Nikki Missing: 'Smoking Gun' Cracks Case Of Missing Mom Wide Open

New details emerge in Anna Kepner's alleged murder during a family court hearing regarding Thomas Hudson’s emergency petition for custody of the 9-year-old daughter he shares with Shauntel Hudson. Hudson is concerned for his daughter's safety under Shauntel Hudson and Christopher Kepner’s care, due to their failure to closely supervise their older children during the cruise Thomas didn’t want the children to take. Shauntel, Anna's stepmom, confirms her 16-year-old son is the only suspect in Anna’s murder, her younger brother Connor having been cleared of any potential wrongdoing. Hudson’s lawyer says they are unsure if the FBI will press federal charges or hand the potential murder case over to state authorities. Shauntel also testifies their 16-year-old son is staying with her relatives after his hospital release from psychiatric observation and claims he will NOT be returning to the home she shares with Christopher Kepner and the remaining three children, even in the event the FBI concludes their investigation without charges. Shauntel’s oldest son, Andrew, testifies his mother allowed him to drink alcohol in the past, a story corroborated by Shauntel’s stepmother, Sonya Ziske. Ziske witnessed Shauntel's pour herself and both of her sons, 16 and 14 at the time, a shot of liquor. Joining Nancy Grace: Spencer Aronfeld - 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 Caryn Stark - Forensic Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant, Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Jon Buehler - Former Detective for Modesto Police Department, California (31 years in robbery and homicide), Worked as Detective in the Scott Peterson Investigation 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) Susan Hendricks - Journalist, Author: “Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi;" IG @susan_hendricks X @SusanHendicks Krystal Wright - Aunt of Anna Kepner Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, 'Crime Stories' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Dec 43min

Investigators in Virginia have announced a breakthrough in the nearly 35-year-old murder of 18-year-old Laurie Ann Powell, finally identifying the individual responsible for her death in 1988. Police have arrested a suspect in a 1997 Long Island homicide that was once considered potentially linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings, providing long-awaited clarity for a decades-old investigation. Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while on duty in Washington, D.C., in an incident that occurred close to the White House, raising questions about security for personnel assigned to federal locations. An internal affairs review has concluded that the 2023 death of a 19-year-old Rutland, Vermont police trainee could have been prevented, citing failures by supervising officers to adhere to department pursuit policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Dec 5min

Feeling contractions at 38 weeks pregnant, Rebecca goes to the hospital on November 2, even though her due date is not until November 18. An exam reveals she is not in labor, and Rebecca goes to pick up her biological mother to run errands. Rebecca has $2,000 cash she receives as an inheritance from family in preparation for her baby. Rebecca Park's fiancé, Richard Lee Falor, is trying to get in touch with Rebecca, but she is not answering or replying to text messages. Knowing Rebecca has been shopping with her biological mother, Falor calls Cortney Bartholomew, who says Rebecca got into a black-colored sedan with tinted windows just before midnight and left. Falor reports Rebecca missing with the Wexford County Sheriff's office. Searches organized for the 22-year-old mom-to-be, who is 38 weeks pregnant, are done with a sense of urgency. Michigan State Police find Rebecca's phone alongside the road near her mother's house. On a trail directly behind the home of Rebecca's mother, Cortney Bartholomew, a volunteer finds the body of Rebecca Park. Investigators are not releasing information about the condition of the body or if a newborn baby has been found. Joining Nancy Grace: Randolph Rice - Former Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense & Civil Attorney at Rice Law, website: ricelawmd.com, IG, FB, X: @ricelawmd Dr. Shari Schwartz - X: @TrialDoc, Author: "Criminal Behavior" and "Where Law and Psychology Intersect: Issues in Legal Psychology" Dan Murphy - Former NYPD Detective-Sergeant, Joint Terrorism Task Force, Former Chief Security Officer, US Bancorp, Co-Host of "Gold Shields" Podcast, Author: “Workplace Safety: Establishing an Effective Violence Prevention Program” Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet," and Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" Instagram @JoScottForensic Allan Lengel - Editor of Deadline Detroit -(an online daily publication), Former Washington Post reporter Dave Mack - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Dec 43min

Police have arrested Andrew Dykes, 66, in connection with the killing of the woman—now identified as Tanya Denise Jackson. Dykes is also the father of Jackson’s daughter, Tatiana Marie Jackson. Is there a connection between Jackson and Rex Heuermann?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Dec 5min

A judge has granted an extension for closing arguments in Mark Sievers' latest appeal. State prosecutors and Mark Sievers' defense had 45 days to file written closing arguments. It was due a week from Monday, Dec. 15. November 19th, Sievers post conviction attorneys, Megan Montagno, Julissa Fontan and John LoBianco, filed a motion seeking the time extension. They cited the impending execution of another death row inmate they represent. Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle granted the extension. A beautiful and brilliant medical doctor, Dr. Teresa Sievers, takes her family on a vacation trip to visit extended relatives with her husband and her two little girls. Teresa comes home early, leaving family behind in Connecticut so she can go to work the next morning. Mark Sievers calls a co-worker of his wife to go to the home and check on her when she doesn't show up. Dr. Teresa Sievers was found brutally bludgeoned, still wearing the outfit, complete with high-heeled shoes, she wore home from the airport Sunday night. The kitchen is covered in blood, a hammer by her side. Husband Mark Sievers is ultimately charged with murder, accused of arranging for his childhood friend, Curtis Wayne Wright, to murder his wife. Wright pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder, cooperating with prosecutors in Mark Sievers's trial. Sievers is convicted and now is appealing his death sentence. Joining Nancy Grace to discuss the case: Ashley Willcott: Judge and trial attorney, Anchor on Court TV, www.ashleywillcott.com James Shelnutt: Attorney, served 27 years as Atlanta Metro Major Case Detective, SWAT Officer Bethany Marshall: Psychologist Dr. Tim Gallagher: Medical Examiner Amanda Hall: Reporter, WINK TV, Ft Myers, Florida Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Dec 40min

In this week’s Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer Break down the federal hearing surrounding Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December of 2024. What began as a five-day manhunt has become a master class in what not to do, with missed warrants, coached testimony, and evidence on the verge of being thrown out. Sheryl and Joshua examine how procedural missteps could weaken a potential death penalty case and why “get a warrant” isn't just good advice; it's the foundation of justice. They then turned their attention to Massachusetts, where the trial of Brian Walshe, who is accused of killing and dismembering his wife, reveals how arrogance, lies, and a trail of Google searches can expose a killer's truth. Highlights: • (0:00) Welcome to Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer • (0:15) "99 percent of the time, you need a warrant... it won’t hurt your case if you get one and don’t need it.” • (4:00) Coached testimony and the danger of tailoring officer statements for admissibility • (7:30) What happens when training, procedure, and pressure collide in the courtroom • (9:00) How early media leaks and “pre-trial publicity” can poison a case before it begins • (10:30) The potential collapse of key evidence and its impact on death penalty eligibility • (12:15) The rules of criminal procedure and what it means when they don’t apply equally • (17:15) The defense’s dream scenario: getting the weapon suppressed because of a“bad stop” • (17:45) The Brian Walshe trail and the anatomy of a cover-up • (19:30) Walshe’s “woke up and she was dead” defense and why it’s collapsing in court • (21:45) The digital trail: how Google searches reveal motive, method, and mindset • (23:00) Closing thoughts: why “get a warrant” isn’t optional, it’s the rule of lawAbout the Hosts Joshua Schiffer is a veteran trial attorney and one of the Southeast’s most respected legal voices. He is a founding partner at ChancoSchiffer P.C., where he has litigated high-stakes criminal, civil rights, and personal injury cases for over two decades. Known for his bold courtroom presence and ability to clearly explain complex legal issues, Schiffer is a frequent media contributor and a fearless advocate for accountability. 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, earned her an Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life,Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist, releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824 Stay Connected Subscribe using your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to support the show. Have acase or topic you’d like Sheryl and Joshua to cover? Email coldcase2004@gmail.comFollow the Hosts: • Sheryl on X: @ColdCaseTips • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum • Joshua on X and Instagram: @lawyerschiffSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Dec 25min

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 The Utah parents of an 18-month-old found dead in March have now been arrested in connection with the death of their daughter, Ruby. In the crib where Ruby is found dead, investigators find several sippy cups and waffles. The infant’s mother, Carrie, makes a chilling comment to authorities. Here's some of our top stories this week: A mother & stepfather are accused of stabbing their pregnant daughter to death & then ripping the unborn baby from her womb. The DA called the chilling, premeditated act "Evil personified." A woman is pulled from a burning row house in Massachusetts by a good Samaritan utility worker with a bucket truck moments before flames would overtake the very spot she evacuated. When Sheriff Stines allegedly shoots and kills Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers, the event is recorded and caught on video, which is presented during Stines’ preliminary hearing and shown to the grand jury. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Dec 10min

6-year-old Darius MacDougal is on a family camping trip with his dad, grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, as well as his dad's girlfriend, Buffy, and her daughter, Kya. The family gathers to celebrate multiple family birthdays at the same time while camping in the Crowsnest Pass, an area of great natural beauty with rivers, creeks, hiking areas, and small islands close to shore where the children love to play. As the family's are packing up the camping gear to head home, Darius, Kya, and a cousin are on a small island directly across from the camping area, in clear view of all the adults. In the blink of an eye, Darius is gone. The children tell the adults they were all together, turned their back for a second and Darius is gone. Darius' father and grandfather immediately begin searching, each going different directions on the small island to cover the entire area, planning to find Darius before they meet in the middle. Searching the island and screaming his name, Darius seems to have vanished into thin air. 911 is called and within 20 minutes a command post is set-up and organized searches by the RCMP Search and Rescue begins. Joining Nancy Grace today: Anne Bremner - Trial lawyer, Legal Analyst, and Author: “Justice in the Age of Judgment;" X: @annembremner, Instagram: @Anne_Bremner Caryn Stark - Forensic Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Dr. Trace Sargent - Search, Rescue & Recovery Expert, PhD in Psychology (with a focus on victimology - criminal profiling - predator behaviors - crime scene analysis); Director of Forensic Investigations and Analysis Brian Fitzgibbons - Former Marine and Iraq War Veteran, Director of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security (leads a team of investigators specializing in locating missing persons); Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security Stephen Tipper - Southern Alberta Reporter for Postmedia Dave Mack - Crime Stories Investigative Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Dec 42min