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Alex Murdaugh Appeals Murder Convictions and Nancy Guthrie Surveillance Video Released | Crime House 24/7
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- [00:01]
Vanessa Richardson
On the Crime House Original podcast, Serial Killers and Murderous Minds, we're diving into the psychology of the world's most complex murder cases.
- [00:09]
Dr. Tristan Ingalls
From serial killers to cult leaders, deadly exes and spree killers, we're examining not just how they killed, but why.
- [00:17]
Vanessa Richardson
Is it uncontrollable rage? Overwhelming fear? Or is it something deeper? Serial Killers and Murderous Minds is a Crime House Studios original new episodes drop every Monday and Thursday Friday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts. This is Crime House. Good morning everyone. We have multiple breaking true crime cases this morning that you need to know about and we're starting with the biggest ones. First, a pivotal moment in the search for Nancy Guthrie and in a case that just won't end. Alec Murdoch is back before a judge pushing for a new trial in South Carolina's highest court. This is Crime House 24 7, your non stop source for the biggest crime cases developing right now. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Vanessa Richardson and we have quite a lineup for you today. Here's what you need to know.
- [01:27]
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- [02:27]
Vanessa Richardson
We begin this morning with what appears to be the biggest publicly shared lead yet in the disappearance of 84 year old Nancy Guthrie as federal authorities released chilling surveillance video tied to the case for the first time. The doorbell security camera footage was released Tuesday showing an allegedly armed and masked individual on Nancy Guthrie's front doorstep the night she disappeared. The home surveillance footage from a NEST camera shows the assailant walking up to her door and holding his glove up to the camera. The individual, who's wearing a backpack, walks backward toward Nancy Guthrie's yard and picks up what appears to be shrubbery. He then holds the plant up to the camera in an apparent attempt to block the camera. Earlier on Tuesday the FBI had first published just screen grabs from the video, and in a post on X, FBI Director Cash Patel said the images appear to show an individual who may have tampered with the front door camera at Guthrie's residence around the time she was last seen. According to Patel, investigators had struggled to access video and images thus far, but that the video was able to be recovered from residual data located in backend systems. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Tucson, Arizona area around noon on February 1st. Today marks 11 days since her disappearance. Since then, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department have been jointly investigating what authorities describe as a suspected abduction. Investigators had previously followed up on reported ransom communications, though officials have repeatedly said the authenticity of those messages has not been verified and no suspects or persons of interest had been identified. From what we know, one alleged ransom Note reportedly demanded $6 million to be paid in Bitcoin by 5pm on Monday, a deadline that has now expired in exchange for Nancy's safe return. Federal officials have not disclosed whether the newly released images are connected to those reported ransom demands or whether investigators believe Nancy Guthrie is still alive. Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information rel related to the images to contact law enforcement immediately. We will continue to follow developments in this case and bring you updates as they're confirmed and made public. As investigators continue working to piece together what happened to Nancy Guthrie, we turn now to another high profile case back before a judge Alec Murdoch's latest bid for a new trial. This morning, the South Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in 57 year old Alec Murdoch's appeal, a legal challenge that could determine whether the former attorney receives a new trial for the killings of his wife and son. The case dates back to the night of June 7, 2021, when 52 year old Maggie Murdaugh and her youngest son, 22 year old Paul, were found shot to death on the family's Moselle hunting property in rural Colleton County. According to trial testimony, the killings happened near the property's dog kennels. Investigators testified that Paul was killed first shot with a shotgun at close range. Maggie was then chased a short distance and shot multiple times with a rifle. From the beginning, Alec Murdoch told investigators he was not at the kennels when the shootings occurred. He said he had been at the main house and later visited his mother. That account became a central issue at trial. Prosecutors later presented cell phone video recorded by Paul just minutes before his death in that video, investigators testify, they could hear Alec Murdoch's voice in the background, placing him at the kennels shortly before the killings. Prosecutors argued that the video contradicted Murdoch's statements and collapsed his alibi. In March of 2023, after a six week trial, a jury found Alec Murdoch guilty on two counts of murder. Murdoch was sentence life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, throughout the trial and since his conviction, Murdoch has denied killing his wife and son. Prosecutors argued that the murders occurred as Murdoch's financial world was unraveling. On the day of the killings, according to court records, he was confronted by his law firm about missing client funds. Investigators testified that Murdoch had stolen millions of dollars over more than a decade using settlement money meant for clients to support expensive lifestyle. The prosecution argued that killing Maggie and Paul was an act of desperation, a way to generate sympathy, delay investigations and shift attention away from the financial crimes that were closing in. Murdoch later admitted to those financial crimes, pleading guilty to dozens of charges in state and federal court. His defense team has consistently argued, however, that financial misconduct does not equal murder. Now, nearly three years after the verdict, that conviction is under review. According to court filings. Murdoch's appeal centers on whether his trial was fundamentally fair. His attorneys argue that misconduct by the Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Becky Hill, compromised the jury. The defense alleges Hill made improper comments to jurors during the 2023 trial and engaged in behavior that could have influenced deliberations. Hill later resigned and in December of 2020 pleaded guilty in a separate case to obstruction of justice, perjury and misconduct in office. That case involved misuse of her position, including sharing sealed court exhibits and lying under oath. Those charges did not include jury tampering. Prosecutors have acknowledged that some jurors reported Hill made comments they viewed as inappropriate, but investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence that jurors were actually swayed or that the verdict was affected. The Back In January of 2024, a retired South Carolina Supreme Court justice denied Murdoch's request for a new trial, ruling that while Hill's conduct was inappropriate, it did not rise to the level required to overturn the verdict. Another issue before the South Carolina Supreme Court involves how much evidence jurors heard about Murdoch's financial crimes. The defense argues prosecutors went too far, unfairly prejudicing jurors by portraying Murdoch as a criminal rather than proving was a killer. Prosecutors maintain that the evidence was necessary to establish motive and context. The Supreme Court will not hear new testimony or consider new evidence today. Instead, justices will question attorneys from both sides about legal arguments already preserved in written briefs filed throughout 2025. Alec Murdoch will not appear in person. He remains incarcerated serving life sentences for the murders. No ruling is expected immediately while the court prepares to hear arguments in the Murdoch case. Another violent death is now sending shockwaves through a political race in the upper Midwest after a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate suspended his campaign following the fatal stabbing of his 22 year old daughter. We turn now to a tragic and developing story out of Minnesota where a gubernatorial campaign has been suspended following the violent death of a candidate's daughter, a suspect. The killing has been charged over the weekend. 22 year old hi Marie Tobler, the daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson, was found dead inside an apartment with multiple stab wounds, according to law enforcement. Authorities say her husband, 23 year old Dylan Tobler was found inside the residence suffering from self inflicted stab wounds and is believed to be responsible for her death. On Tuesday, Dylan Tobler was charged with felony second degree murder according to a criminal complaint filed in the Stearns County District Court. We now know that Hallie Tobler suffered multiple stab wounds to her chest, upper back, head and neck. The complaint also lays out a clearer timeline of events that evening. The report states that an unnamed witness went to the Toblers home after not hearing from Halle for about four days. When the witness arrived, she reportedly knocked on the door for 15 minutes before it was unlocked. At around 8:20pm The St. Cloud police received a call saying Hallie Tobler was dead on her bathroom floor. When officers arrived on the scene they found Halle in the bathroom with stab wounds and several knives nearby, one with dried blood on the blade in the living room. Police reportedly located Dylan Tobler who was alive but had life threatening injuries. He was transported to the hospital for treatment Saturday evening and was medically cleared and released into police custody Tuesday. According to the court documents. When police asked Dylan Tobler what happened, he told them, quote, it's a mess, end quote. He then allegedly admitted that it was his fault that his wife was dead and that he had stabbed himself. The Midwest Medical Examiner's office listed Hallie Tobler's death as a homicide in a statement released by the St. Cloud Police Department on Sunday before formal charges had been filed. Investigators said Dylan Tobler is quote, the person responsible for hi's injuries and death, end quote. Police have not released additional details about what led up to the stabbing or what may have prompted the violence. Halle and Dylan had apparently gotten engaged in the fall of November 2021 and were married a short time later the case has drawn attention across Minnesota and nationally due to Jeff Johnson's role in state politics in the wake of his daughter's death. The Republican Party of Minnesota wrote in a statement, quote, there are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family, end quote. The statement goes on to say, quote, out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for governor of Minnesota. We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time. Minnesota governor Tim Walsh also wrote in a social media post, quote, just un unthinkable. Gwen and I are sending our condolences to Jeff Johnson and his family. Minnesota's thoughts are with you, end quote. While that case will continue through the court system in Minnesota, authorities in San Francisco are responding to a shooting that injured an NFL player.
- [13:35]
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- [14:26]
Dr. Tristan Ingalls
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- [14:27]
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- [14:32]
Vanessa Richardson
Early Monday morning, San Francisco 49ers defense lineman 27 year old Keon White was shot and injured during an altercation at a San Francisco night nightclub, an incident that unfolded just hours after the conclusion of Super Bowl 60, according to police and witness accounts reviewed by local media. The shooting happened around 4am Monday inside Dahlias, a nightclub located on the 1700 block of Mission street in San Francisco's Mission District. Authorities say White was inside the venue when a verbal dispute broke out between two groups. According to a police report, White was hosting a private event in the club's basement when another group attempted to enter the space. Witnesses told police that the interaction escalated into an argument. One person interviewed by investigators said they left the basement to alert club staff in an effort to de escalate the situation. While upstairs, the witness reported hearing multiple gunshots. When people returned downstairs, White had been shot in the ankle. San Francisco police said Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found White suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. The San Francisco 49ers confirmed the shooting in a statement released Monday, saying White was a victim of a shooting in San Francisco and was undergoing surgery for an ankle injury. They confirmed his injuries were non life threatening, and the team said it would provide additional updates when appropriate. During the most recent NFL season, White appeared in 11 games for San Francisco, serving as part of the team's defensive line rotation. Some media reports have identified rapper Lil Baby as being present at the nightclub that night, and witnesses told police the dispute involved members of the rapper's group attempting to enter the private party area. However, police have not identified the shooter and no arrests have been made. The San Francisco Police Department's Strategic Investigation Unit is handling the case and continues to review surveillance footage and witness statements. The shooting adds to a troubling pattern of high profile violence involving San Francisco 49ers players in recent years. In August 2024, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in the city, an incident that investigators said occurred when suspects confronted him on the street and demanded his belongings. While investigators continue probing the circumstances that left Keon White wounded, federal authorities in Washington, D.C. secured a lengthy prison sentence this week for a man convicted in one of the largest cryptocurrency investment frauds ever prosecuted. On Monday, the U.S. department of justice announced that 42 year old Darren Lee was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in what prosecutors describe as a $73 million global cryptocurrency investment scam. According to the Justice Department, Lee and his co conspirators operated an international fraud scheme that lured victims with promises of lucrative cryptocurrency investments. Prosecutors said victims were led to believe their money was being placed into legitimate digital asset platforms, when in reality the funds were diverted and laundered through a network of accounts controlled by the conspirators. In announcing the sentence, Assistant Attorney General Andrew Tyson Duva said that Lee and others laundered over $73 million stolen from American victims as part of the scheme. Court records show the operation spanned multiple countries and relied heavily on online communications and cryptocurrency transactions to reach victim victims and obscure the movement of stolen funds. Prosecutors said many victims suffered devastating financial losses in some cases losing their life savings. However, federal officials say Lee is not currently in custody. According to the Justice Department, he became a fugitive in December 2025 after cutting off his court ordered electronic monitoring device and fleeing authorities say he remains at large. The sentence was imposed despite Lee's absence, and federal officials say the 20 year prison term will be enforced once he is apprehended. Prosecutors did not say where Lee is believed to be hiding or whether international warrants have been issued, but they emphasized that efforts to locate him are ongoing. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered forfeiture and restitution tied to the stolen funds, though officials acknowledged that full recovery for victims may not be possible. The Justice Department said the case underscores the global reach of cryptocurrency, fraud and the serious consequences offenders face even if they attempt to evade justice. What drives a person to kill? Is it uncontrollable rage? Overwhelming fear? Unbearable jealousy? Or is it something, something deeper, something in the darkest corners of our psyche.
- [19:42]
Dr. Tristan Ingalls
Every Monday and Thursday, the Crime House Original Podcast Serial Killers and Murderous Minds dives deep into the minds of history's most chilling murderers. From infamous serial killers to ruthless cult leaders, deadly exes and terrifying spree killers. I'm Dr. Tristan Ingalls, a licensed forensic psychologist along with Vanessa Richardson. Immersive storytelling full of high stakes twists and turns. In every episode of Serial Killers and Murderous Minds, I'll be providing expert analysis of the people involved, not just how they killed, but why.
- [20:19]
Vanessa Richardson
Serial Killers and Murderous Minds is a Crime House Studios original new episodes drop every Monday and Thursday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts. Lastly, let me tell you about what else is happening at Crime House today on Clues, Morgan and Kayin cover the puzzling death of Ellen Greenberg, a case that keeps pulling people back because of one simple haunting detail. The scene was contained, a door was shut. And yet so many questions remain. That's the thing about closed door mysteries. Sometimes called locked room cases, sealed space deaths or impossible scenes, they hit differently because the space its becomes a witness. If a door is locked, if a room is sealed, if there's no obvious way in or out, we expect the physical facts to narrow the possibilities. But in these cases, the evidence doesn't narrow anything, it just deepens the mystery. So before you head over to clues, here are three more closed door mysteries and some of the key details that keep investigators, experts and families puzzling over what really happened when no one else was supposed to be there. Case 1 Rebecca Zaha When Rebecca Zaha was found dead at the Spreckels mansion. The scene was immediately disturbing and intensely debated. Zahao's body was discovered hanging from an outdoor balcony. She was nude, her wrists and ankles were bound and she had a gag. Investigators reported no signs of forced entry and accounts from early reporting emphasized that the bedroom area she'd been using was secured in a way that fed the closed scene feeling of the case. The sheriff's department also ultimately ruled the death a suicide. But critics have argued that the level of restraint and staging seemed difficult to reconcile with a self inflicted death. They also point to forensic questions that never stop circling this case. How the bindings were applied, what was handled, and when and why the scene looked so deliberate. Then the story got even more complicated. Years later, the case went to civil trial and a jury found a member of the household liable for Zahow's wrongful death. Separate from the criminal standard, but enough to keep the public debate burning. This case persists because it feels like the room is holding back a secret. Whether you believe the official conclusion or not, the question remains how does a contained scene look so controlled and still leaves so much uncertainty behind? Case 2 Jonathan Luna. Jonathan Luna was an Assistant U. S Attorney, High achieving, respected and on paper, not someone you'd expect to end up at the center of an enduring mystery. In December 2003, Luna's body was found in a creek near the Pennsylvania Delaware border. He had suffered multiple stab wounds and his car was partially submerged nearby. Here's what makes this feel like a closed door case. Even without a literal locked room, investigators could not find clear evidence of another person inside the vehicle or a straightforward struggle scene that explained the sequence of events. The case became a sealed loop of questions. How, when and why. For years, the circumstances have been debated publicly and reporting has highlighted how uncertainty has lingered despite the case being treated as closed by authorities. Recent reporting also notes developments around the release of autopsy information which renewed attention and questions about the official narrative. Luna's case is haunting because it seems to take place inside an invisible box. The physical evidence suggests a story happened, yet the story doesn't cleanly reveal who else may have been there or whether anyone was there at all. Case 3 Mary Reaser if you want a true closed space mystery that feels almost unreal, it's the death of Mary Reaser, sometimes called the cinder woman case. In July 1951, Reeser was found dead in her apartment under circumstances that baffled investigators. Much of her body had been destroyed by fire, but the damage to the surrounding room appeared strangely limited enough to create the impression of a contained event rather than a typical apartment blaze. Investigators examined multiple possibilities and rejected the most outlandish explanations. But the case still became famous because the scene didn't behave the way people expect fire to behave. What keeps the mystery alive is that the closed room aspect isn't just about a door war. It's about scale. How could the destruction be so intense in one specific area, yet not spread in a way that made immediate sense to observers? There are reasonable theories, including explanations involving ignition sources and the way fabric and furniture can sustain slow, intense heat over time. But even with grounded explanations, the visual reality of the scene continues to unsettle people. This case matters in a list like this because it shows how closed space mysteries don't always require an intruder. Sometimes the impossible feeling comes from physics and the brain's refusal to accept what it's seeing. Why closed door mysteries stick with us? These cases don't stay alive because people love conspiracies. They stay alive because closed spaces promise certainty. A locked door, no forced entry, a sealed container, a controlled building system want the geometry of the scene to solve the story for us. But the hardest truth in true crime is this. A closed scene doesn't guarantee a closed set of answers. Evidence can be missing. Assumptions can calcify. Early investigations can make decisions that later look questionable, even if everyone involved acted in good faith. And for families, a ruling isn't the same thing as peace. Closed on paper can still feel wide open in the heart. So as you head over to Clues to hear Morgan and Kayin breakdown, Ellen Greenberg. Keep this in mind. Sometimes the most chilling part of a case isn't what's out in the open. It's what happened behind the door that was never supposed to open again. You've been listening to crime house 247 bringing you breaking crime news. I'm Vanessa Richardson. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more developing stories. Stay safe and and thanks for listening.
- [27:00]
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- [27:30]
Vanessa Richardson
What drives a person to murder? Find out from a licensed forensic psychologist on serial killers and Murderous Minds A Crime House Original podcast. New episodes drop every Monday and Thursday. Follow wherever you get your podcasts.