Main Suspect in Madeline McCann Disappearance Released From Prison | Crime Alert 6AM 09.24.25

Thirty years after Susan Smith drove her car into a lake with her two sons strapped in their car seats, she sought parole. A parole board denied her request, and a suitor later revealed that Smith had dreamed of appearing on “Dancing with the Stars.” She is reportedly “devastated” that her bid for parole failed. Now we learn from shocking texts that Smith is being send money by multiple men with whom she is in contact with from behind bars. After high school, Susan Leigh Vaughan married David Smith. They had two sons, but the marriage faltered despite the children. The couple separated multiple times. During one separation, Susan began dating Tom Findlay, the single son of a wealthy mill owner. Smith imagined a future with Findlay until she received a "Dear John" letter from him, stating he did not want an instant family. On the night of October 25, Susan Smith knocked on the door of a house near John D. Long Lake. Hysterical, she told the man who answered to call the police. She claimed an armed Black man had carjacked her at a red light, with her two boys—3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alex—still in the car. For days, Susan repeated increasingly inconsistent versions of the carjacking story. Eventually, Smith confessed. There had been no carjacker. Feeling desperate, alone, and suicidal, she had taken her sons for a drive. At John D. Long Lake, she put the car in neutral, jumped out, and watched as the car sank. Scuba divers later found the vehicle with the boys still strapped in their seats. Since her conviction and incarceration, tabloid reports have alleged that Smith told prison investigators about four sexual encounters with Lieutenant Houston Cagle, a supervisor at South Carolina’s Women’s Correctional Institution. C Cagle admitted to having sex with Smith and another inmate. In August 2000, he was charged with the offenses, pleaded guilty, and served three months in jail. Captain Alfred Rowe also pleaded guilty to having sex with Smith and received five years of probation. Over the years, several men have written to Smith, fueling her hopes for a life beyond prison. Joining Nancy Grace Today: Tara Malek – Boise, ID, Attorney & Co-owner of Smith + Malek; Former State and Federal Prosecutor; Twitter: @smith_malek Dr. Bethany Marshall – Psychoanalyst (Beverly Hills, CA); Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall; Twitter: @DrBethanyLive Chris McDonough – Director At the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective; Host of YouTube channel: “The Interview Room” JoScott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University; Author, “Blood Beneath My Feet;” Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" Twitter: @JoScottForensic Dave Mack - CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Syys 38min

CSI Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman to discuss the release of their documentary The Serial Killer’s Apprentice. This two-hour film revisits the chilling case of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. and Dean Corll, blending archival footage, exclusive interviews, and rare audio recordings. Dr. Ramsland and Ullman share behind-the-scenes insights on producing the documentary. They reveal what has surfaced since the book’s release, and why this case, rooted in grooming, complicity, and trafficking, continues to offer powerful lessons today. Resources: Zone 7 Part I The Serial Killer's Apprentice | The Story of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. Zone 7 Part II How to Prevent Young People From Falling Victim to Predatory Criminals The Serial Killer's Apprentice How to Catch a Killer The Mind of a Murderer: A Glimpse into the Darkest Corners of the Human Psyche, from a Leading Forensic Psychiatrist John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary is now streaming on HBO Max (Originally aired on Investigation Discovery (ID) on August 17, 2025) Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl kicks off Zone 7 with Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman, introducing The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary (2:00) How the documentary expands on the book with new interviews, archival footage, and Henley’s own voice (4:00) Condensing the sprawling Dean Corll case into a two-hour film without losing depth (8:45) “Corll picked two adolescent boys to do his dirty work for him.” – Dr. Ramsland on how predators groom children into crimes (11:00) The purpose of the documentary: helping parents, teachers, and kids recognize signs of grooming and recruitment (12:45) The Devil’s Den murders and how predators hide in plain sight (17:15) Henley’s cries for help that were ignored, and how the film reframes him as both victim and accomplice (22:15) Tracy Ullman urges viewers to move beyond the old “fixed villain” narrative, while Henley confronts the reality of being part of a trafficking network and how it reshaped his view of guilt and remorse (32:00) Henley’s evolving understanding of his role, his remorse, and why the full truth behind these crimes may still be unfolding (36:45) Sheryl closes with a quote from A Darker Shade of Magic: “Some people steal to stay alive. Some people steal to feel alive.” Thanks for tuning in to Zone 7. If you are enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps us continue to educate, investigate, and advocate. --- 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. Dr. Katherine Ramsland is a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University and the author of numerous books and articles. Her works include How to Catch a Killer, The Mind of a Murderer, and The Serial Killer’s Apprentice. She is also a frequent contributor to crime documentaries and television shows, where she shares her expertise on serial killers, criminal behavior, and the psychology of predators. Tracy Ullman is a writer, producer, and investigative journalist who specializes in true crime storytelling and victim advocacy. She co-authored The Serial Killer’s Apprentice with Dr. Katherine Ramsland and has conducted research into John Wayne Gacy and sex trafficking networks. She also served as an executive producer on The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary, helping bring new perspective to the story of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. And Dean Corll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Syys 37min

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: Officials in Houston are trying to quiet the noise about a possible serial killer lurking Houston's bayous after 5 bodies are found in just 6 days. Police seize electronics from singer D4vd's home in wake of missing teen's body found. A man beats up his live-in girlfriend for taking a hit of his vape. She was left with almost 3 dozen injuries due to the savage attack. An Oklahoma woman loses all four limbs after a brutal dog attack in Okmulgee. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Syys 10min

The infamous Tallahassee murder of Mike Williams is being retold in a new documentary series on Hulu. This four-part docuseries, "Mr. & Mrs. Murder," looks at the "twisted story" of two "close-knit couples" involved in the murder that took 17 years to solve. When police first found Mike Williams' clothes in a Florida lake, they speculated he had been eaten by alligators, but a deadly plot involving a cheating wife and a $1.75 million insurance policy eventually floated to the top of their suspicions. Nancy Grace explores Denise Williams' murder conspiracy with experts including Atlanta juvenile judge & lawyer Ashley Willcott, forensics expert Karen Smith, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Bober, and Crime Stories reporter John Lemley. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Syys 36min

A new investigation surrounding Luigi Mangione. The retail giant Shein is trying to figure out who used a likeness of the accused murderer in an ad campaign on the company's website. It has now been removed but the image of Mangione was used to model a white, short-sleeved shirt. A spokesperson from Shein says the likeness was provided by a third-party vendor. Mangione has been indicted on first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. He is also charged with two counts of murder in the second degree, with one of those counts also denoting Mangione murder of CEO Brian Thompson as an act of terrorism. Now the Federal government is seeking the death penalty. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty which marks the first such directive by the Trump administration. New York, where the murder occurred, has abolished the death penalty, and Mangione's lawyers are attempting to block the federal death penalty pursuit, arguing the move is a political stunt. Police questioned Mangione's mom the day before he was captured. She told officers that the shooting 'might be something that she could see him doing.' JOINING NANCY GRACE TODAY: Matt Mangino - Attorney, Former District Attorney (Lawrence County), Author: "The Executioner's Toll: The Crimes, Arrests, Trials, Appeals, Last Meals, Final Words and Executions of 46 Persons in the United States" Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," featured in hit show: "Paris in Love" on Peacock www.drbethanymarshall.com/ , Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, Twitter: @DrBethanyLive Tom Smith - Former NYPD Detective, former member FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Co-Host of the GOLD SHIELDS Podcast, https://thegoldshieldshow.com, FB & Instagram: @thegoldshieldshow Sheryl McCollum - Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder, ColdCaseCrimes.org, Host: Zone 7, Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", @JoScottForensic Christina Aguayo - National News Anchor, Salem News Channel, website: www.ChristinaAguayoNews.Com, Facebook: @ChristinaAguayoNews, Instagram: @Christina.AguayoNews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Syys 41min

Indicted for the first-degree murder of his wife, Suzanne, Barry Morphew has been held in jail with a three million dollar cash-only bond. After turning down Morphew's request to lower his bond to a $500 thousand dollar cash-only bond, Judge Amanda Hopkins changes the bond to allow Morphew to use a 'surety,' a bail bonds company, meaning Morphew would only have to come up with 10 to 15 percent of the $3 million. Friends and supporters provide the funds, and bail bondsman Richard Jordan of Denver's A-1 Bail Bonds gets Morphew out of jail to await his murder trial. Morphew's bond restrictions begin with a GPS monitor, a ban on leaving Colorado, and surrendering his passport. He is also under strict house arrest and can only leave his home for medical emergencies or meetings with attorneys. He's not allowed to consume alcohol or controlled substances. There is a mandatory protection order barring him from contacting witnesses or the victim's family, except his daughters, one of whom was with the bail bondsman to get Morphew out of jail. He cannot possess firearms or dangerous weapons, and he must only use his legal name. Joining Nancy Grace today: Franz Borghardt - Criminal Defense Attorney, Founder of Borghardt Law Firm, Former Prosecutor, Adjust Professor at Louisiana State University Teaching Criminal Litigation, website: www.borghardtlawfirm.com, Instagram and Facebook: BorghardtLawFirm Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker,” featured in hit show: "Paris in Love" on Peacock, www.drbethanymarshall.com , Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, Twitter: @DrBethanyLive Koa Lorimor - Former Army Sniper Chris McDonough - Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective, Host of YouTube channel, "The Interview Room" www.coldcasefoundation.org/chris-mcdonough Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", @JoScottForensic Victoria Churchill - U.S. Political Reporter for DailyMail.com, Instagram & Facebook: VictoriaSnitsarChurchill Sydney Sumner - Crime Stories Investigative Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Syys 45min

After separate parole hearings both denied, judge also puts a stop to the Menendez brothers' motion for a new trial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Syys 6min

D4vd was living in a home leased by his manager, Josh Marshal, but since police served a search warrant looking for blood at the residence, the singer has decided not to live in the $20,000-a-month home. The home was leased from the owner, Mladen Trifunovic, who says Marshal signed the lease in February and he didn't know D4vd was living in the house. Regardless, after the raid on the home, Trifunovic says they didn't want to live there anymore and are breaking the lease. Trifunovic says he doesn't know what was found or what kind of tests were conducted in the house. Now, police are scouring the area around the home where the Tesla with the dismembered and decomposing body in the frunk was parked before being towed, and they are looking for video. The rental home has security cameras positioned at all entry points, in the backyard, and on the street so people can't go in or out of the house without being recorded. Even as police investigate, photos are circulating alleging Celeste was with D4vd at his concert in Silver Springs, Maryland, on August 24. If true, these photos create a timeline from August 24 until her dismembered, decomposing body is found in D4vd's Tesla in an impound lot on September 8, one day after her 15th birthday. It is reported the Tesla was parked on the street for a month before it was reported abandoned on September 3rd and towed to the impound lot on September 5. The footage shows a person looking very much like Celeste Rivas on the balcony to the side and back of the stage. This is an area usually reserved for backstage pass access only. Her hair is the same style as Celeste's, and she is wearing a black tube top and ripped blue jeans. Even though police haven't given out much information about the body found in the Tesla, they have said she was wearing a black tube top and ripped jeans. Joining Nancy Grace today: Troy Slaten - Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney, Slaten Lawyers; X @TroySlaten Dr. Angela Arnold - Psychiatrist, Atlanta Ga. Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital Moses Castillo - Private Investigator for the Dordulian Law Group, Former Supervisor Detective with the Los Angeles Police Department Tami Ballard - DNA and Crime Scene Consultant, Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction, Former DNA Criminalist in the San Francisco Police Dept. Crime Laboratory Dr. Kendall Crowns - Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), Host of NEW Podcast "Mayhem in the Morgue”, Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Texas Christian University) Melissa McCarty - Reporter & Host of the “Killer Genes” Podcast, Author of “The Making of a Crime Reporter;" TikTok: McCarty143, Instagram: MelissaMcCarty1 Dave Mack - Crime Stories Investigative Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Syys 44min