Mark Gerald "Jerry" Levitoff, a 53-year-old U.S. Forest Service worker, was tragically murdered on January 19, 2000, near his favorite fishing spot on the west shore of Lake Almanor, California. His body was discovered on January 22, 2000, in a mound of snow approximately 90 yards from his pickup truck. Levitoff had been killed by a shotgun blast to the head, and he also suffered a gunshot wound to the hand, indicating he was in a defensive position when he was executed. His wallet was missing, and the hood of his truck was up with jumper cables attached to the battery. The scene also contained used shotgun shells and an embossed 'H' logo from a Honda car.
The investigation into Levitoff's murder led to a significant breakthrough when detectives discovered that someone had used his credit card to purchase a car battery in Elko, Nevada. This clue allowed investigators to track the suspect's movements through California, Nevada, and Utah, eventually leading them to a campsite on the Wyoming border. There, they arrested Rain Dancer Dickey-O'Brien, who was found in possession of Levitoff's credit card and a shotgun that matched the shells found at the crime scene. Additionally, the 'H' logo from O'Brien's Honda was missing, further linking him to the crime.
During the investigation, O'Brien admitted to shooting Levitoff. He claimed that his car was having battery trouble, and Levitoff had stopped to help. However, after the vehicle appeared to be working normally, O'Brien retrieved his shotgun and ordered Levitoff to stand against a tree. Levitoff threw his wallet at O'Brien and attempted to flee, but he slipped in the snow, allowing O'Brien to catch up and shoot him. O'Brien later pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, asserting that voices in his head told him Levitoff was a demon posing as a CIA agent who would brainwash and control him.
The legal proceedings against O'Brien included charges of murder, possession of stolen property, grand theft, and armed robbery. Despite his insanity plea, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Mark Gerald "Jerry" Levitoff. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of mental illness and the importance of thorough investigative work in bringing justice to the victims and their families.
