Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Shanann Watts' father, Frank Rzucek, and her brother, Frankie Rzucek, have spoken out about facing years of relentless "evil" online hate, harassment, and conspiracy theories following the 2018 murders of Shanann and her children.  Family members have reported being the targets of malicious rumors, victim-blaming, and threatening messages. Trolls have distorted Shanann's character and falsely claimed the family was involved in the killings from a relationship born out of a random friend request.  Two years later, she marries Chris Watts and moves from North Carolina to Colorado.  Eight years later, she and her children are dead. 

See om...

In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines one of the rarest and most violent natural causes of death: lightning. Using a case involving two teenagers killed in a park, along with the only lightning-related autopsy he has personally performed, Dr. Crowns explains how lightning forms, the different ways it damages the body, and the statistics that show who is most at risk and when lightning strikes are most likely to occur.

Highlights:

(0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns

(0:45) Two teena...

Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert

Here's Sydney Silvagni with some of our top stories this week:

We're learning from court transcripts that investigators tested a second male cruise passenger as a potential match to DNA recovered from Anna Kepner's rape kit. U.S. officials are now treating Lynette Hooker's Bahamas missing person case as a homicide. 5-year-old Daleza Fregoso is missing in Mexico after police say her father killed her mother in Los Angeles...

Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, came to the United States with her family to escape her war-torn country for a better life. Iryna took English classes, had a job and was making a productive life for herself, but all her aspirations were cut short by an unprovoked violent attack from a man with a criminal history. 

Video shows Iryna getting on the train in Charlotte North Carolina, taking a seat and looking at her phone quietly. Video shows a passenger sitting directly behind Iryna, who we later came to know as Carlos Brown Jr. A close-up of B...

It's been more than 26 years since a 17-year-old New York girl disappears during a spontaneous Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Ultimately, Brittanee Drexel 's remains were  found and her killer  confessed. 

Drexel was last seen on video after she walked out the Bar Harbor hotel near downtown. She texted her boyfriend that she was returning to her hotel and was never seen again. 

Convicted sex offender Raymond Moody was first questioned about the girl's disappearance when Drexel when missing.  Police searched Moody's residence but found nothing to link him to the crime.  Technol...

Nancy Grace uncovers the horrific reality aboard a Carnival cruise ship where 18-year-old high school cheerleader Anna Kepner was found sexually assaulted and choked to death. Hidden beneath a stateroom twin bed under a pile of life jackets, Anna’s body went unnoticed for 16 hours while her family roamed the ship. As a complicated web of family secrets spills out through an unrelated custody battle, a federal grand jury officially charges her 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, with first-degree murder to be tried as an adult. Nancy Grace and her expert panel dissect the critical FBI DNA testing, cruise ship su...

We're learning from court transcripts that investigators tested a second male cruise passenger as a potential match to DNA recovered from Anna Kepner's rape kit. Pennsylvania volunteer firefighter confesses he's behind three weekend fires. Promising college football player shot day after his graduation ceremony. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Grace investigates a chilling pattern of brilliant scientists and national security officials who have mysteriously vanished or turned up dead. From the shocking discovery of the skeletonized remains of Los Alamos nuclear lab worker Melissa Casias in a New Mexico forest, to Amy Eskridge's apparent injuries from directed energy weapon attacks, the panel uncovers disturbing anomalies that defy simple coincidence. Former intelligence officers and forensic experts weigh in on the suspicious fates of whistleblowers like Department of Energy Special Agent Kevin Childress and Air Force Intelligence Officer Matthew Sullivan, both of whom died abruptly just before they were...

U.S. officials are now treating Lynette Hooker's Bahamas missing person case as a homicide. Illegal immigrant accused of murdering partner, her mother, and newborn son, smirks in Modesto, California court. Sydney Silvagni reports. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiger Woods arrested after rolling his vehicle during a two-car crash.

According to police, Woods was attempting to pass a truck in front of him on a two-lane road in Jupiter Island, Florida, but Wood’s Range Rover clipped the back of the truck. No other vehicles were involved.  Wood was able to crawl out of the passenger side window.

Officers on the scene administered a breathalyzer test, with Woods blowing zero, negative for alcohol. Officers still suspected Woods was impaired, saying the golf legend appeared “lethargic.” He then refused a urine test.

Woods w...

Nancy Grace investigates the chilling disappearance of Lynette Hooker, a beautiful mother and experienced sailor who vanished at sea in the Bahamas. While her husband, ex-Marine Brian Hooker, claims she accidentally 'bounced' off their dinghy during a sudden uptick in wind, a reported newly opened homicide investigation points to a much darker reality. Joined by Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, alongside maritime and security experts, Nancy dismantles Brian's timeline—uncovering a shocking 11-hour digital GPS blackout, a $600,000 financial motive, and a hidden history of domestic violence. As the U.S. Coast Guard deploys dive teams to never-before-searched waters, the elec...

An accused triple murderer in Hawaii arrested after members of the public spot him hiding in a vacant field. Officer shot responding to Sandy, Oregon domestic violence call that left three victims dead, Bryan Moore's ex-girlfriend, her mother, and a family friend who died shielding their children from harm. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this gripping episode of Crime Stories, Nancy Grace unpacks the horrific murder and dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, allegedly perpetrated by multi-millionaire musician David Anthony Burke, who performs under the moniker D4VD. The panel thoroughly dissects a disturbing digital trail left by the suspect, including a promotional TikTok video where he appears to wrap a human finger—a chilling detail given that Celeste’s ring finger was severed from her body—and a Twitch livestream where a stomach-turning odor is casually blamed on a backed-up toilet. The investigation uncovers explosive new timeline details, including a revelation from Celest...

5-year-old Daleza Fregoso is missing in Mexico after police say her father killed her mother in Los Angeles. A 66-year-old woman stabbed to death in broad daylight on Atlanta's MARTA train. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four months after the heartbreaking kidnapping of fragile, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, Nancy Grace breaks down the latest dramatic developments and critical turning points in the ongoing investigation. Nancy and her panel of experts explore the intense friction between local law enforcement and the FBI, exposing how federal assets and world-class forensic labs were allegedly sidelined during the most crucial early days of the disappearance.

Meanwhile Nancy's daughter, Savannah Guthrie launches her own $500,000 private investigation, possibly fueled by reservations about the Pima County Sheriffs handling of the case. The panel analyzes why a sudden lack of follow-up on...

The man accused of infiltrating former state rep C. Wesley Morgan's home and killing his daughter to access his 'survival bunker', may eventually walk free again. Texas high school teacher fakes stabbing by student, caught with razor blade she used in the self-inflicted wounds. Louisiana child sex predator sentenced to surgical castration. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Andrew is still facing mounting pressure from the U.S. House Oversight Committee to testify regarding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  Members of the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to Prince Andrew requesting an interview as part of a broader congressional investigation into Epstein’s network.  Andrew’s representatives have not responded to or complied.

A few months after Epstein walked free, Prince Andrew corresponds with the convicted sex offender, promising to make plans for a trip to New York, as “it would be good to catch up in person.”

Andrew cla...

In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with retired FBI special agent Jodene Weber about the parallels in their careers and the many times their paths nearly crossed before they officially met. Jodene reflects on the cases that shaped her years in the FBI, from piecing together the timeline of the Olympic Park bombing through crowd photographs to processing debris at the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks. She shares what investigations of that scale demand from the people working them, and why citizen tips, careful documentation, and keen observation can make all the difference in solving a case.

Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert

Here's Sydney Silvagni with some of our top stories this week:

A 21-year-old man who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint shot down by Secret Service, bystander hurt. Anna Kepner's step-brother to remain free while awaiting trial for her murder. Two young boys recovered in Mexico after their father abandoned Utah home and violated custody agreement. The teenage driver accused of killing Basketball Captain Emily Mae Smith...

Before police arrested the Long Island serial killer suspect Rex Heuerman, who has now confessed to  multiple murders, two other named serial killers plagued the same New York area. Now, many are asking if Rex Heuermann could also be the Eastbound Strangler or the Manorville Butcher. There are at least six more victims whose bodies were dismembered. Some of the body parts were found on Gilgo Beach. 

Despite Heuerman's investigation, the investigation into the deaths linked to the architect continues. Three cities are now re-investigating unsolved deaths in their area looking for connections to Heuermann. Other evidence fou...

The Alexander brothers, Alon, Oren, and Tal, found guilty by a federal jury in Manhattan on 10 counts of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation. Now their sentencing hearing has been delayed from August to October.  During the five-week trial, 11 women gave graphic testimony detailing how the brothers lured them with opulent trips and parties, where they were drugged, sexually assaulted, and sometimes recorded without their consent. Prosecutors spoke to over 60 victims.  The convictions carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison. Their defense team has stated they plan to appeal the verdict.

The br...

The Kaylee Goncalves Foundation does business under the name "Murder Has a Name."  It is a non-profit which provides financial support to law enforcement agencies nationwide for forensic DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy in violent crime investigations. The murder victim's family say by removing financial barriers, the foundation can help ensure cases  access to  modern forensic science, capable of identifying perpetrators and delivering answers to families.

Law enforcement agencies can apply for testing funds and the public can view their work on the "Murder Has a Name" Foundation website. You can follow their ongoing campaigns and com...

Two young boys recovered in Mexico after their father abandoned Utah home and violated custody agreement. Family grieving Chicago Honor Roll soccer captain shot dead on daily commute to school. Illinois three-decade cold-case finally solved, Randy Gail Sperino's killer behind bars. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mackenzie Shirilla is serving 15 years to life at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. She was convicted on 12 counts, including murder and aggravated vehicular homicide, after deliberately crashing her car into a brick building at 100 mph. Two passengers were killed, Shirilla's boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan. Data from the car's black box showed Shirilla floored the gas pedal and never used the brakes, making calculated steering and gear adjustments before impact.  She was 17 at the time. 

The case has returned to national headlines due to the  release of the Netflix true-crime documentary series, The Crash.

Anna Kepner's step-brother to remain free while awaiting trial for her murder. Illinois teen behind bars for road-rage shooting targeting a family on their way home from a pre-natal check up. Former high school teacher previously arrested for allegedly having sex with a student on campus, now facing fresh charges including 5 additional victims. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just after 7 p.m. on a September evening, Jacob and Mark Iskander, their siblings, and parents went for an evening stroll to a nearby lake. The six-member family was crossing in a crosswalk at a three-way intersection when mother Nancy heard a speeding car coming their way.

She says her husband and daughter were farther from the street. She tried to signal to two approaching SUVs to slow down. She managed to grab one of her children and dive out of the way, but Jacob and Mark were hit. Mark Iskander died at the scene, and Jacob...

Two Florida sisters, aged 12 and 15, safely rescued by law enforcement in Georgia after a 19-year-old Nebraska man kidnapped them. The suspect allegedly drove nearly 1,500 miles from Omaha to Indiantown, Florida, after the three months they spent communicating on Roblox and Snapchat.    Police tracked the suspect’s car and safely intercepted them in Georgia

Incidents like this have sparked national outrage and major legal battles. States including Florida, Iowa, and Kentucky have filed lawsuits against Roblox Corporation, alleging that the platform operates as a "hunting ground" for predators and fails to protect children from online grooming.

Join...

A 21-year-old man who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint shot down, bystander hurt. Arrest made in beer-keg vandalism of popular D.C. cupcake shop. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leticia Stauch's murder conviction has been overturned by the Colorado Court of Appeals. Stauch was found guilty of murder in the death of her 11-year-old stepson, Gannon. Now, a three-judge panel agrees that a biased juror deliberated on the case. In the 54 page ruling, the panel noted the juror said his son-in-law worked as a deputy district attorney in the District Attorney's office which prosecuted the case. The juror should have been dismissed automatically.   This now means a retrial. 

 Stauch, step mother to Gannon Stauch, reported the 11-year-old boy as missing. In reality,Stauch was stabbed, beat, shot...

After three years of searching, Iowa authorities recover Jesse George's body at the rest stop where his killer works. 85-year-old takes down would-be kidnapper in Oregon. California burglar gets caught between a wall and a hard place. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Grace examines the tragic murder and dismemberment of 19-year-old criminal justice student Sade Robinson. Nancy and her expert panel piece together a chilling timeline that began with Robinson's first date with 33-year-old Maxwell Anderson, the son of a Milwaukee millionaire. Listeners are guided through a gruesome investigation involving severed human remains discovered across Milwaukee and along Lake Michigan, a torched vehicle, and a disturbing search of Anderson's home that uncovered blood stains and an underground basement functioning as a sex dungeon. Through deeply emotional conversations with Robinson's grieving parents and insights from a panel of forensic, legal, and...

The teenage driver accused of killing Basketball Captain Emily Mae Smith in a drunken hit and run denies involvement in her death, cries leaving court. Florida man arrested after texting out photos of his dead father in patricide case. Sydney Silvagni reports. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been twelve years since the discovery of the grisley murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond. The couple lived in a beautiful lakefront property, Lake Oconee, Georgia.

The couple was expected at a Kentucky Derby watch party with neighbors, but didn't show up. When the neighbors reach out by phone, the Dermonds agaim don’t answer. Days later, arriving at the Dermond’s home, the neighbor is surprised to find the front door unlocked. The neighbor calls out their names to no reply.  

The neighbor looks in the garage to see if the Dermond’s car is...

The Martin Family took a day trip on a beautiful December day to gather greenery for Christmas decorations. The All-American Family led by father, Kenneth Martin, 54, Mother, Barbara,48, and their three daughters, 14-year-old Barbara - they called her "Barbie", 13-year-old, Virginia, and 11-year-old Susan.  An older son, Donald, 28, was not with the family as he was serving in the US Navy stationed in New York. While out on their family day of fun, something strange happened..... the Martin family vanished. Searches were launched, interviews conducted and a reward was offered, but no luck, the Martin family was gone. Six m...

Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert

Here's Sydney Silvagni with some of our top stories this week:

Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Luigi Mangione waits for a September 8, state trial date, he celebrated his birthday behind bars. Donors continue to pad his defense fund which now tops $1.5 million dollars.  Mangione is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, and is preparing for back-to-back trials in New York.  His federal trial begins October 13. A New York judge recently issued a split ruling regarding what evidence prosecutors can use at his trial. The judge ruled that the initial warrantless search of Mangione’s backpack at a Pennsylvania McDonald's was improper, suppressing items like a gun magazine, cell phone, passport, and...

Missing mom Maya Millete VANISHES planning daughter's birthday party. Now, her 40-year-old husband, Larry, has been arrested and charged with her murder, but her body is still missing.

The 39-year-old mom of three has been missing since January 2021. Larry Millete tells police they had an argument on January 7, 2021. That's the last time Maya was seen.

Reports say the husband allegedly devised a murder-for-hire plot targeting his wife’s suspected boyfriend. A source tells Fox News that they frequently heard Larry Millete discuss paying $20,000 to kill Maya Millete's Alleged beau.  

Reports indicate that Maya Mill...

A federal grand jury issues a superseding indictment against Anna Kepner's stepbrother and alleged killer, Timothy Hudson, adding a charge of sexual assault alongside premeditated murder. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, Hudson remains free on pre-trial release under GPS monitoring at an uncle's home. Anna's father says his grief is taking a toll, emotions running high after accepting Anna's high school diploma on her behalf. Chris Kepner says he will not attend his stepson's trial unless he must, unable to think about the cruise cabin where he pulled his daughter's naked body from under a bunk bed...

While Alexis Nelson's body has not been found, her husband is now charged with her murder. Former conversion therapy proponent accused of trying to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex. An ominous phone call revealed a kidnapping and execution plot in Chicago. Sydney Silvagni reports.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coincidence or conspiracy?  The number of missing and dead U.S. space scientists now at 17. Now we learn The White House and FBI are investigating this string of suspicious deaths and disappearances individuals involved in classified aerospace, nuclear, and defense research.  From deep research into anti-gravity jet propulsion, into special alloys made for high-intensity heat and so much more that that is outside the normal realm of expertise.  Is there a connection between the victims?    

Joining Nancy Grace today: