Update: More on odd twist in doctors' murders
Patty
Plotter Died in Killing for Hire, Sheriff Says
Crime: An Orange County doctor allegedly recruited his lover to kill his wife, then was
shot himself, officials say.
By JACK LEONARD, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
The way detectives see it, Dr. Kenneth C. Stahl was a man who got snared in a deadly
double-double cross.
For months, they said, he had meticulously planned the murder of his wife.
He left no detail to chance, from the romantic dinner to the impromptu ride along a
remote stretch of Ortega Highway later that night where two hired killers were supposed to
meet the couple and carry out the hit.
But something went wrong.
As Orange County sheriff's officials outlined their case Tuesday, the assassins not
only killed Stahl's wife, a 44-year-old optometrist, but also turned their handgun on the
doctor himself.
For more than a year, the case baffled detectives, who were left with very little
physical evidence at the desolate crime scene and no apparent motive for anyone to kill
the popular Huntington Beach doctors. Both were found shot execution-style, with the car's
headlights on, engine idling and transmission in park.
But in the last few weeks, detectives finally began to unravel details of the
mystery. Checking Stahl's cell phone records, detectives determined that the doctor had
been carrying on a protracted love affair with a 33-year-old Anaheim woman, Adriana Vasco.
That led them to an unexpected conclusion: that Vasco and her boyfriend killed the
couple after receiving about $30,000 from Stahl in exchange for the hit.
Vasco and the boyfriend, Dennis Earl Godley, 30, were charged this week with
murdering the couple. In addition, they face three special circumstance
allegations--multiple murder, killing for financial gain and lying in wait--that make them
eligible for the death penalty.
Vasco and Godley could not be reached for comment. They will be arraigned later this
week.
Detectives believe Godley was the triggerman but are unsure why Stahl was killed.
Sources familiar with the probe said investigators are examining a number of theories,
including the possibility that Godley was jealous over the doctor's relationship with
Vasco, wanted to eliminate all witnesses to the killing, or simply panicked.
The case took detectives from the hospital corridors of Orange County to a small town
in North Carolina, where Godley allegedly fled after the killings.
Kenneth Stahl and Carolyn Oppy met at a doctor's lounge in the Pico Rivera hospital
where he worked as an anesthesiologist, said her younger sister, Linda Dubay.
Both had been married before--twice for him, once for her--and seemed eager to tie
the knot again. At first, they enjoyed a loving relationship, Dubay said.
Throughout their 14-year marriage, the two doctors were something of a power couple.
Stahl even served on a state medical board. But behind their professional image was a
fast-fading romance. The strain intensified when Oppy-Stahl discovered Stahl had had a
number of affairs, Dubay said.
"It saddened Carolyn," Dubay said. "At one point, she talked about getting a divorce.
But Ken's mom encouraged them to go and get marriage counseling. That was four or five
years ago."
Oppy-Stahl remained hopeful to the end that the marriage would improve, family
members said. By that time, though, Stahl was looking around for someone to kill his wife,
authorities said.
Detectives still aren't sure why. The doctor had no financial incentive to kill his
wife, given that the couple had a prenuptial agreement. Why, they wonder, didn't he just
seek a divorce?
With murder on his mind, Stahl eventually turned to his girlfriend, hospital
receptionist Vasco, to get the plot off the ground, investigators said.
"He found the right person," said Orange County Sheriff's Capt. Steve Carroll.
Vasco, in turn, looked to Godley for help in planning the attack, sheriff's officials
said. Godley had not lived in Anaheim long, arriving only a few months earlier after
escaping from North Carolina authorities who had tried to arrest him in connection with a
robbery, officials said. Godley was living in the same Anaheim apartment complex as Vasco
and the two were romantically involved, sheriff's officials said.
On Nov. 20, 1999, Stahl and his wife planned to celebrate her 44th birthday.
Oppy-Stahl told her mother during a telephone conversation that day that her husband was
planning a surprise for her, family members said. Detectives later confirmed that the
couple had eaten at a Mission Viejo restaurant before their deaths.
Then they left and headed east on Ortega Highway. Stahl pulled his wife's 1996 Dodge
Stratus to the side of the road. They were two miles east of Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness
Park. An emergency call box stood just feet away.
Detectives believe the killers pulled up on the opposite side of the road.
"He pulled over, knowing that the other two--Vasco and Godley--are going to go up and
shoot her," said Sheriff's Capt. Steve Carroll. "He's not expecting to get killed."
Both Stahl and his wife were shot more than once in the head with a handgun.
About 10:30 p.m., a security guard found the couple's car. Forensic experts believe
the couple had been dead for as long as 90 minutes.
Detectives found no witnesses, no sign of any struggle, not even any shell casings,
only a shattered driver's-side window.
The case sat unsolved until sheriff's officials brought in new detectives to handle
the case this year.
Their examination of Stahl's cellular phone records led them to Vasco. From there,
interviews led them to Godley and their theory of the case. But detectives Tuesday
declined to elaborate on what evidence they have.
Stahl's family issued a brief statement through the Sheriff's Department, saying his
relatives are "devastated with the revelation of these allegations."
Prosecutors have filed two counts of murder against both Vasco and Godley. In
addition, the two face three special-circumstance allegations--multiple murder, killing
for financial gain and lying in wait--which make them eligible for the death penalty.
Teresa
http://www.ocregister.com/community/stahl01213cci1.shtml
Teresa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheriff: Doctor hired hit on wife
POLICE: Woman and man are suspects in the slaying, in which the husband also
was killed.
December 13, 2000
-------------------------------------------
KEY PLAYERS
Kenneth C. Stahl
.Age: 57
.Huntington Beach anesthesiologist suspected of asking his mistress to help
him hire a hit man to kill his wife. He also was slain, but for unknown
reasons.
Carolyn Oppy-Stahl
.Age: 44
.Authorities say her husband hired a man who investigators suspect of
shooting and killing them both after a dinner outing to celebrate her 44th
birthday.
Dennis E. Godley
.Age: 30
.Authorities suspect him of shooting and killing the Stahls on a remote
stretch of Ortega (74) Highway after being paid "a large sum of money" by
Kenneth Stahl.
Adriana Vasco
.Age: 33
.Investigators suspect she helped hire God ley to kill Carolyn Oppy-Stahl.
Vasco allegedly was having an affair with Kenneth Stahl.
--------------------------------
By ALDRIN BROWN
and BILL RAMS
The Orange County Register
A Huntington Beach doctor paid a hit man to kill his wife, but the doctor
also wound up dead when the November 1999 slaying went sour, sheriff's
officials said Tuesday.
The bodies of doctors Kenneth C. Stahl and Carolyn Oppy-Stahl were found
Nov. 20 in their 1996 Dodge Stratus sedan, left idling in park with its
headlights on alongside Ortega (74) Highway about 1½ miles east of Ronald W.
Caspers Wilderness Park.
Both had been shot to death following a dinner outing to celebrate the
woman's 44th birthday.
On Monday, authorities filed charges against Dennis Earl Godley, 30, who
authorities suspect pulled the trigger, and Adriana Vasco, who investigators
said had been engaged in a nine-year affair with Kenneth Stahl. They suspect
she helped Stahl hire the hit man. Vasco and Godley also were romantically
involved, authorities said.
Each was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and lying in wait.
Both lived in Anaheim at the time of the killings.
Godley, 30, was being held in Virginia and Vasco, 33, in Los Angeles County
on unrelated charges. Orange County officials said they did not know when
they would be extradited to face the local charges.
In a telephone interview from jail, Vasco told KCAL Channel 9 that Godley
reported killing Kenneth Stahl "because he did not follow directions or
orders."
Vasco denied setting up the killing, insisting instead that Stahl negotiated
directly with Godley.
Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona said investigators think they know why
Kenneth Stahl was killed, but refused to disclose their theory, citing the
ongoing probe.
Sheriff's investigators were in North Carolina on Tuesday seeking additional
suspects.
For more than a year, sheriff's investigators had been stymied in their
attempts to determine who killed the well-respected, well-liked couple.
Relatives of the couple were stunned by news that authorities suspect the
slayings were the result of a murder-for-hire plot.
"Our whole family is just so upset about this," said Carolyn Oppy-Stahl's
mother, Ophia Sokolowski. "I can't imagine Ken being in on this. It's so
hurtful to think he would do this to her."
Kenneth Stahl's family also expressed sadness at the accusations.
"Ken's family is devastated with the revelation of these allegations," his
family said in a statement. "We will be following ... further information
either from the Sheriff's Department or the potential upcoming trial."
The Stahls, who married in January 1988, had a prenuptial agreement.
Investigators said they did not know a motive in the case.
But, Carona said, "Dr. Stahl had wanted to have his wife killed for some
time and had solicited others."
Relatives said the couple had long suffered marital discord and financial
problems.
"They had a rocky marriage," Carolyn Oppy-Stahl's sister Linda Dubay said.
"I know (Carolyn) was very unhappy, and she talked about getting a divorce."
Carolyn Oppy-Stahl, an optometrist, was bothered by her husband's frequent
affairs and once surprised him in their living room cavorting with a woman
he had met at work, Sokolowski said.
Relatives said Oppy-Stahl also had told them that the 57-year-old
anesthesiologist had physically abused her several years ago, causing
injuries to her face and back.
"I saw the pictures, and it was really bad," Sokolowski said. According to
the mother, the photographs were turned over to investigators earlier this
year.
When told that Kenneth Stahl was suspected of involvement in his wife's
killing, members of his family were "not particularly surprised," Sheriff's
Capt. Steve Carroll said.
Investigators said Stahl met Vasco at an Orange County hospital where the
woman worked as a receptionist.
In the months before the killing, Stahl allegedly asked her for help in
finding a killer, authorities said. Vasco allegedly introduced Stahl to
Godley.
"Ms. Vasco had been involved with a number of people who were involved in
criminal activity," Carona said. "Mr. Godley was in Orange County for
criminal activity unrelated to the assassination." He would not elaborate.
Sgt. Ron Smith of the Pitt County, Va., Sheriff's Department, said Godley
has a long criminal record, including robbery, assault on a peace officer
and larceny.
Carona said Stahl offered Godley "a large sum of money" to commit the murder
on the isolated highway. He refused to specify the amount, but family
members said detectives told them that Stahl withdrew $20,000 from his bank
account sometime before the killings.
The seemingly stalled investigation was given new life in recent months
after sheriff's officials reassigned the case to a different team of
detectives, Carona said.
He declined to give a reason for the change in investigators.
PattyC4303
<ctf...@homesweethome.com> writes:
SO, was the husband killed "by accident" so to speak, as in, the plan was not
to kill him when the assasin went in? Sort of sounds like it when it's noted
he didn't follow the plan. Wondering if he had VERY last minute second
thoughts and the killer freaked.
OR, is it out of the question that the killer/lover of the mistress of the
husband, and the mistress (god, I'm confused) both wanted the two dead? IF so,
why? To what end?
Sounds like a real nice hubby, huh? Again I wonder how people stay in the most
horrible marriages or relationships. So, you're married 14 years, he cheats,
he beats. You can afford to take care of yourself. And you stay because???
These are the murder stories I love.
PattyC
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."
sal
<20001213185253...@nso-bd.aol.com>:
>>-Stahl. Vasco allegedly was having an affair with Kenneth Stahl.
Maybe, but I'd bet they had the money and didn't want any witnesses left
around.
-Sal
Teresa
"PattyC4303" wrote:
> SO, was the husband killed "by accident" so to speak, as in, the plan was
not
> to kill him when the assasin went in? Sort of sounds like it when it's
noted
> he didn't follow the plan. Wondering if he had VERY last minute second
> thoughts and the killer freaked.
>
> OR, is it out of the question that the killer/lover of the mistress of the
> husband, and the mistress (god, I'm confused) both wanted the two dead?
IF so,
> why? To what end?
>
> Sounds like a real nice hubby, huh? Again I wonder how people stay in the
most
> horrible marriages or relationships. So, you're married 14 years, he
cheats,
> he beats. You can afford to take care of yourself. And you stay
because???
>
> These are the murder stories I love.
>
> PattyC
>
> "Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."
**I'm wondering if the hit man killed her and then held the
gun on the hubby and demanded more money, thinking these
doctors are filthy rich and he should pay more for the job.
Then, when the doctor "refused orders", he offed him too.
As to why would a successful woman stay with a batterer
when she has no children to protect? Who knows? Maybe
the fear of failure comes into play. Just the thought of dividing
the property and moving out and finding another home and
starting all over again made her think she should try harder to
keep her marriage together. No one likes to admit that they
made a poor choice of marriage partners.
Teresa
PattyC4303
<ctf...@homesweethome.com> writes:
>As to why would a successful woman stay with a batterer
>when she has no children to protect? Who knows? Maybe
>the fear of failure comes into play. Just the thought of dividing
>the property and moving out and finding another home and
>starting all over again made her think she should try harder to
>keep her marriage together. No one likes to admit that they
>made a poor choice of marriage partners.
>
>Teresa
>
Of course, Teresa, I understand your point when just thinking it out as
intellectual exercise. Then..I consider, a woman who has her own potential to
make a living, no kids to harm or hurt by leaving dad (I hadn't even mentioned
that, but glad you did, all the more why I am amazed).... she knows the
husband cheats... let's even leave it at that and not get into whether he
physically abused her... but saying he regularly cheats (hell, he had a ..real
nice.. girlfriend for YEARS)... you stay? I still wonder.
The most amazingly wonderful thing about negotiating life single, is that when
you encounter stuff like this, you CAN actually relate to, deal with,
understand, HOW it is not that hard to be alone. Well, yeah, it has it's bad
points.... but nothing like comparing to the bad points of having a cheating
husband, dealing with that daily humilitation, etc.
I posted thoughts on this before and some didn't much relate to my thoughts on
it. *I* think that need to *stay* is about a cultural phenomenon. Where
women in USA society anyway, think they are better "with" a male partner than
not. So much so that what appears to be rational thinking as to (LOSE that
creep!) goes out the window. So much so that women (IMHO, more than men) seem
to put up with the biggest damn LOSERS...
As a side note, and to counter thoughts that my sig might also engender... I
much LIKE and enjoy men, and have all my life. On *some* days, more than I
like women actually. BUT... I am much worried about how culture (STILL!) makes
women think it's having a man makes one worthwhile. My lovely 22 year old
neice is smart, beautiful and kind. She is working on a Masters Degree, able
to intelligently discuss any subject, good to be around. She is lately going
thru a stage in which she seems to be finding herself "deficient" for not
having a boyfriend (lots of friends gettig married lately). THAT jars me. I
try to intervene with my old aunt thoughts, but (and I think this is 'cause
society has her brainwashed), it's my concern she thinks OH god... I don't
want to turn out like YOU, old and alone. She doesn't know or "get" that some,
maybe many women are "with" someone and WAY way worse off than I could ever
be...
So anyhow...
It's easier to BE an old maid (you grow into it some!), than to "consider"
being an old maid!
Patty
: SO, was the husband killed "by accident" so to speak, as in, the plan was not
: to kill him when the assasin went in? Sort of sounds like it when it's noted
: he didn't follow the plan. Wondering if he had VERY last minute second
: thoughts and the killer freaked.
:
: OR, is it out of the question that the killer/lover of the mistress of the
: husband, and the mistress (god, I'm confused) both wanted the two dead? IF so,
: why? To what end?
:
: Sounds like a real nice hubby, huh? Again I wonder how people stay in the most
: horrible marriages or relationships. So, you're married 14 years, he cheats,
: he beats. You can afford to take care of yourself. And you stay because???
:
: These are the murder stories I love.
:
: PattyC
Yeah, this one will make good reading or a good flick.
One account said that they were paid $30k. Wonder if they were to be paid
more after hit. Maybe the doc said he didn't have the rest on him and would
pay later. But most accounts seem to say that the bf of the mistress
killed him, maybe out of jealousy. Or got rid of all witnesses. Did the doc
pay the killers and once they got their money kill him. Where was the money,
he wouldn't have it on his body would he? Seems like you might have it in an
envelope in the trunk or in the glove box or underneath the seats.
Articles say they had a prenuptial agreement but perhaps she had an
inheritance or money on her own that would be willed to him in the event
of death. When the case first happened, LA Times article said that her
father had been a Chrysler executive and two of her siblings were also
doctors, so it's likely the prenuptial agreement also protected her and
may have even protected her more since he had two previous wives.
Stahl's father had been a surgeon in Southern California.
I wonder if his successful open-heart surgery 4 months earlier influenced
his decision to have his wife murdered in any way.
Patty
DedNdogYrs
having a man makes one worthwhile.>
I had a friend tell me she "feels incomplete without a man". I never have been
able to figure out exactly what that means, especially since the guy she
married is such a loser.
Dogs & children first.