Discarded Straw DNA Leads to Arrest in 41-Year-Old Murder Case | Crime Alert 6AM

Day after day, case after case, Tom Smith returned to the job with a clear sense of purpose: protect, respond, and stand with the people beside him. On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with the retired NYPD detective about the path that led him from patrol work to the Joint Terrorism Task Force and ultimately, to a lifetime of service recognized at the national level. Tom shares how his father shaped his calling, how partnership becomes its own lifeline, and how a series of events during one 12-hour shift in the Bronx has stayed with him ever since.  Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes listeners to Zone 7 and introduces guest Tom Smith (1:15) Tom shares how his father's NYPD career inspired his own path (5:00) Reconnecting with Detective Ralph, the most decorated detective in NYPD history (7:00) A single shift: rooftop rescue, shooting scene, infant CPR, and a fallen officer (12:15) Deployment to Afghanistan on a kidnapping case (14:45) The emotional burden carried by spouses and families (18:30) Choosing the right partner and building trust that saves lives (30:15) Tom reflects on being inducted to the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame (33:45) Table 15: friendship, laughter, and shared history (40:00) Continuing tradition and community beyond the job (41:15) Closing reflections on service, loyalty, and legacy Guest Bio: Tom Smith is a retired NYPD detective and 2024 National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee. Over 30 years of service, he worked in patrol, narcotics, and robbery investigations and spent 17 years working with the FBI/NYPD on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, including an overseas deployment to Afghanistan. Tom co-hosts the podcast Gold Shields, lectures on criminal justice and terrorism and provides investigative commentary for national media outlets. --- Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, forensic and crime scene expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.  Social Links: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida Man kills 2 kids after sexually assaulting 1, sets mobile home on fire  Investigation underway in the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner.  Wisconsin investigators say they have uncovered one of the worst child-neglect cases the state has ever seen: a 14-year-old girl rescued from a trailer park home in the town of Oneida weighing just 35 pounds. The FBI continues the search for six people who vanished from a rental home in Missouri, in relation to an online cult. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Kepner, 18, starts her senior year at Temple Christian School, excited about her future. Anna paints her parking spot to match her favorite movie,"Clueless," and is ecstatic to be back on the field, cheering for the Lions. She loves the water and is licensed to boat and scuba-certified. She also enjoys making TikTok videos with her friends and brother. Anna plans on joining the military after high school and is already in talks with recruiters. In fact, she’s waiting on the results of her ASVAB testing to determine which jobs will suit her best. Anna Kepner, a cheerleader, was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship during a recent western Caribbean voyage that ended in Miami on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The FBI is now investigating the death. Carnival has stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation. The cause of death has not been released, and an autopsy is pending.  Anna Kepner's Celebration of Life will be held November 20. Joining Nancy Grace today: Spencer Aronfeld - Lawyer for Dulcie White, Trial Lawyer and Founder of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, Author of Illustrated Children's book, "Sara Rose, Kid Lawyer;" Facebook: Aronfeld Law, Instagram: Aronfeld_Trial_Lawyers Dr. Angela Arnold - Psychiatrist, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, and Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital Robert Crispin - Private Investigator at 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; Facebook: Crispin Special Investigations Inc. Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of "Blood Beneath My Feet," and  Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" Instagram @JoScottForensic Susan Hendricks - Journalist, and Author of “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi;" IG @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks  Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida prosecutors alleged that a 13-year-old boy who killed his mother in 2023 was inspired by the “Friday the 13th” horror franchise. Skelton brothers’ father charged with their murders nearly 15 years later. A convicted rapist and his girlfriend were sentenced Thursday after they pleaded guilty to a murder-for-hire plot against the prosecutor and judge in his rape case. Police in Ohio are searching for a 16-year-old girl who has not been seen since Sunday. Sydney Sumner reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Melodee Buzzard is first reported missing, school officials fear the little girl hasn’t been seen in more than a year. The school district discovers Melodee was seen much more recently, enrolling in another year of homeschooling.Santa Barbara County sheriffs then find that her mom, Ashlee Buzzard, left Lompoc with Melodee on October 7; they were spotted together at a car rental. Security footage caught Melodee for the last time on October 9. Buzzard returns home the next day, alone. Melodee has now been missing for 35 days. The only photo authorities have of Melodee is more than two years out of date, as the little girl is “homeschooled” in Vandenberg Village, just north of Lompoc, California. Ashley Buzzard was arrested on Nov 7 for false imprisonment, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office. Ashley's arrest was for false imprisonment. This is not a child-related charge. So, this arrest is not related to Melodee. And it's not related to the ongoing missing person case directly. But, it is a case that came up amid this missing person case. Four days after her arrest, Ashlee Buzzard entered a not guilty plea to false imprisonment. Prosecutors argue that Buzzard should remain incarcerated due to her flight risk and potential for violence. However, her attorneys counter that she does not own a vehicle and did not specifically threaten Brewer with a box cutter. The judge agrees to grant Buzzard bail under close supervision and orders Buzzard to stay away from Brewer.The 40-year-old is once again walking free. Anyone with information asked to contact Santa Barbara County investigators at 805-681-4150. Anonymous calls can be made to the tip line at 805-681-4171. Contact the FBI at 800-225-5324. Anonymous tipsters can also share information online to the sheriff’s office. Joining Nancy Grace today: Greg Morse - Criminal Defense Attorney of Morse Legal, Author of “The Untested” (found on Amazon) Lauren Johnson-Norris - Defense Attorney (specializing in juvenile, and CPS cases in Orange County, California), and Founder of Johnson Criminal Law Group Dr. Bethany Marshall -  Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Irv Brandt - Former Senior Inspector, US Marshals Service International Investigations Branch, Chief Inspector, DOJ Office of International Affairs; Country Attaché, US Embassy Kingston, Jamaica. Author of, “SOLO SHOT: CURSE OF THE BLUE STONE," "Forever Solo: Knight of the Dragon,” “Flying Solo: Top of the World," “Solo Journey: Buddha Knights a Jack Solo Mystery Novel," and “Going Solo: The Gospel of Luke” X: @JackSoloAuthor” Rhonda Dequier - Founder, Missing In America Network (an advocacy program for the families of missing persons)  Anne Emerson - Senior Investigative Reporter for Criminally Obsessed (which can be found on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook: Criminally Obsessed), Host of the Award-Winning Podcast: "Unsolved South Carolina: The Murdaugh Murders, Money and Mystery." Sydney Sumner- Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Vet-Turned-Postal Worker is found crushed to death inside a giant mail sorting machine just days after his proposal. Fellow employees didn't find him until 8 hours later.  A new lawsuit exposes an Army OBGYN's sick secret; it also states the military knew he was a "pervert in a uniform" and still allowed him to continue his alleged 'care.' Plus, a rollercoaster rider is KO'ed by a feathered foe...now, she's filed. Jennifer Gould reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Britney Spears face charges after her most recent headline of bad driving, or possibly drunk driving, putting others lives in danger, not to mention her own safety? Britney Spears deletes her Instagram account, but within a week, Spears returns with a lingerie pic and a cryptic message within one week of deleting her account. Britney is no stranger to making headlines in tabloids, TMZ claims Spears is in danger of going broke, but Entertainment Tonight and Spears’ lawyer says she has multiple revenue streams, and Radar Online reports Spears is partying hard after the break-up with Paul Soliz. Just last month, on October 22, Britney was seen at a Mexican restaurant in Thousand Oaks, California, unsteady on her feet, and then later caught on video driving dangerously in her car. Manager of RED-O, Oliver Wynn, says Britney was not intoxicated, and that the pop star did not order alcohol to drink with her quesadilla. Wynn also says Britney, the pop princess, was nice to fans, talking and taking photos. However, when leaving the restaurant, the staff try to prevent Britney from driving, but she gets behind the wheel of her BMW anyway and proceeds to drive dangerously. Video shows Britney has trouble maintaining her lane, turning fast making U-turn, and tires screech. Shockingly, the pop star claims on social media she was not out, that there is a Britney "lookalike" seen, not her. Kevin Federline, Britney's ex-husband and the father of her two sons, releases a book about Britney, "You Thought You Knew." He makes outrageous claims of Spears using cocaine while pregnant, hitting one of her sons, and more.   Joining Nancy Grace today:  Lisa Kennedy - Daily Mail Columnist: "I have no sympathy for Britney Spears. What if her latest stunt had killed a kid? It's time to admit the truth about this public menace;" Host of the podcast: "Kennedy Saves The World" Elizabeth J. McInturff - Attorney Specializing in Guardianship Issues, Partner at Selzer Gurvitch; LinkedIn @elizabethmcinturff; Facebook @elizabeth.mcinturff.12 Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author of "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive  Ashley Wardlow  - Private Investigator and Chief Operations Officers at Nathans Investigations; IG: @miamiprivateinvestigators, FB: nathansinvestigations Rob Shuter - Host of "Naughty But Nice" Podcast, Author of Upcoming Novel, “It Started With A Whisper" (he has worked with Britney Spears, and has spent some time with her ); IG: @naughtygossip Elina Shirazi - Senior Political Reporter, DailyMail.com; Instagram and TikTok: elinashiaz Dave Mack- Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smallville Actress Allison Mack Speaks the First Time About NXIVM in a CBC podcast. The founder of 1-800-411-PAIN is arrested after allegedly bringing a loaded gun onto a Miami-Dade high school campus. A Michigan mother accused of killing her 3-year-old son to “make room” for a baby with her boyfriend has admitted to the crime. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesse Mack Butler, star baseball player for the Stillwater High School Pioneers, has been receiving offers at NCAA colleges. Jesse’s family is deeply tied to Stillwater and Oklahoma State University. The father, Mack Butler, served as the Cowboy’s football director for 16 years, and now his wife and daughter also work for OK State’s football program. Butler appears to be a typical All-American teenager, but his ex-girlfriends allege he’s extremely violent. The star teenage athlete, serial rapist, who strangles his girlfriends for a laugh, got a slap on his hand by serving NO jail time on 11 charges, securing a sweetheart deal classifying him as a "youthful offender." The now 18-year-old’s "treatment plan" is sealed, but he will attend counseling, complete community service, and abide by strict curfews. Should he fail any aspect of the plan, Jesse Butler will serve the 10-year sentence he would have received as an adult behind bars. One of his victims is choked so badly she is taken to the ER. Girls were bleeding from their private areas and sustained injuries during the assaults. The perp was facing a potential 78 years in prison, but instead the judge decided for the perp's violent behavior. He would receive a slap on the wrist after attacking multiple women, even sending one to the hospital. And another time, just before Butler can put his penis inside another victim, a woman approaches Butler’s car and says she’s calling police. Butler drives "LS" back to her own car.  Joining Nancy Grace today: Randy Kessler - Atlanta Trial Lawyer, Emory Law School Professor, Past Chair ABA Family Law Section, Author: "Divorce, Protect Yourself, Your Kids and Your Future;" Instagram: @rkessler23, X: @GADivorce Dr. Cheryl Arutt -Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Specializing in Trauma Recovery, PTSD and EMDR; website: CreativeEMDR.com, IG: @askdrcheryl Shannon Henry  -  President & Founder of SASS Go (Surviving Assault Standing Strong: a nonprofit on a mission to eradicate abuse, trafficking and violence against women and girls globally) Case Consultant, and Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Education; @sassgoglobal on FB, Instagram, X, and TikTok Rachel Countryman - Forensic Nurse Expert and founder Countryman Consulting (provides expert testimony, case consultation in sexual assault, strangulation, intimate partner violence cases; educates professionals and empowers survivors through forensic medical evidence); X: @GodoyForensics Bill Hernandez - Napa PD (California) Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Detective Paige Taylor - Reporter at Fox25 News; FB & Instagram: PaigeTaylorKOKH Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After four decades of unanswered questions, new DNA testing has led prosecutors to a suspect they say is responsible for a teenager’s 1984 rape and murder.In San Antonio, Texas, police say a twenty-one-year-old man shot and killed three co-workers before taking his own life.In North Carolina, a police officer assigned to a hospital campus was killed during an encounter in the emergency department lobby. Finally, in a widening federal counter-terrorism investigation, two additional young men have been charged with attempting to aid the Islamic State group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.