Crime House 24/7

Episode: Nephew Takes the Stand in Trial Over 14-Year-Old’s Disappearance and Death
Release Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Vanessa Richardson

Overview

This episode of Crime House 24/7 delivers rapid-fire coverage of several significant true-crime cases making headlines across the U.S., with deep dives into active investigations, high-stakes court proceedings, and chilling updates from law enforcement. The central story focuses on the gripping murder trial of Waymore Gerhart in Dixie County, Florida, as a key witness—his teenage nephew and codefendant—takes the stand in the alleged killing of 14-year-old Maya Appling. Additional segments touch on developments in a Kentucky courthouse murder, a violent crime spree in St. Louis, and a devastating theft in Los Angeles’ artist community. The episode closes with a provocative exploration of criminal corruption within law enforcement agencies.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Update

(Begins at 01:56)

• Case Summary:

  • 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home.
  • Surveillance shows a masked, allegedly armed man tampering with her security camera.
  • Carlos Palazzo, a local delivery driver, was detained then released.
  • FBI Director Kosh Patel confirms a large-scale search and a $50,000 reward for Guthrie’s safe return.

• Notable Quote:

  • Carlos Palazzo (on being questioned):

    "I didn't do anything." (02:25)

• Status:

  • No official suspects.
  • Investigation ongoing; authorities request public assistance.

2. Dixie County, FL: Maya Appling Murder Trial

(Key coverage: 03:00 - 10:00)

People Involved:

• Victim: Maya (Deia) Appling, 14
• Defendant: Waymore Gerhart, 22
• Key Witness/Codefendant: Keith Anderson (Gerhart’s nephew, 15 at time of crime)

Chronology & Evidence

• October 16, 2022: Appling last seen in Oldtown, FL; leaves to meet Anderson at Gerhart's camper—only Gerhart present.

• Initial Responses:

  • Friends say Maya felt "uncomfortable" with Gerhart, temporarily left but returned.

• Disappearance Reported:

  • Grandmother, Deborah Appling, reported Maya missing October 24, 2022.
  • Uncharacteristic because Maya hadn’t answered her phone.

• Investigation Details:

  • Detectives recovered deleted messages between Anderson and Appling; Anderson encouraged Maya to come, later deleted texts.
  • Forensic evidence: red stains in Gerhart’s shower (DNA tested), blood stains and spent shell casing found in car Gerhart borrowed.
  • Gerhart’s explanation (“shot a squirrel”) proved false after blood matched Maya.

• Body Discovery:

  • December 5, 2022, Maya’s body located partially buried in Gilchrist County.
  • Ruled as homicide.

Trial Update

• Prosecution:

  • Argues Gerhart lured, killed, and buried Maya with Anderson facilitating communication and trying to cover up the crime.
  • Anderson’s testimony is central, provided in exchange for a plea deal (tampering with evidence, probation).

• Defense:

  • Questions credibility and reliability of witnesses, suggests alternative theories.

• Notable Quote:

  • Vanessa Richardson (on trial progress):

    "Wednesday's testimony marked a crucial phase in the trial as jurors began weighing the evidence in a case that has spanned more than three years, drawn community attention and brought intense scrutiny to the events of that night in 2022." (09:47)

• Community Impact:

  • Family expresses frustration over investigative delays, demands accountability.

3. Kentucky Courthouse Murder: Stein v. State

(Begins at 10:00)

• Incident:

  • Former Sheriff Shawn Stein accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins inside Lecher County Courthouse.
  • Caught on surveillance: Stein shoots Mullins at close range.

• Complex Background:

  • Tied to prior federal civil rights litigation over deputy misconduct.
  • The civil case involved deputy Ben Fields, who coerced women for favorable treatment.
  • Stein’s potential knowledge (or lack thereof) of misconduct explored in both civil and criminal courts.

• Defense:

  • Now requesting a mental health hearing to determine Stein’s eligibility for the death penalty.

• Quote:

  • Vanessa Richardson (on possible legal outcomes):

    “If the court grants the requested mental health hearing and determines Stein meets the legal threshold for intellectual disability, the prosecution could still pursue a murder conviction, but the death penalty would no longer be an available sentencing option.” (12:10)

4. St. Louis Murder and Multi-Day Robbery Spree

(Begins at 14:04)

• Sequence of Crimes:

  • February 6: Robbery at Jack in the Box.
  • February 8: Robbery at Dollar General.
  • February 10: Murder of Sam Linehan, local skating coach, at Starbucks drive-thru.

• Suspect:

  • Keith Brown, 58, identified by surveillance and clothing.
  • Arrested, charged with murder, multiple robberies, and armed criminal actions.

• Evidence:

  • Video shows suspect in distinctive lime green vest and white hard hat.
  • Garments and stolen property recovered at suspect’s residence.

5. Los Angeles: Puppeteer Victimized by Theft

(Begins at 16:35)

• Victim:

  • Jackie Smook, puppeteer and web series creator.

• Incident:

  • $40,000 in puppets/props stolen with a U-Haul box from outside her home.
  • Theft occurred early morning, caught on neighbor’s surveillance.

• Community Response:

  • Widespread social media support; LAPD investigating.

• Notable Quote:

  • Jackie Smook:

    "Basically it's just a really tragic loss... but the show will totally go on." (17:42)

6. Criminal Corruption Within Law Enforcement

(Feature segment begins at 19:37)

Three Notorious Cases:

• Richard Miller (FBI Los Angeles):

  • Built relationships with criminals, leaked info, involved in contract murder.
  • Quote:

    “Miller was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice, becoming one of the first FBI agents convicted in a murder-related case. His conviction shattered assumptions that a federal badge guaranteed integrity…” (20:23)

• Lon Huruchi & Ruby Ridge:

  • FBI sniper involved in deadly 1992 siege, killed unarmed Vicki Weaver—major controversy, no criminal conviction but sparked national debate on law enforcement accountability.

• John Connolly (FBI Boston):

  • Protected mob boss Whitey Bulger, enabled multiple murders, convicted of racketeering, obstruction, and murder.

Key Reflections:

• Dangers of unchecked authority and institutional trust.
• Repeated warning signs missed due to internal deference and lack of oversight.
• Host’s thesis:

  “Power without scrutiny doesn’t just risk corruption—it risks lives. Stories like these remind us that justice doesn’t just depend on laws, it depends on who is trusted to enforce them.” (26:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On breaking case coverage:

  • “This is Crime House 24/7, your nonstop source for the biggest crime cases developing right now.” – Vanessa Richardson (00:38)

• On the stakes of law enforcement corruption:

  • “When someone in that position commits a serious crime or enables violence, the damage extends far beyond a single victim or case file.” – Vanessa Richardson (19:40)

• On community impact and healing:

  • “The show will totally go on and... I plan to rebuild and continue creating.” – Jackie Smook (17:50)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:56 | Nancy Guthrie disappearance update starts | | 03:00 | Dixie County, FL – Maya Appling murder trial deep dive | | 10:00 | Kentucky: Former sheriff’s trial for murder of judge | | 14:04 | St. Louis: Multi-day violent robbery and murder | | 16:35 | Los Angeles: Puppeteer’s devastating theft | | 19:37 | Feature: Criminal corruption in federal law enforcement | | 26:00 | Reflections on power, trust, and justice |

Tone and Presentation

• The coverage is brisk, authoritative, and sensitive to victims and their families.
• Host Vanessa Richardson maintains a professional, empathetic tone, balancing fact-based reporting with thoughtful reflection on the human and systemic elements of the cases.

Summary

This special episode of Crime House 24/7 offers a gripping look at crime’s unfolding frontlines—ranging from active abduction investigations, first-degree murder trials, and brazen crime sprees, to the systemic dangers posed by corruption inside law enforcement. The detailed focus on the Maya Appling murder trial, with pivotal testimony from a young codefendant, underscores the emotional and legal complexities at the heart of the justice system. Vanessa Richardson reminds listeners that justice depends as much on integrity and oversight as it does on the letter of the law.