Florida Teens Charged as Adults in Shooting Death of a Classmate | Crime Alert 6AM 12.30.25

James Fyfe leaves his Massachusetts security screening job to follow his dreams of becoming a cop. New Orleans catches Fyfe’s eye, actually circulating ‘help wanted’ posters amid a hiring slump. Fyfe begins as a patrol officer in Algiers and works his way up the Fourth District Task Force into property crimes. After time on the Violent Crime Abatement Investigation team, Fyfe finally gets a shot in the homicide division, just as NOLA sees a huge spike in violent crime. While many detectives only handle about five homicide cases a year, Fyfe is assigned to nearly 40 cases over three years because he keeps clearing them! Since 2022, Fyfe has closed 24 consecutive cases he is assigned to, with his co-workers keeping track on a white board they’ve dubbed the "Fyfe-o-meter." Fyfe’s work helps the homicide division bring its ‘clearance rate’ from 40% in 2022 to above 76%. As 2024 nears the end, Thanh Vu tends her supermarket, but three "customers" are seeking more than groceries. Thanh, 61, was held at gunpoint while thieves emptied the register and pocketed cigarettes. When Thanh fights back, she’s shot and left for dead.  Joining Nancy Grace: James Fyfe - Homicide Detective, New Orleans Police Department, Criminal Law Degree from Northeastern University, and Master’s at Suffolk University; Increased Homicide Unit’s Clearance Rate from 40% to 75% from 2022-2024 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teenagers in Florida have been indicted in the killing of 14-year-old Danika Troy of Pace, whose body was discovered earlier this month. Authorities say a reserve police officer and his wife are facing criminal charges after investigators concluded their biological and foster children were subjected to severe abuse. A man accused of fatally shooting his grandfather two years ago has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is expected to testify against his mother, whom prosecutors say orchestrated the killing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mother in St. Cloud, Florida, hires around-the-clock nursing care in her home to help care for her teenage daughter. The 18-year-old is developmentally disabled, non-verbal, quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, and has minimal vision. To cover the 24 / 7 schedule, nurses work 12-hour shifts, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in their St. Cloud home. Checking on her disabled daughter Saturday morning, the mother notices red scratches around her daughter's mouth and eyelid; the scratches were not present the previous evening, and as a quadriplegic, it is impossible for her daughter to scratch herself in such a way, so she reviews surveillance camera footage from the previous night and calls the police immediately. The nurse during this time was Nia Ayers, a 24-year-old Licensed Practical Nurse who had cared for the girl on Friday night into Saturday morning for over a year. She has been licensed since 2021 and has not had a single disciplinary action or even a complaint in her nursing career. Joining Nancy Grace: Ben Powers - Criminal Defense Attorney, Facebook: Legal Powers PLLC, Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski - Forensic Psychologist, Author: “Darksides;" YouTube: "Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski, Forensic Psychologist"  Chief Douglas Goerke - St. Cloud Police Department in Florida; stcloudfl.gov Dr. Kendall Crowns -  Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), Host of Podcast, "Mayhem in the Morgue," and Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Texas Christian University) Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, "Crime Stories" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarrod Noll, 18, allegedly shoots his mom and dad outside the family home in southwest Pennsylvania and walks into the woods. Two younger siblings inside the house call 911. Noll captured after 24 Hours on the loose!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortly after 7:40 a.m., Alyssa Castro and her boyfriend are in their car in their south Wichita neighborhood when a neighbor waves them down. As the woman approaches, they see what appears to be blood on the woman's hands. The woman asks to borrow a phone to call 911, then takes off with the phone back into a house. 911 dispatch is called about a possible stabbing and relays a message to first responders that a woman says there has been a stabbing in her home. Dispatch relays information that the person calling says the stabbing was in self-defense. She was trying to save herself from her mother. Arriving at the home at 7:52 a.m., Wichita police find a woman outside the home with cuts on her hands and blood on her clothing. Inside the house, they find 81-year-old Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds. Both women are taken to the hospital. Mock is ultimately charged with murder.  This month, Angelynn "Angie" Mock is undergoing a court-ordered mental competency evaluation. This has temporarily paused her first-degree murder case.  The evaluation process typically takes 60 days. A new court date has not yet been scheduled.  Arrest and Charge: Mock was arrested on October 31, 2025, and charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers, in Wichita, Kansas. Custody Status: She remains in custody at the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1 million bond. Competency Evaluation: Her attorney requested a mental health evaluation, which was granted by a Sedgwick County judge on November 14, 2025. The case was taken off the docket while the evaluation is completed, a process that typically takes around 60 days. The evaluation will determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial. Alleged Motive/Context: According to a police affidavit, Mock, who has a history of mental health issues including a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, told police she stabbed her mother in self-defense, claiming her mother was the devil. Her stepfather reported that Mock had experienced delusions in the past, including saying "They're all robots" or "They're not real people". Joining Nancy Grace today: Jim Elliott - Attorney with Butler Snow, Legal Counsel for Various Georgia Municipalities and Other Governmental Entities Caryn Stark -  Forensic Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Dan Murphy - Former NYPD Detective-Sergeant, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Former Chief Security Officer, US Bancorp, Co-Host of "Gold Shields" Podcast, and Author: “Workplace Safety: Establishing an Effective Violence Prevention Program” Dr. Priya Banerjee - Board-certified Forensic Pathologist and Anatomic Pathologist, Anchor Forensic Pathology Consulting Melissa McCarty - Reporter & Host of the “Killer Genes” podcast, Author of “The Making of a Crime Reporter;" TikTok: McCarty143, Instagram: MelissaMcCarty1 Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just blocks from the White House, a quiet act of service ended in tragedy. Two young National Guard members were ambushed; one was killed instantly, and another was left in critical condition. This week on Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Dr. Sunny Slaughter to reflect on what happened that day and what it reveals about leadership, language, and the power of restraint. Together, they explore how hate takes root, why communication can be a matter of life and death, and what it truly means to serve with empathy when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl McCollum reveals Zone 7’s 2026 return to weekly episodes and the kickoff. of the 10-8 Tour • (1:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum and guest Dr. Sunny Slaughter • (4:15) The ambush that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically injured Andrew Wolfe, 24 • (7:00) How compassion, not politics, defines law enforcement and military duty • (10:00) “Take the temperature down to zero”: Dr. Slaughter’s warning against political violence • (12:30) Dr. Slaughter’s experience teaching “lens, language, and law” and why empathy is operational readiness • (17:00) Service as calling, not career: advice for the next generation of guardsmen and officers • (20:45) Sheryl and Dr. Slaughter on gratitude, resilience, and learning through hardship • (27:00) Finding meaning after loss and the power of service on purpose• (30:00) Preparing for crisis: why every law enforcement professional must plan for the unexpected • (35:00) The Florida eviction tragedy and how quickly crisis can turn fatal • (36:15) Final reflections: honoring the National Guard members through unity, compassion, and continued service Guest Bio Dr. Sunny Slaughter is a law enforcement instructor, expert witness and crisis communication strategist who specializes in counterterrorism, extremism, and emerging threats. As CEO of Sunny Slaughter Consulting and founder of the Sunny Slaughter Group, she helps agencies nationwide build crisis-ready leadership. A former military spouse and longtime advocate for justice and public safety, Dr. Slaughter has served as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security instructor and continues to guide federal, state, and local agencies in strengthening community resilience. 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, 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] • Twitter: @149zone7 • 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 2See 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 some of our top stories this week: A man and woman discovered Melodee’s body while taking pictures in Wayne County, Utah, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said at a Tuesday news conference. A grandmother shopping for Christas gifts at Barnes & Noble is stabbed to death by a deranged madman who just arrived in town. He claimed he killed her because, "she was the closest person to him." A state trooper in Delaware is killed while working an overtime shift at the DMV after stepping into gunfire to protect others. Santa Claus is pulled over for speeding on an Ohio road, not in his sleigh, but a silver Ford Escape. Drew Nelson reports. A man from Michigan has been arrested after security footage revealed him trying to persuade children at a residence in northern Scott County to let him in by falsely claiming their parents were injured outside. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new trial date has been set for Tyler McCain, the man charged with killing his wife, Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain. McCain is facing 12 charges and multiple special allegations, including one that he killed his wife to prevent her from testifying against him in court over domestic violence charges. The jury trial was supposed to start on November 18, but McCain’s lawyer, Michael Borges, asked for more time, given the mounds of documentation provided by the prosecution. Shasta Superior Court Judge Adam B. Ryan set the trial date for March 17, 2026. A trial readiness hearing will be held on March 11 to ensure both parties are prepared for the trial. As of today, Nikki is still missing and presumed dead. Redding Police detective Jeremiah Kessinger said Nikki's sister, Chloe Saelee, texted with Nikki regularly, and there was always a response until May 19. Family members talked with Nikki on May 18, but on May 19, she never answered a text from Chloe. Nikki told Chloe about domestic violence in the relationship, and McCain went so far as to point a gun directly at Nikki and threaten to kill her and her family members. In court, Detective Maul played an audio recording of Nikki McCain describing being assaulted by her husband, Tyler McCain. The recording was done in a hospital emergency room, where Nikki showed up to give the police a statement. Nikki says, "He pushed me on the ground. And he started hitting me. He was just enraged; he was so angry." Nikki estimates the attack lasted three hours. Tyler McCain has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. Joining Nancy Grace today: Kaye Ford  - Nikki's sister Chloe Saelee - Nikki's sister Philip Dubé  - Court-Appointed Counsel, Los Angeles County Public Defenders: Criminal & Constitutional Law; Forensics & Mental Health Advocacy; X: PhilipCDube, IG: PhilipDube, YouTube: PhilipDube3922 Dr. Bethany Marshall -  Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Brian Fitzgibbons - VP of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security; Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security, Kingsman Philanthropic's 2022 rescue missions of women and children in Ukraine, Iraq War Veteranide_security Jeff Gentry – Forensics-Crime Scene Investigator, Certified Bloodstain Pattern Analyst and Death Investigator, Former Toxicology Lab Analyst; Author: “A Visual Guide to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis for Death and Crime Scene Investigators;” TikTok: @jeffreygentryBPA, Facebook: Jeff Gentry Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Dave Mack - Crime Stories Investigative Reporter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new hearing scheduled in Andrew McGann’s double murder trial by a Washington County judge.   McGann, 29, charged  with the July stabbing deaths of Clinton and Cristen Brink.   He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.  Judge Joanna Taylor scheduled a status hearing for January 15, 2026.  At McGann' last court appearance in November, he appeared in civilian clothes and without visible restraints.  He attorneys have file a number of motions including ones that would exclude the death penalty.  Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter says his office intends to pursue the death penalty. The former teacher's arrest for the cruel double murder of a mom and dad trying to save their two young daughters from a vicious attack during a family hike on a trail in Arkansas, known as Devil’s Den State Park, ended a five-day manhunt for the alleged predator. Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were hiking with their 7- and 9-year-old daughters through Devil’s Den State Park when a man attacked them on the trail around 2:30 p.m., officials say. The two young girls ran to safety as they heard their mother's screams echoing; currently, both girls are with family members and suffered no physical injuries. The parents are being hailed as heroes for saving their daughters from the vicious fatal attack.  James Andrew McGann, 28, was arrested in Springdale, Arkansas, around 30 miles from the crime scene at a hair salon. getting his hair cut, possibly shaved. McGann is charged with two counts of capital murder, according to a release from the Arkansas State Police. The motive for the brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of both parents is still unclear. Joining Nancy Grace today: Andrea Lewis - Partner at Searcy Law in Pam Beach, Florida, Former Felony Prosecutor at Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office - where Epstein was prosecuted, President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, WEBSITE: searcylaw.com  Dr. Janie Lacy - Licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Life Counseling Solutions, Author of "How To Heal From A Toxic Relationship: A Guide To Reclaiming Your Mental Health and Happiness", Host of “The Resilient Professional” Podcast on YouTube, janielacy.com, Instagram & Facebook: @JanieLacy   Ron Bateman - Former Sheriff for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Former Homicide and Undercover Narcotics Detective, Author of Crime Ttrilogy, "Silent Blue Tears" [he is currently directing and producing a film documentary on the murders at the Capital Gazette Newspaper in Annapolis];.X: Ronbatemanbooks   Dr. Michelle DuPre - Forensic Pathologist and Consultant, Medical Examiner and 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;"Currently Working on New Book: "The Inside Story"  Carsen Holaday- Senior News Reporter, The U.S. Sun  Sydney Sumner - CRIME STORIES Investigative Reporter  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sophomore at the University of New Mexico, Tara Calico is in school full-time while working at a bank. At 9:30 a.m. on September 20, Tara takes her mom's pink Huffy bike for her daily bike ride, telling her mom she is playing tennis with her boyfriend later, so if she isn't home by noon, come looking for her. An offhand comment her mother takes to heart. When Tara isn't back at 12:05 p.m., her mother, Patty, gets in her car to retrace Tara's bike route, expecting to see Tara walking on the side of the road with her bike. Driving out to the train tracks where Tara normally turns around to head back home, Patty doesn't see Tara and assumes she missed her and heads back home. Patty calls Tara's boyfriend, who says he hasn't seen Tara, then calls the police in a panic. Police begin an immediate search for the 19-year-old, as her disappearance is out of the ordinary. Her sister, Michele, joins in the search with Tara's friends and boyfriend. A storm is coming, the temperature is dropping, friends walking two feet apart, hand in hand across both sides of the roadway, looking for any sign of Tara. About two and a half miles down the search route, some tire tracks that look spun out are discovered on the side of the road. It seems like there was a scuffle, and the bike marks are visible amongst the tire marks from the vehicle. Tara is known to use a distinctive, bright yellow Walkman on her bike ride, and when a broken piece of a bright yellow Walkman is found in the area of the tire marks, her sister, Michele, believes it is Tara leaving a trail to follow. A cassette tape of the band "Boston" is discovered about three miles from her home on the side of Highway 47. Tara's mother, Patty, identifies the tape as belonging to Tara, saying that it is what Tara was listening to on her bike ride. Tara Calico was last seen riding her mother's neon pink Huffy mountain bicycle on Highway 47 about two miles from her home in Belen. A dirty white or light gray 1953 Ford pickup truck with a white, handmade shell was following directly behind her. Still, investigators don't know if the truck has anything to do with the disappearance of Tara Calico. Joining Nancy Grace: Melinda Esquibel -  Tara Calico's Childhood Friend / Filmmaker, Podcaster, Producer and Host of Podcast, “VANISHED," which investigates what happened to Tara John Day - Criminal Defense Attorney of John Day Law Dr. John Delatorre -  Licensed Psychologist and Mediator (specializing in forensic psychology); Psychological Consultant to Project Absentis: a nonprofit organization that searches for missing persons; X, IG, and TikTok - @drjohndelatorre Chris McDonough - Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective (worked over 300 Homicides in 25-year career), Trained the First Native American Homicide Task Force; Host of YouTube Channel, "The Interview Room"  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.