Dead And Buried (19 page)
Authors: Corey Mitchell
The windows began to fog up.
They decided to get out of the car for more air and more room for maneuverability. They both tumbled out of the passenger-sidedoor onto the sandy beach. Krebs leaned down to pick up the young woman. She complained that she felt “woozy.” At the time she wore a white Victoria’s Secret tank top shirt, a tan sports bra, black Rio jeans, and black Hanes Her Way underwear.
The next thing Martha Neumann recalled is that she lay on the hood of her Dodge with no pants on and no underwear. When she opened her eyes, she saw the grinning visage of Allan Krebs as he began to mount her.
“It’ll be OK,” he tried to reassure her as he stuck his penis inside her.
Neumann struggled underneath the bulky bouncer. She began to get nervous. “Please stop,” she asked rather timidly at first.
“OK,” Krebs complied and removed his manhood. After a few seconds he climbed back on top of her and this time inserted his penis in her rectum.
“Stop it!” Neumann shouted, this time truly frightened. She scrambled to get away from him.
Again Allan Krebs complied and retreated from within Neumann. Once again he went back for more. This time he went for the vaginal insertion.
“Relax. It’ll be OK,” he reiterated. He began to switch out from her vagina to her anus. At this point he did not seem to care whether she enjoyed it or not.
“Stop it! Stop it!” she screamed emphatically at Krebs.
He continued to pull out and then reinsert himself. As he entered her vaginally one more time, she figured out how to get him to stop.
“I’m going to be really sick.”
Boom. That did it. He pulled out of her for the final time and zipped up his pants.
“I want to go home,” she begged. “Please take me back to the Roxy.”
Amazingly, Krebs agreed. Neumann did not recall much of the ride back. When they arrived at the club, Krebs pulled up alongside a small car.
“That’s my Omni,” he calmly stated as he glanced out of Neumann’s car window. He then turned to the young woman and sincerely asked her, “Are you going to be OK? I’ll drive you home if you want me to.”
Neumann incredulously replied, “If you’re that concerned, call me tomorrow.” Krebs got out of her ride and into his Omni. She took off before he could even get his car started. She headed for Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint. She slowly ambled to the counter in the emergency room and told the bored attendant about the rape. After a short wait she was ushered into emergency room 4, where a doctor gave her a cursory glance. Simultaneously someone notified the police. Sandpoint police officer John Smith came in to question her. His initial reaction was that someone definitely raped her. He contacted his sergeant, advised him as to his opinion, and requestedthat a matron come in to perform a rape examination on Neumann. Sandpoint Police Department dispatcher Kathy Stoddard came to the hospital. Smith and Stoddard met the victim in ER4 along with the doctor. After Officer Smith interviewedher, she consented to a sexual assault kit, or rape kit.
Two days later, at noon on August 1, 1994, Martha received a strange phone call.
“Hi. How are you doing? I was thinking about you this weekend.”
She recognized the man’s voice. Allan Krebs.
Martha hung up the phone and called the police.
Detective A.D. Anderson showed up at her residence on Schell Road on the northwest corner of Highway 95 South in nearby Sagle at approximately 1:35
P.M.
She informed the detective of Krebs’s phone call. He then asked her to look at a six-person photographic lineup he had prepared. She immediately picked out Allan Krebs as her attacker. Detective Anderson then asked her to give him the details of the attack.
P.M.
She informed the detective of Krebs’s phone call. He then asked her to look at a six-person photographic lineup he had prepared. She immediately picked out Allan Krebs as her attacker. Detective Anderson then asked her to give him the details of the attack.
Upon conclusion of their conversation, Anderson informed Neumann that he would submit her statement and a copy of the lineup with Allan Krebs’s photo to Sandpoint County prosecutor Tevis Hull. Hull would take the case on and move forward with charges against Allan Krebs.
Martha Neumann seemed to dwindle upon hearing this. “I was under the impression that I would not have to testify. OfficerSmith told me I did not have to go to court for this.”
“Ma’am, it is highly unlikely that this case will go forward without your direct involvement and testimony,” stated DetectiveAnderson. “It is very important as to where you want to proceed at this time.”
Neumann bowed her head, took the officer’s business card, and said nothing more.
After two weeks with no word from the authorities, Neumanngot nervous. She contacted Anderson to see if he had received word on lab results from her assault kit samples.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Neumann, but we do not have those results yet,” he replied. “Is there anything specific you are looking for?”
“AIDS!” she hollered at him through the phone.
“Unfortunately, Ms. Neumann, we do not have any samplesfrom the suspect at this time. Basically, I am waiting until you decide whether or not you want to press charges.”
Neumann informed Detective Anderson that she would be out of state until September. She claimed she would file charges as soon as she returned.
She never did.
On April 26, 1995, Detective Anderson received notice from attorney Tevis Hull that stated that he would not seek to prosecuteAllan Krebs in the alleged rape of Martha Neumann. He gave the following three reasons:
• Reluctance of Martha to testify
• The intoxication level of Martha
• The mutual fore-play (
sic
), intercourse seemed consensual at times
sic
), intercourse seemed consensual at times
“Very difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Rex Krebs did not welcome the return of Allan Krebs into his life. Rex’s relationship with Roz also hit another sour note. The couple had another one of their furious verbal altercationsabout something inconsequential in the big scheme of things. Roz decided to take her frustrations out on Rex’s Ford Ranger. She grabbed a baseball bat and swung with all of the force the tiny woman was capable of and smashed his taillight.
Another fight took place in front of Wayne and Carol Nunes. Roz became mad with Krebs because she feared he would soon violate his probation. She told him she was angry about his many trips to Outlaws and consumption of alcohol. She also pointed out that he kept a load of beer in his refrigerator,again a direct violation of his probation conditions.
“If you don’t stop going to that damn bar and getting drunk, I’m gonna report you to your parole officer,” she threatened Krebs while they sat at the dinner table in front of the Nuneses.
Krebs became furious.
“You do that and I’ll kill you and your entire family,” he calmly warned her.
Rex and Roz eventually made up after that fight. Krebs’s downward spiral, however, continued to unravel one layer at a time.
THIRTY-NINE
Krebs’s presence in the Atascadero neighborhood where he resided stayed largely unnoticed. That is, until one day Diane Morgan decided to head down to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Department to check out their new Megan’s Law CD-ROM. The CD-ROM provided names and locations of all known and reported sex offenders in the county and was available for viewing by the public.
Diane Morgan made the trip to San Luis Obispo because she had her suspicions about the man who rented an apartmentfrom her next-door neighbor Sue Peterson. She found out from Peterson that his name was Rex Krebs. According to
Fresno Bee
reporter Michael Krikorian, Morgan described Krebs as “really creepy.” As she pored over the Megan’s Law records of San Luis Obispo County, she was at first horrified by the large number of sex offenders that were listed in the county: more than 650. The fear hit home when she scanned the expansive list and zeroed in on one name in particular—Rex Krebs. Her intuition was right. As she read the details of his sordid past, she “felt disgusted and afraid.” She now knew that she lived next door to a man who raped women and sodomized them at knifepoint. Morgan and her friend Shelly Dye informed Sue Peterson of Krebs’s sexual-offender status. The landlord was shocked by the news.
Fresno Bee
reporter Michael Krikorian, Morgan described Krebs as “really creepy.” As she pored over the Megan’s Law records of San Luis Obispo County, she was at first horrified by the large number of sex offenders that were listed in the county: more than 650. The fear hit home when she scanned the expansive list and zeroed in on one name in particular—Rex Krebs. Her intuition was right. As she read the details of his sordid past, she “felt disgusted and afraid.” She now knew that she lived next door to a man who raped women and sodomized them at knifepoint. Morgan and her friend Shelly Dye informed Sue Peterson of Krebs’s sexual-offender status. The landlord was shocked by the news.
“During the summer of 1998,” Peterson told the
Fresno Bee
, “Rex Allan Krebs lived in an apartment behind my house in the city of Atascadero. Upon application I checked his credit and work references. Finding no problem and with no knowledge or information of his criminal record, I rented the apartment to him.”
Fresno Bee
, “Rex Allan Krebs lived in an apartment behind my house in the city of Atascadero. Upon application I checked his credit and work references. Finding no problem and with no knowledge or information of his criminal record, I rented the apartment to him.”
Peterson had absolutely no problem with Krebs. “Duringthe period of time he lived in the apartment, I found him to be a model tenant, quiet, paid on time, clean and pleasant.”
Despite the glowing praises from his landlord, his neighborshad other, less pleasant things to say about Rex Krebs. His new nickname in the neighborhood had become “Old Rex the Rapist.” Even more people were getting involved with trying to get rid of him. Former San Luis Obispo police officer Glenn Jordan lived in the neighborhood. He told the
San Luis Obispo Tribune
that Krebs seemed like an “ordinary man” who “kept to himself while living there.” His opinion changed dramatically when he learned of Krebs’s criminal history as a sexual predator.
San Luis Obispo Tribune
that Krebs seemed like an “ordinary man” who “kept to himself while living there.” His opinion changed dramatically when he learned of Krebs’s criminal history as a sexual predator.
Just five days after Krebs heard from his father, trouble struck in Atascadero. An irate neighbor contacted Sue Petersonand claimed that Krebs had slashed the tires on his vehicle. The neighbor was furious and screamed at Peterson. She claimed to have no knowledge of any wrongdoing on Krebs’s part but assured the neighbor she would address the matter with him. The man continued his tirade at Peterson and asked her how she could put up a man who was a known rapist. Peterson called Krebs first. She then called Debra Austin and told her about the problem.
On June 16, 1998, Peterson again contacted Austin about the Krebs situation. According to Krebs’s parole packet, Peterson claimed that “she has no problem with him” and that their neighbor Linda Pacheco “knows about subject’s history and has no problem with it.” She did mention, however,that a “cop who lives in a condo two doors down” had started the brouhaha. Peterson also related to Austin that she received an anonymous letter addressed to “Homeowner,”which detailed the information of Krebs’s parole for rape. Despite the letter, she had no intention of “kickingthe subject out.” Peterson also wanted Austin to know that the “so-called cop” upset her by yelling at her about Krebs in front of her five-year-old son.
Austin decided to look into the problem further before confronting Krebs. She contacted Peterson’s neighbor Linda Pacheco. Pacheco stated that she also received a letter that detailed Krebs’s sexual-offense history. She approached him about the matter. She replied that he was very frank with her and he admitted that he had been released from prison and that he was a convicted rapist. Pacheco then proceededto tell Austin that the neighbors did not like Sue Peterson and that the Krebs situation “is just adding fuel to the fire.” She continued to claim that Peterson “is probablyan alcoholic” and that she is “somewhat a neglectful parent as she lets her five-year-old son roam too freely.” Pacheco concluded by saying that the slashed-tire incident probably could be blamed on people at a rambunctious party thrown by some neighbors.
Austin absorbed all of the information. She paid Krebs a visit on June 16 and informed him about the discord his presencewas causing. She suggested that his best option would be to move out. Krebs said he would consider it but wanted to wait awhile to see if the unrest would cure itself.
Nine days later, Austin received a call from Sue Peterson. Krebs’s landlord told her that she still had no problem with the ex-rapist and that she wanted him to stay.
Six days later, she sang a new tune.
One of Peterson’s neighbors, it is not certain who, contactedCalifornia’s Child Protective Services agency and reported her as a neglectful mother.
“I want him out,” Peterson stated emphatically.
Austin called Krebs and informed him it was time to pack up his bags.
The following day, Peterson contacted Austin again. She informed the parole officer that the Child Protective Services case had closed almost as quickly as it had arisen. Krebs could come back if he wanted.
It was too late.
Rex Krebs was already packing.
FORTY
Rex Krebs dialed Greg Vieau’s home phone number. He knew that if anyone could help him out of this jam, it would be his boss. Vieau let Krebs know that he would attempt to help the released convict in any way possible. In a matter of days, Vieau found a two-bedroom garage apartment located behind a secluded farmhouse in Davis Canyon, near See Canyon, just twelve miles from downtown San Luis Obispo. The apartment was located near an area called Irish Hills, in between Avila Beach and the Montaña de Oro State Park. The Irish Hills received its name because of the sweeping, majestichills blanketed with lovely emerald eucalyptus trees. Avila Beach is a quiet, secluded oasis, frequented by locals in search of serenity. Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the most gorgeous public-access coastal parks in the United States. Its sweeping fields of luxurious green are resplendent with white-tailed rabbits, deer, and numerous fine-feathered friends. The park contains numerous hiking trails for the weekend warrior or mountain bike enthusiast and provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean alongside sheer-faced150-foot-high white cliffs. A visit here makes a trip to Ireland redundant and unnecessary.
Muriel Wright and daughter Debbie owned the blue farmhouseand additional garage apartment. Muriel’s son, Larry Wright, knew Krebs from work at 84 Lumber. Krebs worked under Larry, an assistant manager at the lumberyard. Larry heard of Krebs’s need from Greg Vieau, so he contacted his mother to see if the garage apartment was available. Larry vouched for Krebs. He claimed Rex Krebs was an excellent employee and would make a great tenant. Muriel had no problem renting to Krebs, even after she spoke to Debra Austin about his criminal background. The room went for $350 a month. The Wrights lived in the main house and Krebs could move into the smaller apartment in the back.
It was a chore to reach the area from Highway 101, the main route, but a beautiful drive. If Krebs drove from downtownSan Luis Obispo, he would have to drive approximately seven miles until he exited San Luis Bay Road. At just the right time in the early-morning hours of dusk, he could spy the green hills covered in a fog bank that had crept in from Avila Beach. The combination of mist, green pastures, soaring mountains, and palm trees brought to mind a hybrid of Ireland and Southern California. After a mile on San Luis Bay Road, he would turn right onto smooth, winding See Canyon Road. Giant weeping willows cascaded across the paved road. Some of the sights he would take in included the See Canyon apple farms and the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards. Krebs could stay on this road if he wanted to find some of the most majestic views of the mountains and the ocean of the San Luis Range and Prefumo Canyon. To get to the Wright residence, however, he needed to make a cut over onto Davis Canyon Road. It is here where the comforts of paved roads end. Davis Canyon Road consists of two worn-down tire tracks. It is rocky and overgrown with weeds. Low-hanging trees can scratch any vehiclesin their path, decorating them with Texas pinstripes. Houses are few and far between on this road and they are not in the best of shape. Stray dogs parade around rusted-out trucks. There are no light posts. Nearly two miles into this difficult path, Krebs found the Wright house.
Krebs met with Muriel Wright. She showed him the garage apartment, which she called the “barn apartment,” told him what the rent would be, and mentioned what she expected of him as far as chores were concerned.
Krebs took a cursory glance around and decided he liked the place. He had no problem helping Muriel out around the property. She had difficulty with her back and needed Krebs to lift anything heavy. She also wanted him to handle the wood supply and to kill any weeds. He had no problem with her requests and agreed to become a tenant.
As he drove away from Muriel Wright’s property and a quarter of a mile down the dirt road, he noticed an unusual-lookingstructure—a beaten-down A-frame house that had seen better days. He would find out later that Muriel had built it back in 1960 on her brother-in-law Sherman Wright’s portionof the land. Muriel, her husband, and then their children had lived in the A-frame until 1979 when they built the currenthome and barn apartment. They abandoned the A-frame and left it in a state of disrepair. Sherman intended to refurbishit. He never did.
Krebs stared at the ominous structure. Dark brown wood, broken windows, and a severely pointed roof. It looked like an evil house of worship.
Krebs grinned as he drove past the A-frame.
Once again he had a new home.
In the beginning Muriel and Debbie Wright enjoyed Rex Krebs’s presence. Krebs handled chores around the property and made life simpler for them. Debbie found him especially helpful as most of the heavy chores had landed squarely on her shoulders in the last few years. It was difficult for her becauseshe worked a full-time job. Every morning, as the sun rose above the canyon, Debbie drove seventeen miles into San Luis Obispo to her job as an administrative secretary for the Vineyard Community Church. She appreciated Krebs’s physicalexertions because it allowed her more time to focus on her job.
Life in the Davis Canyon seemed to work for Rex Krebs. He liked the seclusion, he thought the Wrights were nice women, who did not bother him, and he always had a quiet place to relax after a hard day of work. He wished that he and Roslynn could get back together but had no idea how to get her back.
But then he got bored.
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