s cremated remains were buried with him.
  • Maros — Jason’s tracking K‑9. Also killed at the scene.
  • Levi and Rhonda Wisnett — victims found murdered in their home. Levi retired; Rhonda worked as a nurse.
  • Troy Wisnett — stepson/son; suspect in the 2014 murders and killer of Officer Crisp and Maros. Died by a self‑inflicted gunshot wound after being shot in a law enforcement confrontation.
  • Wade Keener — Jason’s partner and neighbor; provided interviews and background on Jason and the case.
  • Shirley Newton — mother of William “Shane” Newton, murdered in 1996 by Troy; vocal critic of the 1997 plea deal.

Investigation & manhunt details

  • Crime scene: Blood trail, rifle and spent cartridges; evidence suggested Levi was shot in the basement and Rhonda was shot outside and dragged inside. Several firearms were missing from the home and a neighbor’s home had a kicked‑in door.
  • Suspect actions: After the murders, Troy remained in the house intermittently, used his parents’ cards/checkbook, called relatives, and stole vehicles before leading officers on a chase and foot pursuit.
  • Tracking and ambush: Maros locked onto Troy’s scent when newer municipal dogs lost it. While following, Jason and Maros lost sight of troopers and were ambushed—Jason killed at ~15 feet; Maros shot while entangled.
  • Communication and search challenges: Poor radio communications, limited cell reception, and noise from low‑flying helicopters hampered the search.
  • Final confrontation: Troy was discovered near a fallen tree; officers fired when he brandished a weapon. He had a gunshot wound to the buttocks and a self‑inflicted wound to the head from Jason’s stolen Glock.

Background: Troy Wisnett’s criminal history and 1996 homicide

  • 1996 homicide: At age 20, Troy confessed to killing his friend William “Shane” Newton (shot in the back of the head). He was charged with murder but later allowed to plead to voluntary manslaughter (April 1997) and received an effective 11‑month sentence with credit for time served.
  • Controversy: Shane’s family and many community members opposed the plea deal, arguing Troy’s later behavior and the circumstances of Shane’s killing showed culpability. A psychologist had documented long‑term substance use starting in adolescence; this informed prosecutors’ decision to accept a plea.
  • Subsequent record: Between 1997 and 2014, Troy accrued numerous arrests and convictions (assault, drug offenses, breaking and entering, DWI, receiving stolen property, and manslaughter on his record earlier). He was reportedly recently released from prison and had outstanding charges at the time of the 2014 murders.

Aftermath, community impact & memorials

  • Loss: The community mourned three deaths—Levi and Rhonda Wisnett and Officer Jason Crisp (and his K‑9, Maros). Funerals were public; Jason’s casket procession became a large community event.
  • Support: Local volunteers helped Jason’s family renovate a mobile home; funds and a memorial fund supported his widow and sons. Jason’s family received a German Shepherd puppy, Mara.
  • Honors: The ranger station building was renamed the Jason Crisp Forest Service Building; Jason was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C.
  • Ongoing criticism: Shirley Newton (mother of the 1996 victim) and others blamed the earlier plea deal and the criminal justice system’s perceived leniency for enabling further violence. Jason’s partner Wade Keener expressed frustration at repeat offenders receiving minimal accountability.

Themes, lessons, and takeaways

  • The limits of plea bargains and long‑term consequences: The episode highlights community anger over a prior plea deal and raises questions about whether earlier intervention or longer incarceration/mental‑health treatment could have prevented later violence.
  • Importance and risk of K‑9 teams: Maros and Crisp’s tracking skills were critical to locating the suspect—yet the encounter underscores the danger K‑9 teams face in the field.
  • Mental health and substance use: Troy had documented substance use and mental health issues from adolescence; the case demonstrates how untreated problems can escalate into repeated criminal behavior and violence.
  • Community trauma and solidarity: Small towns can be profoundly affected by violent crime; community response included memorials, financial support, and lasting institutional honors for the fallen officer.

Notable quotes

  • Shirley Newton (on justice and the 1997 plea): “I told them at the courthouse, if he gets off of this, he will hurt someone else.”
  • Jason’s family statement after his death: “He was a loving father, loving husband, and a great friend... He loved doing his job with a passion. The only thing he loved more than his job was his family and friends. He died a hero.”

Sources & episode notes

  • Host: Delia D’Ambra; production: Park Predators (Audiochuck).
  • The episode is based on reporting, interviews with Jason’s partner Wade Keener and son Garrett, local press archives, and investigative/court records. A list of source material is available at parkpredators.com.