MURDERED: Bryan "Nick" Moore
Digest
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the unsolved murder of Brian Nick Moore, an antique picker from South Carolina, who was found dead in 2004. The episode begins by introducing the case and the victim, highlighting the lack of progress in the investigation for years. It then details the events leading up to Nick's disappearance, including his last known whereabouts and the initial search efforts by his friends and family. The episode then focuses on the investigation into Nick's friends and associates, including Barry Crawford, his best friend, and Wayne Miles, a business associate who was seen with Nick on the day of his disappearance. The episode also discusses the role of Rodney Thomas, Nick's ex-wife's husband, and his involvement in the case. The episode then reveals the two main persons of interest in the case: James Barker (now James Lewis), Sunshine's ex-boyfriend, and Wayne Miles. The episode details their relationships with Nick, their alibis, and the evidence that points towards their potential involvement. The episode then describes the renewed investigation into Nick's murder by Sergeant Kendall Cash, who was inspired by Barry Crawford's persistence. The episode also reveals the tragic news of Wayne Miles' suicide, which occurred shortly after Madison's reporting efforts. The episode concludes by discussing the impact of Madison's reporting on the case, including her attempts to contact the suspects and the unexpected death of Wayne Miles. The episode ends with a call for anyone with information about Nick's murder to come forward.
Outlines
The Unsolved Murder of Brian Nick Moore
This episode introduces the case of Brian Nick Moore, an antique picker from South Carolina, who was found murdered in 2004. The case remained unsolved for years, but new information and a renewed investigation have brought it back into the spotlight.
The Disappearance and Death of Brian Nick Moore
The episode details the events leading up to Nick's disappearance, including his last known whereabouts and the initial search efforts by his friends and family. The discovery of his body in a wooded area is described, along with the details of his death.
Investigating Nick's Friends and Associates
The episode focuses on the investigation into Nick's friends and associates, including Barry Crawford, his best friend, and Wayne Miles, a business associate who was seen with Nick on the day of his disappearance. The episode also discusses the role of Rodney Thomas, Nick's ex-wife's husband, and his involvement in the case.
The Suspects: James Barker and Wayne Miles
The episode reveals the two main persons of interest in the case: James Barker (now James Lewis), Sunshine's ex-boyfriend, and Wayne Miles. The episode details their relationships with Nick, their alibis, and the evidence that points towards their potential involvement.
A Renewed Investigation and a Tragic Turn
The episode describes the renewed investigation into Nick's murder by Sergeant Kendall Cash, who was inspired by Barry Crawford's persistence. The episode also reveals the tragic news of Wayne Miles' suicide, which occurred shortly after Madison's reporting efforts.
The Impact of Reporting and the Search for Justice
The episode discusses the impact of Madison's reporting on the case, including her attempts to contact the suspects and the unexpected death of Wayne Miles. The episode concludes with a call for anyone with information about Nick's murder to come forward.
Keywords
Antique Picker
An individual who searches for and purchases antique items, often at estate sales, flea markets, or in people's homes. They may refurbish and resell the items or collect them for personal enjoyment.
Cold Case
An unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time, often due to a lack of leads or evidence. Cold cases are often revisited with new technology or investigative techniques.
Execution Style
A method of killing where the victim is shot at close range, often with the intention of causing a quick and painless death. It is often associated with organized crime or gang violence.
Polygraph
A lie detector test that measures physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, to determine if a person is being truthful. Polygraphs are often used in criminal investigations to assess the credibility of suspects.
Person of Interest
An individual who is suspected of being involved in a crime but has not been formally charged. Persons of interest are often interviewed by investigators to gather information and assess their potential involvement.
Scapegoat
A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings of others, often unfairly. Scapegoats are often chosen because they are vulnerable or easy to target.
Suicide
The act of intentionally taking one's own life. Suicide is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including mental health conditions, substance abuse, and social isolation.
Forensic Evidence
Physical evidence that is collected and analyzed in a criminal investigation to help determine the identity of the perpetrator, the cause of death, or the sequence of events. Forensic evidence can include fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains, and weapons.
Q&A
What was the motive behind Brian Nick Moore's murder?
The motive remains unclear, but investigators believe it could have been related to jealousy over Nick's success as an antique picker, a romantic rivalry, or a financial dispute.
Who are the main persons of interest in the case?
The main persons of interest are James Barker (now James Lewis), Sunshine's ex-boyfriend, and Wayne Miles, a business associate who was seen with Nick on the day of his disappearance.
What happened to Wayne Miles?
Wayne Miles died by suicide shortly after Madison's reporting efforts, which brought renewed attention to the case.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with investigators pursuing new leads and forensic evidence. They are also revisiting Rodney Thomas, Nick's ex-wife's husband, who was initially considered a person of interest.
Show Notes
Described as one of the first antique hunters in the Anderson, South Carolina, area and beyond, this 35-year-old entrepreneur looked to the past to build his future. When on the hunt for his next treasure, Nick had two main things to consider: where did it come from, and what was it worth? More than 20 years later, present-day detectives are considering those same questions when figuring out which tips to follow in the investigation of his murder. It’s a case that’s developing in real-time, and as more leads roll in, the closer investigators are getting to the truth. Was it a jealous business associate or a threatened love rival? Which witnesses can really be trusted?
- If you know anything about the murder of Bryan “Nick” Moore in South Carolina in 2004, you can anonymous contact Crime Stoppers Anderson County at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or you can email information to Sgt. Kendall Cash himself at klcash@andersonsheriff.com.
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