Overview of The Routine
This Park Predators episode tells the story of the 1999 ambush of two Oregon State Park rangers at Oswald West State Park: Danny Blumenthal, who was murdered, and Jack Kerwin, who survived multiple gunshot wounds. Host Delia D’Ambra traces the attack, the manhunt, and the disturbing criminal history of the convicted killer, Larry Jean Cole, whose past crimes revealed a long pattern of violent behavior.
What Happened at Oswald West State Park
- On the morning of April 27, 1999, Jack Kerwin and Danny Blumenthal were doing pre-opening maintenance at the campground.
- Larry Cole confronted Danny at the restroom with a handgun, then forced both rangers into a maintenance shed.
- He tied them up with zip ties, robbed them, and marched them into the woods near Cape Falcon.
- In the woods, Larry shot Danny and Jack multiple times.
- Danny died at the scene.
- Jack survived, playing dead long enough for the killer to leave, then escaped and found help.
Manhunt and Arrest
- Jack managed to get to Highway 101 and flag down a truck driver, who called 911.
- Authorities rushed Jack to medical care and searched for the suspect.
- Police quickly tracked Danny’s stolen truck and pursued Larry.
- Larry was captured after a chase near Olney, Oregon.
- Investigators later identified him as a 52-year-old convicted felon on parole.
Larry Cole’s Violent Criminal History
The episode emphasizes that the park shooting was not an isolated act:
1974 kidnapping case
- Larry and his then-wife Bonnie Ann Cole kidnapped the wife of Larry’s former employer, Betty Ann Van Balen.
- They used a fake real-estate meeting as a trap, then held Betty Ann for ransom.
- The FBI eventually caught them; both pleaded guilty.
- Larry served prison time, but was later paroled and released early.
Connection to the Oregon murder
- Prosecutors and the host suggest that if Larry had remained incarcerated, Danny Blumenthal might never have been killed.
- Betty Ann was devastated to learn that the man who abducted her had been released and had gone on to kill again.
Trial and Verdict
- Larry was indicted on multiple felony counts, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, theft, and weapons charges.
- Physical evidence was limited, and the murder weapon could not be conclusively matched.
- Jack Kerwin’s testimony was central to the case, even though he could not identify Larry with complete certainty in court.
- Larry testified in his own defense and claimed a story involving a man named “Gary,” but jurors rejected it.
- In April 2001, he was found guilty on all counts.
- He was later sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Jack Kerwin suffered lasting injuries, including chronic headaches from a bullet fragment still lodged in his jaw.
- He received workers’ compensation and continued his career as a ranger before retiring after 30 years.
- Oswald West State Park later honored the victims:
- Blumenthal Falls was named for Danny.
- Kerwin Creek was named for Jack.
- Jack believes Danny’s actions and the chaotic escape likely prevented Larry from harming others.
Key Takeaways
- The episode is a stark reminder that violence can erupt in even peaceful public spaces.
- It also highlights how early release of violent offenders can have devastating consequences.
- Jack’s survival was crucial not only to the investigation, but to securing a conviction.
- The story ends with the unsettling portrait of a man who seemed outwardly ordinary but had a long history of serious violent crime.
Notable Insight
- Jack reflected that Larry looked “normal” and not obviously threatening, which made the attack even more chilling.
- His final takeaway was that Larry’s possession of disguises and police paraphernalia suggested he was prepared to continue committing crimes.