A young graduate student's life comes to a tragic end beneath the foreboding gaze of Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. Join us as we uncover the harrowing final moments of Ethan Donahue, whose meticulous research into the park's ecosystem led him into the crosshairs of an illegal poaching ring. Detective Samantha "Sam" Parker faces the unrelenting desert heat and an unforgiving landscape to piece together the story of a fatal confrontation that reveals the darkest lengths some will go to protect their secrets. From the initial discovery of Ethan’s body, marked by blunt force trauma and a blood-stained rock, to the scuffed earth that whispers tales of a violent struggle, we follow Sam as she scrambles for clues in a seemingly hopeless case. As Ethan's hidden crusade against poachers unfolds, the episode exposes the raw courage that ultimately cost him his life. Experience the tension, the chase for justice, and the ultimate price of bravery in this gripping narrative of murder in the heart of the desert.Get this and many other shows without commercials! Get our shows on any player you love. For Apple users, hit the banner on your app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.supportingcast.fm. Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories.' Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Go to caloroga.supportingcast.fm. Join today and support the show! See the full list of shows and sign up for our newsletter for more great news from Caloroga Shark Media.