Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Jillian Ludwig kicks off her freshman year at Nashville's Belmont University in her first weeks by settling into a routine that includes putting her musical talents to work and enjoying the great outdoors. Ludwig is walking on the track in Edgehill Community Memorial Gardens Park at 2:30 p.m. when gunshots ring out from across the street. Jillian Ludwig is not the intended target, but she is hit in the head with a stray bullet. Nobody else is on the track, and Ludwig suffers for nearly an hour before she is found on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. She is transported to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in very critical condition. As Jillian Ludwig fights for her life in Vanderbilt University Medical Center, police arrest 29-year-old Shaquille Taylor. Surveillance video and witness statements point to Taylor as the shooter. Video shows Ludwig falling as Taylor shoots at a car. He's charged with aggravated assault, evidence tampering, and failure to appear on a different felony charge.  Taylor is someone well-known to Nashville's law enforcement community. His record stretches back more than a decade. His latest arrest was on September 21. Taylor was driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck that had been carjacked by two men wearing ski masks on September 16.  Taylor did not admit to being involved in the carjacking in any way but he was charged with felony auto theft and was released on a bond.  Taylor was due in court just days before the shooting of Jillian Ludwig but he failed to show up. Despite multiple arrests, Taylor had been released from custody after three court-appointed psychologists deemed him incompetent to stand trial, and also found he didn't pose an imminent threat to himself or others. According to court records, Shaquille Taylor has an intellectual disability and language impairment,  With that determination, it means he isn't able to participate in a trial.  Joining Nancy Grace Today: Geri Wainwright -  Great Aunt of Jillian Ludwig  Eileen Bearisto Mahoney- Community member Matthew 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;" Twitter: @MatthewTMangino Dr. Shari Schwartz– Forensic Psychologist (Specializing in Capital Mitigation and Victim Advocacy); Author: “Criminal Behavior” and “Where Law and Psychology Intersect: Issues in Legal Psychology;” Twitter: @TrialDoc Andy Kahan  - Director of Victim Services and Advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston Marissa Sulek - Reporter for WSMV; Instagram: @marissasulek, X: @marissa_sulek, Facebook: @Marissa Sulek WSMV  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Texas man detonates a bomb in his neighborhood. I'm bringing home a baby... alligator?  For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of day laborers is hired by Sam Haskell IV to remove three bags of what they are told, are rocks from his garage  The men described the bags as "soft and soggy," with each weighing about 50 pounds. A block away from Haskell's house, the workers opened up the bags and said they saw body parts. The men returned the bag to Haskell and returned his money. Haskell played it off, telling the workers what they actually saw were Halloween props. The men drove immediately to the police. The men try to report what they have seen to police but they are turned away. The men went to the Highway Patrol station first but were told to go to the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPD Topanga Station tells the men to go back outside and call 911 from the courtyard. In the meantime, police receive another call about human remains, A homeless man, digging through the dumpster looking for recyclables, finds human remains. Inside the dumpster, LAPD found a torso in a bag. The investigation provided detectives with enough information to lead them to Samuel Haskell IV's residence.   Joining Nancy Grace Today: Elle Benami - -Friend and neighbor of Mei & Samuel Haskell IG: @ellebenami Troy Slaten – Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney, Slaten Lawyers, APC; Twitter @TroySlaten Dr. Gary Brucato – Clinical Psychologist and Author: “The New Evil: Understanding the Emergence of Modern Violent Crime” Chris McDonough – Director At the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective; Host of YouTube channel: “The Interview Room”  Dr. Michelle Dupre – Forensic Pathologist and former Medical Examiner, Author: “Homicide Investigation Field Guide” & “Investigating Child Abuse Field Guide”, Ret. Police Detective Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Dr. Trace Sargent- Search, Rescue & Recovery Expert, (Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on victimology – criminal profiling – predator behaviors – crime scene analysis); Podcast: “The Seeker’s Quest;” Facebook: The Seeker’s Quest Alexis Tereszcuk –  CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter, Writer/Fact Checker for Lead Stories; Twitter: @swimmie2009  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex-boyfriend makes an attempt on woman's father's life, then kills her mother. Actual cops don't find "Booty Patrol" truck amusing.  For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decatur, Alabama, police get a call for a welfare check on 36-year-old Cindy Crow.  WAFF reports a family member believed Crow to be eight months pregnant. Crow, however, looked like she had lost a lot of weight, overnight. The family member, a sister,  told police that she had seen Crow leaving her home, with a large, white trash bag in the back floorboard of her car.  In the home, bloody feminine products were found in the trash.  Police contacted Crow at work, where she agreed to go to the hospital to prove that she was not pregnant.  While waiting for the test results, Crow gave an officer consent to search her cell phone, where he found the app LIFE360. This allowed the detective to trace the route Cindy Crow took when she left her home with the white trash bag.  Using information garnered from the LIFE360 app, detectives found a location with a dumpster, Wally World Mini-Mart. Investigators searched inside the dumpster and found the trash bag containing the deceased body of a newborn baby girl. It was stuffed in the bottom of the dumpster under several other large bags of trash. Cindy Crow was arrested and so far is charged with abuse of a corpse. Joining Nancy Grace Today: James Shelnutt – Attorney – The Shelnutt Law Firm, P.C.; 27-year Atlanta Metro Area Major Case Detective and Former S.W.A.T. Officer; Twitter: @ShelnuttLawFirm 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; Voted “My Buckhead’s Best Psychiatric Practice of 2022” Irv Brandt – Senior Inspector, US Marshals Service International Investigations Branch; Chief Inspector, DOJ Office of International Affairs, US Embassy Kingston, Jamaica; Author: “SOLO SHOT: CURSE OF THE BLUE STONE” – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON IN JANUARY; ALSO “FLYING SOLO: Top of the World;” Twitter: @JackSoloAuthor Dr. Kendall Crowns – Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), Lecturer: University of Texas Austin and Texas Christian University Medical School Michelle Fingerman - Vice President of National Programs for Childhelp, Childhelp.org and childhelphotline.org; LinkedIn: @michellefingerman   Nicole Partin - CrimeOnline.com Investigative Reporter; Twitter: @nicolepartin   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Man points a gun at children visiting the wrong address. Service-seeker turned down yet again when he mentions his horse.  For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert and Georgette Sturmfels, spending the winter holiday season in their cozy Florida home, are blissfully unaware that their lives are about to be irrevocably shattered. Tragically, their lives abruptly end on December 20, 1989, as they become the victims of a chilling double homicide. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve into the horrifying details of the Sturmfels' murders. They meticulously unravel the case, from the suspect's choice of a 22-caliber rifle to the unsettling finality of the crime scene. The conversation goes beyond the murder itself to examine its broader implications, such as the weapon's surprising lethality, common misconceptions about gunshot wounds, and the cold-blooded nature of the perpetrator. Subscribe to Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan : Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeart Time codes: 00:00:00 — Joseph Scott Morgan starts off with a touching reflection on Christmas. From stress to joy, his sentiments evolve over time, especially as he becomes a grandfather. At 00:01:20 — The tragic case of Robert and Georgette Sturmfels is introduced by Joe Scott. Their murder in Florida sets the stage for a disconcerting episode. 00:04:20 — Diving deeper, Joseph Scott Morgan paints a vivid picture of the Sturmfels' murder. He describes the horrific scene in disquieting detail. 00:05:20 — Louis Gaskin, the suspect, is discussed by Dave Mack. He outlines Gaskin's ruthlessness and the premeditation behind the crime. 00:06:20 — Weaponry is the topic as Joe Scott and Dave debate the lethal nature of a 22-caliber rifle used in the crime. 00:08:00 — A lesson in firearms ensues as Joseph Scott Morgan distinguishes between long arms and pistols, explaining why the latter is more easily concealed. 00:10:20 — Unveiling the crime, Dave shares how Louis Gaskin meticulously planned, and executed the murders of the Sturmfels couple. 00:12:20 — Debunking Hollywood myths, Joseph Scott Morgan explains that gunshot wounds are not just dramatic effects; victims often realize they've been shot and experience pain. 00:13:00 — Gaskin's own words add horror to the narrative as Dave recounts the unsettling sounds Mrs. Sturmfels made during her final moments. 00:14:20 — Joe Scott dives into the world of forensics, explaining how a gunshot through glass has implications on bullet behavior. He describes how the bullet’s trajectory and energy are affected upon impact. 00:17:04 — Joseph Scott Morgan elaborates on snipers and the adjustments they have to make due to the influence of gravity on bullets, especially when glass is involved. 00:20:36 — The episode’s atmosphere becomes tenser as Morgan and Mack discuss Gaskin's execution of Mr. Sturmfels and his chilling confession. 00:21:00 — The term "death wheeze" is introduced as Joe Scott explains the physiological impact of a gunshot wound to the lungs. 00:24:01 — Dave summarizes Gaskin's crime spree; from killing to covering the bodies with blankets and burglary. 00:24:35  — Gaskin, dressed in all black and carrying a 22 rifle, drives to the home of Joseph and Mary Rector, where he shoots at them after waking them up. 00:26:20 — Dave Mack discusses the gunshot wounds and how the Rectors managed to escape. 00:28:20 — The hosts ponder Gaskin's motivations, diving into the psychology behind these appalling acts. 00:33:40 — The episode concludes with Joseph Scott Morgan revealing the final fate of the killer, a grim but just end to a twisted journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madison Russo told the world she was battling pancreatic cancer and had a tumor “the size of a football." It was all a lie. After Russo bilked donors out of more than $37,000 through her posts on social media, some eagle-eyed medical professionals began questioning her diagnosis. The anonymous witnesses noticed inaccuracies in the photos she posted of herself and contacted authorities. Russo is arrested and charged with first-degree theft. Now, under a plea deal, Russo gets a suspended sentence and stays out of jail  Joining Nancy Grace today: Kirby Clements- Attorney at Law, Author: "How to Keep Your A$$ Out of Jail;" Instagram: @kirbyclementsjr, Twitter: @kirbyesq  Dr. Shari Schwartz- Forensic Psychologist (Specializing in Capital Mitigation and Victim Advocacy); Author: "Criminal Behavior" and "Where Law and Psychology Intersect: Issues in Legal Psychology;" Twitter: @TrialDoc   Greg Smith- Special Deputy Sheriff, Johnson County Sheriff's Office (Kansas), Executive Director of the Kelsey Smith Foundation Stefani Condon-Oldreive - Founder and Director of Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society; Craig was her father, who passed away shortly after his diagnosis 16 years ago.   https://twitter.com/CraigsCauseCan https://www.instagram.com/craigscausecan/ https://www.facebook.com/CraigsCauseCan/ Dr. Tim Gallagher- Medical Examiner, State of Florida; Lecturer: University of Florida Medical School Forensic Medicine; Founder/Host: International Forensic Medicine Death Investigation Conference   Kayla Brantley- Reporter, DailyMail.com; Twitter: @_KaylaBrantley, Instagram: @KaylaBrantley  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Cindy Rainey rent a cottage for the weekend along a canal in Suwanee, Florida, 140 miles from home. The couple's two adult sons, Bailey and Jack, plus a family friend,  join them for the weekend getaway. On Saturday, David walks away from the home and doesn’t come back.    Cindy and David Rainey reportedly got into an argument. David left, walking out of the house. He left his glasses, wallet, and cellphone behind in their rental home. The next morning,  David still hadn’t returned. Cindy calls the police. An extensive search ensues and continues throughout the day without success. It wasn't until early evening that same day, that deputies found David Rainey’s body submerged in the canal in the backyard of the rental house. He had been stabbed multiple times in the chest and was still in the same clothes he was last seen wearing. Police say the body was placed in the water after death. David Rainey's death was ruled a homicide. It’s been more than two years since David Rainey’s body was found submerged in water and stabbed to death. Police have no suspects in the murder, but that doesn’t mean they’ve not made an arrest. The Dixie County Sheriff's office says three of David Rainey’s family members have been arrested. David Rainey's wife and two sons are all charged with tampering with evidence, apparently related to the dumping of Rainey’s body in the canal after he was stabbed. Investigators with the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Bunnell, Florida, and arrested Cindy Rainey and Bailey Rainey, then traveled to Orlando, Florida, and arrested Jack Rainey. Cindy Rainey, Bailey Rainey, and Jack Rainey are being held without bond. In Florida, tampering with evidence is counted as a third-degree felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison, or 5 years of probation and a $5,000 fine.  Police still have not released a suspect or a possible motive for Rainey's murder. Joining Nancy Grace Today:  Kelly Hyman – Trial & Civil Attorney (Miami, FL), TV Legal Analyst, & Author: “Build Back Better;” Podcast Host: “Once Upon a Crime In Hollywood;” Twitter: @kellyhyman1/TikTok: @kelly.hyman/Instagram: @Kelly_Hyman1  Caryn L. Stark - Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Pat Diaz - Former Miami Dade Police Homicide Detective, Private Investigator in South Florida Dr. Jan Gorniak - Board-certified Forensic Pathologist, Former Medical Examiner for Clark County (Las Vegas, NV)  Jen Smith -  Chief Reporter for DailyMail.com; Twitter: @jen_e_smith  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Man behind bars for burning woman alive. Couple uses the names of deceased babies to create new identities.  For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.