Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

It's been four years since father of three, Eric Richins, died from a fentanyl overdose. We now know his ingestion of the drug was planned by his wife Kori.  Afterwards, she wrote a children’s book about grief,  with her children, to help them cope.   Kouri Richins' book  isn't the only thing she's written. There's a six-page handwritten letter, "the walk the dog letter."  Prosecutors say that in the letter, Richins is instructing he family how to lie about what happened the night her husband died.   It's called the "walk the dog letter," since that phrase is written in big letters on the top. In it,  Richins makes the claim that her husband Eric was addicted to drugs, that he would make frequent trips to Mexico to get pills, and that his death was an accidental overdose. The letter was written to Richins' mother, and it reportedly tells her to instruct Richins' brother to make the connection to Mexico and drugs The jury deliberated just under three hours before convicting  Richins of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, forgery and two counts of insurance fraud.  What happened to the Richins children? Joining Nancy Grace Today: Donna Kelly– Former Utah Senior Deputy District Attorney and Attorney for Crime Victims Legal Clinic; Helped form the Utah County Sex Crimes Task Force Dr. Bethany Marshall – Psychoanalyst (Beverly Hills, CA); Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall; Twitter: @DrBethanyLive Justin Boardman – Retired Detective, West Valley City Police Department Special Victim’s Unit, Boardman Training & Consulting Dr. William Morrone – Toxicologist, Chief Medical Examiner, Bay County Michigan; Author: “American Narcan: Naloxone & Heroin-Fentanyl Associated Mortality” Elaine Aradillas - Senior Crime Reporter at the Messenger; Twitter: @elaineja, Instagram: @the_elaineja See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  In this week’s episode of "Zone 7," retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar joins Sheryl McCollum to talk about what hostage negotiation looks like when a scene is tense, the stakes are high, and one wrong move can change everything. Drawing on decades in law enforcement, Mike discusses the Nancy Guthrie case, explains how negotiators read people in real time, and highlights the importance of patience, trust, and teamwork. He also shares stories from the field and looks back on the path that took him from undercover work to hostage negotiation and, later, to the recovery efforts after 9/11. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar to Zone 7 (1:00) Mike’s first reaction to the Nancy Guthrie case and why it struck him as unusual from the beginning (4:15) Information negotiators look for first: behavior, history, and possible mental-state concerns (9:00) The challenge of deciding when family can help and when they may make a crisis worse (13:30) Tension between negotiation and tactical response, and how one decision can undo hours of progress (19:30) How Mike became a negotiator and what the training process was like (23:00) A Brooklyn barricade, drone technology, and the friend who helped bring the situation to a peaceful end (29:45) Why voice, personality, and appearance can shape who a subject chooses to trust (31:15) How a sandwich from the bodega helped resolve a case (32:45) Mike looks back on becoming a detective and how 9/11 changed the course of his career (35:15) Ground Zero, recovery efforts, and the emotional toll officers carried after 9/11 Guest Bio Mike Alcazar is a retired NYPD detective with more than 30 years of service in law enforcement. During his time with the department, he worked undercover in vice, served as a hostage negotiator, and handled organized crime investigations. Mike took part in recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and now serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 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 cases include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. Her 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 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. 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.  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 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.

Only twelve days after Rebecca Haro reports her son's kidnapping and claims she was knocked out in a parking lot while changing the 15-month-old's diaper, both parents of Emmanuel Haro faced murder charges.  Rebecca Haro faces a preliminary hearing  May 29. Prosecutors have told the court they’re ready to present their evidence. Emmanuel's mother has plead not guilty and is still being held on $1 million bail. Father Jake Haro pleaded guilty last year to second‑degree murder and related charges. He’s now serving a sentence of 25 years to life. Emmanuel’s remains still haven’t been found. Joining Nancy Grace today: Philip Dubé - Former Court-Appointed Counsel, Los Angeles County Public Defenders: Criminal & Constitutional Law, Forensics & Mental Health Advocacy, X: PhilipCDube, IG: PhilipDube, YouTube: PhilipDube3922  Dr. John Delatorre - Licensed psychologist and mediator, specializing in forensic psychology, psychological consultant to Project Absents: a non-profit organization that searches for missing persons, resolutionfcs.com, Twitter, IG, and TikTok: @drjohndelatorre  Steve Fischer - Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search & Rescue Specialist, & Owner of Search Investigations, website: search investigations.org, Facebook: SearchInvestigations, X: @SF_Investigates  Alli Neal - Co-Founder, Revved Up Kids, fighting to protect kids from sexual abuse and trafficking, revvedupkids.org, instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @RevvedUpKids  Dr. Eric Eason - Board Certified Forensic Pathologist, consultant, Instagram: @eric_a_eason, Facebook: Eric August Eason, LinkedIn: Eric Eason, MD   Katy Forrester -  Assistant Exclusives Editor at The U.S. Sun, covering true crime and showbiz, website: www.the-sun.com, X: @katyshowbix  Dave Mack - Crime Stories Investigative Reporter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks after a judge said says Rex Heuerman  "will go to trial come hell or high water," the accused serial killer pleads guilty to all seven murders for which he's charged, and an additional murder. Now we are learning details of what police found on Heuermann's phones.  Yes, multiple phones.  Rex Heuermann used a series of burner phones to lure sex workers, contacting them hundreds of times over two years, according to court documents. These "untraceable" phones, along with his personal phone, traced to a "tight cluster" of cell towers near his Massapequa Park home, linking him to the victims and taunting calls made to family members.  Police arrested the prominent New York architect in connection with murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes.  The 8th victim, 34-year-old Karen Vergata, was last heard from on Valentine's Day 1996. Her legs and feet were found the same year on Fire Island. Her skull was found fifteen years later near Tobay Beach in Nassau County.  The women's remains were found along Gilgo Beach in Long Island within 500 feet of each other.  The first four victims,  dubbed the Gilgo Four, were found wrapped in burlap.  Heuermann,  originally claimed his innocent.    Asa Ellerup, his estranged wife, filed for divorce six days after his arrest and then signed a deal  worth at least 1 million dollars to take part in a documentary series.   Joining Nancy Grace today: Caryn Stark  -  Forensic Psychologist, renowned TV and Radio trauma expert and consultant, www.carynstark.com, Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Mike Gould - Former Nassau County (NY) lieutenant and Founding member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) K-9 unit. He's led several investigations into serial killers, including the Gilgo Beach killer on Long Island. Former National Guardsman and has worked on secret service detail for two presidents Joseph Scott Morgan  -  Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", Instagram @JoScottForensic Josh Zeman - Investigative Journalist and Documentary Film Director.  Director of "The Killing Season,"   Host of the podcast: "Sinister with Josh Zeman," Website: Sinisterpod.com Insta: @Joshzeman, X: @Siniterpod, TikTik: @Sinisterwithjoshzeman FB: @Sinisterpodcast YT@Sinisterpodcastjz  Dave Mack -  Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Anthony Burke facing severe state-level charges in the death of Celeste Rivas. He has not been formally charged with federal crimes. If it can be proven that he lured Celeste to his home, wouldn't let her leave then murdered her, that rises to the level of kidnapping, a federal offence.   D4vd could already be facing the death penalty for the special circumstances in the case —lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness to a crime.   Especially disturbing is a video released by the singer showing him sitting in a chair wrapping what looks like a human finger in a cloth. Celeste Rivas had two fingers cut off. They have not been found. The finger being held by D4vd was actually a plastic anime toy.  Joining Nancy Grace today: Randolph Rice -  Former Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense & Civil Attorney at Rice Law  website: ricelawmd.com, IG, FB, X: @ricelawmd  Caryn Stark -  Forensic Psychologist,  www.carynstark.com, Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice  Jon Buehler - Investigator,  Former Detective, Detective in the Scott Peterson Investigation Scott Eicher - Digital Forensics Expert, Founding Member of the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (C.A.S.T),  Historical Cellular Analysis Expert; Former FBI agent, Currently with Precision Cellular Analysis - Handling Criminal, Defense and Civil cases, website: pcaexperts.com;  Joseph Scott Morgan  - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", Instagram @JoScottForensic,  Susan Hendricks  - Journalist, Author: “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi’, IG @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheriffs deputies re-examine Susan Flores' backyard with ground penetrating radar, hoping to finally locate Kristin Smart. Columbian national crosses center line drunk, killing a father of two in the resulting head-on crash. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, missing now more than three months. Clashes between FBI director Kash Patel and Pima Sheriff Chris Nanos has seemingly torpedoed the search for Nancy. The search continues as we learn a vast area near Nancy's home is unsearched and why have investigators shifted, now searching for a gray van.    Joining Nancy Grace today:  Caryn Stark -  Forensic Psychologist,  www.carynstark.com, Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice  Brian Fitzgibbons  -  Director of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security, website: www.uspasecurity.com, Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security Joseph Scott Morgan -  Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", Instagram @JoScottForensic,  Allison Weiner   - Senior Reporter, NewsNation and Author: "Murder in the Media".    Dave Mack -  Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FBI Director Kash Patel says Pima County Sheriff turned away all offers of help for four crucial days after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. Coast Guard seeking contact with owners of boat moored near the Hookers' Soulmate the day Lynette "fell overboard." Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Murdaugh could be getting a new trial. FITSNews is reporting a "reliable source" as saying the five member South Carolina Supreme Court panel has voted unanimously in favor of granting Murdaugh a new trial.  The appeal filed by Murdaugh's attorneys heavily features allegations of improper influence by former Colleton County clerk of court Rebecca "Becky" Hill during the 2023 murder trial. The Supreme Court could uphold the convictions, send the case back to a lower court, or reverse the convictions and order a new trial. Even if a new murder trial is granted, Murdaugh is currently serving 40 years for federal financial crimes.  A decision could take several more months. Joining Nancy Grace today: Eric Bland  - Founder, Partner- Bland Richer, LLP Attorneys at Law, Twitter: @TheEricBland, blandrichter.com Dr. Rachel Toles - Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Author of book coming out in 2027 “Inventing the Psychopath: How a Convenient Myth Makes the World More Dangerous,” website: DrRachelToles.com, Instagram / YouTube: TolzHaus, Facebook: DrRachelToles,  Chris McDonough  - Director At the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective, Host YouTube channel, "The Interview Room”, website: www.coldcasefoundation.org/chris-mcdonough   Dr. Michelle DuPre  - Forensic Pathologist and Former Medical Examiner,  also Former Detective: Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Author: “Money, Mischief, and Murder: The Murdaugh Dynasty...the Rest of the Story,"  "Homicide Investigation Field Guide" & "Child Abuse Investigation Field Guide", Forensic Consultant DMichelleDupreMD.com Jennifer Wood - Journalist, Director of research at FITSNews.com, Twitter: @IndyJenn_  Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britney Spears pleads guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving following a March DUI arrest in California.  She checked herself into rehab for 30 days. A judge sentenced her to 12 months probation avoid jail time,  but as part of the plea, Britney must complete a three-month substance abuse program, pay a fine ($571), and participate in mental health counseling.  Originally arrested on suspicion of DUI, her attorney entered a guilty plea for the reduced charge of "wet reckless".  She has also been ordered to meet with a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month, following her voluntary check-in to rehab prior to the plea.  Prosecutors cited her lack of prior DUI history, low blood alcohol level, and voluntary rehabilitation for the plea deal, Joining Nancy Grace: Troy Slaten  - Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney, Slaten Lawyers,  certified 'Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor,' Candidate for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge,  Twitter @TroySlaten Max Miner - President and CEO of Executive Treatment Solutions (ETS),   Website: ExecTreatmentSolutions.com  Sierra Fox  - Entertainment Host & Media Personality - Former TV Anchor  Fox 5 DC,  website: www.thesierrafox.com,  @thesierrafox (Insta, FB, TikTok, X) Dave Mack -  Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Texas jury handed down the death penalty for Tanner Horner, who pleaded guilty to killing Athena Strand after claiming hitting her with his delivery truck. A Florida mom ejected and arrested at son's football game for attacking his juvenile opponent! Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there a mystery connection between missing and dead scientists linked to top Nasa research? Approximately 14 cases have been identified.  NASA electrical engineer Joshua LeBlanc is now included in the list.   LeBlanc, 29, was pulled from the burnt wreckage of his Tesla. Reportedly, his car struck a guardrail and several trees before it burst into flames. When his family first reported him missing, they were afraid he had been kidnapped.  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.   Joining Nancy Grace today:  Franc Milburn  -  Former British Intelligence Officer, friend of Amy Eskridge  John Nantz  -  Former Supervisory Special Agent FBI, Townhall columnistX, Truth Social, and Instagram: @theJohnnantz, LinkedIn and FB: @johnnantz Website: townhall.com/columnists/johnnantz  Stephanie Harlowe - Co-Host of 'Crime Weekly' podcast, Youtube: @StephanieHarlowe  Insta: @stephanieharlowe  Dave Mack -  Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years after a guilty verdict, Alex Murdaugh may see his murder convictions vacated if the South Carolina Supreme Court finds former court clerk influenced members of his jury. Meth cook busted at Michigan State. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fallout continues for D4vd as we go through the prosecution documents line by line. We learn in the singer can be tracked to Santa Barbara county. This is the area where Celeste's passport card was found by Caltrans workers. The area is only open sunrise to sunset. Could this be where D4vd tried to get rid of evidence?  More late breaking info, video turns up in which D4vd passes off a stench from the rental home as a "bathroom" problem. Is he trying to pass of the smell of decomposing Celeste as a bodily function?  Joining Nancy Grace today: Jo-Anna Nieves  - Criminal defense attorney and Founder of The Nieves Law Firm, website: thenieveslawfirm.com, Instagram, Facebook and X: nieveslawfirm, YouTube and TikTok: thenieveslawfirm  Dr. Cheryl Arutt  - Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist specializing in Trauma Recovery, PTSD and EMDR,  website: askdrcheryl.com,  website: CreativeEMDR.com , IG: @askdrcheryl Tom Smith  -  Former NYPD Detective for 30 years - Narcotics, Robbery Squad, Gang Investigations - was also assigned to the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Co-Host of the GOLD SHIELDS Podcast, thegoldshieldshow.com, FB & Instagram: @thegoldshieldshow  Dr. Kendall Crowns - Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), Host of Podcast "Mayhem in the Morgue”, Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Texas Christian University) Caitlyn Becker - Senior National Correspondent at the New York Post ,  Host: ‘NYPostCast  Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'         See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teenagers killed, 10 more injured when group turned away from party opens fire in an Amarillo apartment complex. Grandmother on trial after four-year-old dies of alcohol poisoning with .68 BAC. New York man break's into ex's home to kill her son. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents of a small rural Idaho town of turn out in force to join authorities searching for a 5-year-old boy reported missing. He was last seen in a field near his family home. Ultimately, tips lead police to the home of a neighbor, Sarah Wondra.  Police spent more than a week excavating the home's backyard. FPD Chief JD Huff says police believe Vaughan's body was buried in Wondra's backyard and then moved to another location.  All the cadaver dogs used in the search "alerted" in the yard. Ground penetrating radar also detected "anomalies." Additional evidence was found in the home. Now Sarah Wondra's husband, Stacey, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, destruction of evidence and more.   He pleaded not guilty to all counts.    In the last days,  the judge overseeing Wondra's preliminary hearing  found probable cause that he kidnapped and killed Michael Vaughan, then destroyed evidence.  During closing arguments the prosecution alleged Michael died by suffocation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Birchmore, a 23-year-old teacher's aide and instructional assistant,  was found dead in her Canton, Massachusetts, home in February 2021. Sandra was known to many officers of the Stoughton Police department due to her involvement with an Explorer program as a teen. Her death, initially ruled a suicide, became the focus of a federal homicide investigation, leading to the 2024 arrest of former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, who was charged with her murder. Turns out Sandra had been groomed since age 10. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack update the case with additional forensic evidence that is just now coming to light.  Transcribe Highlights 00:06.64 Introduction - Basic Training 02:29.94 Murder of Sandra Birchmore 05:05.01 Explorer Post is extension of scouting 10:08.64 Sandra was a Teachers-Aide 15:09.02 Suicide investigations 20:16.88 Discovery of body 25:24.73 Sandra excited - 10 weeks pregnant 30:02.03 Death ruling changed after 3 plus years 35:25.69 Investigation revealed others involved  40:05.90 FBI investigation 41:53.69 ConclusionSee 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 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.

Court documents reveal disturbing new details of the  gruesome  murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.  D4vd,  David Anthony Burke, charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual acts, lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old and mutilating the human remains of a body. He has pleaded not guilty.   The documents reveal D4vd provided Celeste with a burner cellphone and the two discussed abortion, Plan B birthcontrol, and the fact that Celeste wanted more than just a sexual relationship.  Court document alleges D4vd ordered two chainsaws from Amazon as well as  a body bag, an inflatable pool and a burn cage via Amazon using a fake name.  Investigators say fragments of that pool were found in cut wounds on Celeste's body. Joining Nancy Grace today: Tre Lovell -Trial Attorney of The Lovell Firm, website: www.lovellfirm.com, Facebook: tre.lovell.5, Instagram: tre-lovell1  Steve Fischer  - Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search & Rescue Specialist, & Owner of Search Investigations,  hired by the owner of the Hollywood Hills property where D4vd rented SearchInvestigations, X: @SF_Investigates  Dr. Kendall Crowns - Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), Host of Podcast "Mayhem in the Morgue”, Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Texas Christian University)   Susan Hendricks - Investigative Journalist, Author: “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi", IG @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks Dave Mack  - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.