Kentucky 'Nuclear Fallout' Home Invader Escapes Death Penalty | Crime Alert 06.01.26

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 early ransom notes has led experts to believe the abduction was a personal act of revenge rather than a scheme for money, and reviews how vehicle black boxes, Uber data, and Ring camera caches are being leveraged to track down the perpetrators; new tips claiming the trail leads directly into Sonora, Mexico. Anyone with information on Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts is urged to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324. There is a $1.2-million reward to help bring Nancy Guthrie home.  Joining Nancy Grace today: Brian Fitzgibbons - Director of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security, Leads a team of investigators specializing in locating missing persons, former Marine and Iraq war veteran, Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security Sheryl McCollum - Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder, Host of podcast: Zone 7 --  and Author of a new book: "Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer's Daughter", Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Dr. Bethany Marshall -  (Beverly Hills, CA) Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker: When to work on a relationship and when to walk away” Also featured in hit show: "Paris in Love" on Peacock , Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, Twitter: @DrBethanyLive 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 - (New York) Senior Reporter, NewsNation and Author of new book: "Murder in the Media" Dave Mack - Investigative reporter, Crime Stories    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 claims his December trip to Epstein’s New York mansion was planned solely to break the news he must cut contact with the financier. However, in a January email to Epstein, Andrew writes, “Keep in close touch, and we’ll play some more soon!!!!” The Met Police investigate claims Prince Andrew tried to involve his tax-funded Met Protection Officer and Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary in a smear campaign against Virginia Giuffre. Metropolitan Police are told to re-investigate Virginia Giuffre’s sex abuse allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following removal of his royal titles. But Scotland Yard claims they will not pursue a criminal investigation after Giuffre's initial allegations or her civil case. Prince Andrew may face more than just eviction! Republic, a pressure group that pushes to see the monarchy abolished, instructed lawyers to begin an investigation into the prince. Anonymous plaintiffs file lawsuits against Bank of America and Bank of New York Mellon, claiming the institutions illicitly enabled Epstein’s trafficking activities. Both banks are accused of ignoring the illegal activity, with Bank of America turning a blind eye to Epstein’s use of a victim’s account to pay her and other victims off, and Mellon failed to flag nearly $378 million in victim payments as suspicious. Joining Nancy Grace: Lynn Shaw - She is in DC right now lobbying congress to release the Epstein files; She's the Founder and Executive Director of Lynn's Warriors (an organization committed to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation,  Host of Lynn's Warriors on YouTube;  X: @lynns_warriors, YouTube: @LynnsWarriors Greg Morse - Criminal Defense Attorney of Morse Legal, Author of “The Untested,” found on Amazon Dr. Bethany Marshall -  Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Robert Crispin - Private Investigator “Crispin Special Investigations," Former Federal Task Force Officer for the United States Department of Justice (DEA and Miami Field Division) and Former Homicide and Crimes Against Children Investigator; FB: Crispin Special Investigations Inc. Barry Levine - Author of “The Spider: Inside the Tangled Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell,” and Veteran Investigative and Editor in Print and Television Harriet Alexander -  Senior Features Writer at DailyMail.com Sydney Sumner- Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. References & Further Reading: The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede The Bald-Faced Deception by Jodene Weber Come From Away Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Jodene Weber to Zone 7, and traces the overlaps in their careers (2:45) How Nancy Drew, Patricia Cornwell, and a love of reading shaped Jodene’s investigative instincts (4:45) Why strong writing and careful documentation can make or break a case (8:30) Jodene’s journalism career and FBI recruitment story (11:45) Jodene recalls joining the Olympic Park bombing investigation (13:00) How investigators used crowd photos and the Olympic broadcast screen to build a timeline of events (15:00) NASA image enhancement, suspect details, and the Birmingham bombing tip that helped investigators identify Eric Rudolph (20:00) Citizen tips, false leads, and the kind of public memory that could help solve the Nancy Guthrie case (24:00) Sheryl recalls her sister’s diverted flight to Gander, Newfoundland, and the kindness shown to stranded passengers after 9/11 (27:30) Inside the Pentagon response: fire, debris, remains, and aircraft evidence, and the emotional weight at the scene (33:30) Jodene describes the long shifts and the exhausting rhythm of sorting through the 9/11 aftermath (35:15) The generosity shown after 9/11 in Gander and by the volunteers who supported recovery teams (39:30) Ongoing health issues tied to 9/11 exposure and Sheryl’s closing quote Guest Bio: Jodene Weber is a retired FBI agent, former journalist, author, and podcast host whose work brings together investigative experience and clear storytelling. She is the author of The Bald-Faced Deception and hosts the true crime podcast Caught In My Web. 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. 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, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and 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: [email protected] X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, releasing May 12, 2026.  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: 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 in a drunken hit and run denies involvement in her death, cries leaving court. After three years of searching, Iowa authorities recover Jesse George's body at the rest stop where his killer works.  Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 found by investigators includes, computer searches showing disturbing titles of bondage, torture and  child pornography. The accused killer also drives a Chevy Avalanche described by a witness. He's caught on surveillance video buying more minutes for a burner phone. Investigators have determined a hair found on one of the victims is a DNA match to Heuermann's family.  Now, rapper and media mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is producing a scripted drama series about the Gilgo Beach serial killer to air on Peacock  Rex Heuermann.The scripted series is based on the 2025 true-crime docuseries The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets, which was also executive produced by 50 Cent’s G-Unit Films and Television. Will it show more murders connected to Rex Heuermann? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 brothers continue to face pending state criminal charges in Florida, which have been put on hold pending their federal sentencing.  In addition to the criminal trials, the brothers are dealing with a multitude of civil and defamation lawsuits filed by survivors seeking accountability and damages.   Joining Nancy Grace today: Neama Rahmani – Former Federal Prosecutor-turned-Trial Attorney; Author: “Harvard to Hashtag;” INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani/ X: @NeamaRahmani Caryn L. Stark – Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych/FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Bill Daly – Former FBI Investigator and Forensic Photography, Security Expert Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn’s Warriors, Host of Lynn’s Warriors on YouTube;  X: @lynns_warriors Youtube: @LynnsWarriors Christina Aguayo – National News Anchor, Salem News Channel; Facebook: @ChristinaAguayoNews, Instagram: @Christina.AguayoNe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 community initiatives via the official Goncalves Family Tips Facebook Page.  The public can also submit their DNA to GEDmatch  for free. The family points out the more people who submit their DNA,  the more cases will be solved.   Joining Nancy Grace today:  Kristi Goncalves  - mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves  Website:  www.MurderHasAName.com Steve Goncalves  - father of victim Kaylee Goncalves  Website:  www.MurderHasAName.com Chris Hansen -journalist and Host of the podcast "Have A Seat With Chris Hansen",   an ambasador to the Goncalves' new foundation,  Facebook:HaveASeatWithChrisHansen Andy Kahan - Director of Victim Services and Advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston, ambasador to the Goncalves' new foundation: "Murder Has a Name," crime-stoppers.org,  Tracie Brocco - Executive Director of 'Murder Has A Name',   website:  Murderhasaname.com  Sydney Sumner  - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Shirilla will not be eligible for her first parole hearing until October 2037.  Joining Nancy Grace today: Christine Russo  - Dominic Russo's older sister - Host, "The Big Sister: Unhinged Podcast,"  Instagram: @thebigsisterunhinged, www.youtube.com/@TheBigSisterUnhinged Shyann Topping  - Mackenzie Shirilla's prison girlfriend in 2023 for about 8-9 months Kat Crowder  - Former inmate who served time with Mackenzie Shirilla, TikTok: @boujeebehindbars Instagram: @boujeebehindbars  Dr. Cheryl Arutt - Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist specializing in Trauma Recovery, PTSD and EMDR Website: askdrcheryl.com Website: CreativeEMDR.comIG: @askdrcheryl   Derek Smith -  Criminal Defense Attorney, website: dwsmithlegal.com   Thomas Coyne  - Medical Examiner, University of Florida.  District Eight Medical Examiner, State of Florida. Toxicologist.  Forensic Pathologist and Neuropathologist.   Joel Waldman - Co-host of "Surviving the Survivor,"   Co-Founder and Creative Director at Content Product Media  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.