Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Authorities are desperately searching for a missing USF student after finding the remains of her friend, stabbed to death by his roommate. Washington sheriff's deputies bewildered by car thieves' attempts to halt police pursuit. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family vacation to Bali turns deadly. Sheila von Wiese-Mack found bludgeoned to death inside a suitcase. The socialite's 25-year-old daughter Heather Mack and her 21-year-old then-boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer charged and convicted by an Indonesian court. Police say Schaefer bludgeoned von Wiese-Mack with a bowl and then he and Mack stuffed her body into a suitcase and attempted to flee the scene. Heather Mack was pregnant at the time and gave birth to a daughter in prison. After serving seven years in Indonesia for her role in the 2014 murder, Mack was released from the Indonesian prison and returned to the United States, where she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kill a U.S. national and was sentenced to 26 years in prison in June 2023. Schaefer was sentenced in Indonesia to 18 years in prison, but after receiving time off for good behaviour, he has been released from a Bali jail. The 33-year-old still faces US federal charges. He has pled not guilty to conspiracy to kill someone in a foreign country, conspiracy to commit murder and obstruction of justice. He says, despite a judge's warning, he intends to represent himself. A trial date has been set for January 2027. If convicted, Schaefer faces a possible life sentence. Joining Nancy Grace Today: Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines how an ordinary day outdoors can turn deadly after an encounter with bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ants. Using real forensic cases, he explains the four stages of anaphylaxis, the aggressive nature of killer bees, and how forensic pathologists determine whether an insect attack caused, contributed to, or merely complicated a person’s death. Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Why stinging insects can turn an ordinary summer day into a fatal emergency (1:30) Dr. Crowns’ childhood story involving yellow jackets, his brother, and a very bad idea (5:30) How stinging insects are classified and the anatomy of stingers (6:15) The Schmidt sting pain index and the varying pain of insect stings (9:00) Sting frequency, allergic reactions, and seasonal danger patterns (11:00) Case one: a fatal bee swarm after a lawn mower disturbs a nest (13:30) The difference between bees, wasps, hornets, and the threat of killer bees (19:15) The four stages of anaphylaxis and autopsy findings that help confirm a fatal reaction (24:00) Case two: a woman found covered in fire ants, and what really caused her death About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Listen to some of our top stories this week from Crime Stories investigative reporter Sydney Silvani Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The father of the teen boy responsible for a mass shooting at a Winder, Georgia high school is being held accountable for his son Colt Gray's actions. Colin Gray convicted of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct after less than two hours of deliberation. The FBI first investigated Colt Gray in May 2023 after receiving a tip about a school shooting threat via Discord, a gaming chat platform. Colin Gray told investigators he had been teaching his son about "firearms and safety" and how to hunt. He stated that if his son had made any threats, he "would be mad as hell and then all the guns would be taken away." Colt denied making threats. After the investigation, Colin Gray purchased his son an AR-15-style rifle as a gift. Colin Gray will be sentenced in July facing up to 180 years in prison. Joining Nancy Grace today: Brian ClaypoolDr. Jillian PetersonChris GrollneckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted killer Pamela Smart, 57, serving life without parole for masterminding the 1990 murder of her husband, Gregg Smart, claims her conviction was tainted by faulty audio evidence and media bias. Smart’s legal team filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that transcripts of audio tapes played at her 1991 trial were inaccurate and created "expectation bias" among jurors. The state of New Hampshire has asked a judge to dismiss the petition. Smart's co-conspirators under the age of 18 at the time of the killing, has been released from prison. Joining Nancy Grace today: www.KSFamilyLaw.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, is still missing from her Tucson, AZ home. The FBI is analyzing new DNA evidence from a hair sample found at the scene. Originally, the hair sample was sent to a private Florida lab by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Experts predict the testing could take months. Joining Nancy Grace today: www.uspasecurity.comwww.drbethanymarshall.comParabon.comDNAJustice.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LA Prosecutors reveal in court that Celeste Rivas Hernandez's alleged killer has "significant amount" of child pornography on his phone. Parents of slain Loyola freshman speak publicly about her death for the first time. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter d4vd, David Anthony Burke, in court today on charges including first-degree murder in the death of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness to an investigation. Prosecutors allege he killed Celeste to prevent her from exposing their sexual relationship, in turn ruining his musical career. Celeste's autopsy revealed a gruesome death from multiple stab wounds, in her torso. Her body was subsequently dismembered. Her skull was partially skeletonized and an eye was missing. Two fingers were also gone. During a court hearing today, prosecutors revealed a "significant amount" of child pornography was found on Burke's phone. D4vd has been denied bail and is now being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. This is the same facility housing Nick Reiner. D4vd's legal team says "actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez". Joining Nancy Grace today: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez's autopsy report made public days after arrest of alleged killer, David Anthony Burke. Young marine veteran shot and killed by her estranged husband. Alabama girls' basketball coach charged with 32 counts of deviant sexual behavior. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accused killer D4vd is now being kept away from other inmates in the L.A. County Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, California due to his high-profile status and for his own safety. He was transferred to the jail April 20, 2026, after being charged with first-degree murder in the death of teen Celeste Rivas. He is reportedly alone in his cell with limited movement, no access to a TV, and no visitor privileges at this stage. Late today Celeste's autopsy report was released. Tune in to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace on Thursday for a full recap of the details. Joining Nancy Grace today: www.drbethanymarshall.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coincidence or conspiracy? Eleven U.S. space scientists dead or missing. 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 (Molybdenum) and so much more that that is outside the normal realm of expertise. Is there a connect between the victims? Many of them, it appears can be linked to General William Neil McCasland, who oversaw funding and research, and at one point was commanding an entire Air Force base. Is he the lynchpin? Joining Nancy Grace today: Franc Milburn - Former British Intelligence Officer who knew Amy Eskridge. John Nantz - Former Supervisory Special Agent FBI, Townhall columnist, X, Truth Social, and Instagram: @theJohnnantz, LinkedIn and FB: @johnnantz Website: townhall.com/columnists/johnnantz Brian Fitzgibbons - Director of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security, website: www.uspasecurity.com, Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security, Chris Melore - US Deputy Science Editor for Daily Mail Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal prosecutors are trying to put accused teen killer T.H., 16, behind bars as his case in the cruise ship death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner. Oklahoma sheriff's deputy and police chief wounded in four-hour shootout Sunday morning stemming from a call for a welfare check. Virginia high school student sentenced to just under a year behind bars for groping 13 classmates. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer/TikTok star d4vd (David Anthony Burke) arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, makes his first court appearance. He is being held without bail. Celeste's body was discovered of the teen's body in a Tesla registered to him last September. According to LA prosecutors, the alleged motive for the murder was to silence her and protect D4vd's music career. Prosecutors allege that Burke was engaging in a sexual relationship with the teenager and killed her when she threatened to expose his conduct. Attorneys for Burke declare his innocence. Joining Nancy Grace today: www.uspasecurity.compcaexperts.comwww.drbethanymarshall.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Coast Guard opened a criminal investigation into the disappears of Michigan woman Lynette Hooker. The 55-year-old went missing while boating in the Bahamas. Police say Lynette and husband Brian Hooker were using an 8‑foot dinghy to travel from Hope Town to their yacht, Soulmate, moored near Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands. Husband Brian says around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Lynette fell overboard, along with the boat’s engine key, which caused the motor to stop. He says strong currents carried her away, but he saw her swimming toward shore before losing sight of her. Brian reportedly paddled the boat to Marsh Harbour and contacted police around 4 a.m. Bahamian police initially arrested Brian Hooker for further questioning, citing “probable cause,” although he was not charged. His attorney stated that he “categorically denies any wrongdoing” and is cooperating. Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, says her step-father's story “doesn’t add up” and joins Nancy Grace today to share thoughts on her mother's disappearance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Anthony Burke finally charged with teen girl's murder, months after her body found decomposing in the trunk of his Tesla. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas Eve, 2021, Ariana Ptarcinski, 1, is in her room with her boyfriend. As the evening unfolds, Ramon Durst, 20, pulls then teen out of her room holding her neck from which she is bleeding profusely, a knife wound to her neck. It is fatal. According to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies responded to a call from neighbor Thomas and Melissa LoBianco who reported hearing screams. Police reports state that Durst kept repeating ‘ I really (screwed) up, shoot me because I’m going to jail for a long time.’“ He can be seen in police footage making similar comments. Ariana’s 12-year-old sister told deputies arguing work her up. Ariana’s autopsy report show she was murdered. Cause of death listed as “complications of stab wound of neck.” Manner of death...homicide. The medical examiner noted 3 stab wounds. The fatal stab was 1.5 centimeters long, on the left side of Ariana’s neck. She also had two cuts on the right side of the back of her head and there were two faint bruises on her left forearm No one has been charged in Arianna's death. Joining Nancy Grace today: www.panthermitigation.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suspect shot by Shreveport police Sunday morning after horrific mass shooting leaving eight children dead. Two pregnant women killed in Houston and Atlanta. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luigi Mangione, 27, facing dual prosecutions in state and federal court. His defense attorneys tells judges their concerns about preparing for two trials simultaneously, asking for the federal trial day to be moved to January 2027. The defense received some concessions from the judges. US District Judge Margaret Garnett would not push the date into the new year , but pushed back the federal jury selection process to the Fall. New York State Judge Gregory Carro issued an order saying the state trial would start on September 8. Now Judge Garnett modifying the federal dates, with the start of jury selection - October 5. Opening statements in the federal case scheduled for October 26 or November 2, 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and investigative reporter Casey Sherman long believed his aunt, Mary Sullivan was the final victim of the Boston Strangler. Her death has had a long lasting impact on his family. Today, Casey explains tp Sheryl McCollum why his family has long questioned the official story, pointing to evidence that, in his view, complicates what many people think they know about the case. Their conversation touches on DNA analysis, missing confession tapes, and alternate suspects that Casey believes raise serious questions about Albert DeSalvo’s role in the murders. Guest Bio Casey Sherman is a New York Times bestselling-author and investigative reporter known for revisiting major crimes and historic tragedies. He is the author of "A Rose for Mary," which examines the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, and the lingering questions surrounding the Boston Strangler case. About the Host Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum’s work on the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching led to her Emmy Award for “CSI: Atlanta” and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @zone7squad Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens with the DNA dispute at the center of the Boston Strangler case (1:30) Sheryl welcomes Casey Sherman and explains why his work has changed how she views the case (7:15) Casey explains how Mary Sullivan’s murder shaped his family for generations and why his mother never accepted the official story (9:15) The missing confession tapes and the details that convinced Casey the official story didn’t hold up (11:30) Missing evidence, stolen case materials, and the long-term damage they can do to a major investigation (14:00) The DNA evidence Case says pointed to a prime suspect from 1964 and how that lead eventually took him to a golf course in northern New England (16:30) Why Casey believes the Boston Strangler case was not the work of one man and that similar killings stretched across multiple states (19:30) How sensational crime coverage in the 1960s may have helped shape false confessions (21:15) Casey’s theory that George Nassar may have helped feed DeSalvo information and why DeSalvo was never charged with the murders he confessed to (24:15) Casey on the pressure surrounding the case and why he believes too many important questions are still unanswered (27:45) F. Lee Bailey’s role in the case and the unlikely friendship that followed years later (31:30) The importance of revisiting evidence and challenging the accepted story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.