It really doesn't matter to me if there was a "stalker" or not. The fact that there was no forced entry on the house tells a big part of this story. And seriously; Anyone who has ever had a "stalker" or feared a possible intruder (like having your keys or garage door opener stolen) would go into hypervigilant status. You change locks, add deadbolts, put locks on windows, install security systems, etc. you don't leave your doors unlocked.
And if we're to believe this "stalker" theory, we have to believe that he was so obsessed/angry with Melinda that his intent was to kill her. So the stalker chooses to come into her home at a time when her husband is likely at home. He might even be able to see him laying on the sofa if the TV is still on. Maybe Steve Lindsey's vehicle is even parked out front. I'm assuming so, since they used the garage for other things and the neighbors mentioned this. Then we have to believe that the "stalker" decided to go into her home anyway, UNARMED, ready to face her husband and three dogs. So this stalker walks in, without a weapon, is able to sneak up on Steve Lindsey and choke him unconscience. And he did this without Steve Lindsey making a peep or the dogs going crazy. But luck seems to be on his side, so he continues. He manages to find a bag of zip-ties after he drags Steve Lindsey into the baby's room. He ties ONLY Steve Lindsey's arms behind his back. Not his feet. This "stalker" for whatever reason isn't too worried about Steve Lindsey getting to his feet or running. The baby, who I assume saw the "stalker" drag her father into her room and tie him up, remains calm & unfazed.
Now the stalker, still unarmed, heads off to find Melinda. He gets to Melinda. He has to find HER GUN in her house and then shoot her with it. She was found laying in bed with the gunshot wound. Wouldn't any reasonable person think with all the prior commotion going on, she might have at least woke up? New mothers don't take sleep aids. Unless it's been slipped to them by someone trying to harm them.
And Steve Lindsey only "wakes up" after hearing the gunshot. Somehow he has his cell phone with him. He does dial 911. And he's screaming his head off.
Police arrive. No sign of forced entry. No marks on the carpet of "dragging". No marks on Steven Lindsey's neck from being choked unconscience. Calm baby in the crib. No foot prints near or around the house. No sign of a struggle inside the home. A wife who is fatally wounded with a gunshot in her head laying in bed. Positive gunshot residue test on husband.
There is a $1,000,000.00 life insurance police on this 23yo housewife with an additional $100,000 accidental death.