Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: 15-Year-Old Boy Charged With Uber Driver’s Murder During Carjacking | Crime Alert 6AM 01.05.26

Date: January 5, 2026
Host: Sydney Sumner (Crime Alert segment)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode delivers a succinct yet harrowing update on some of the day's most shocking US crime stories. The major theme centers on the alarming rise of violent crimes involving juveniles, ongoing dangers for vulnerable children, and the persistence of violent offenders in communities. The episode’s tone is urgent, direct, and uncompromising, reflecting Nancy Grace's legacy of tough, relentless pursuit of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Uber Driver Murder and Carjacking (Lawrenceville, Atlanta, GA)

• [00:20] Police arrested a 15-year-old boy for the murder of a 58-year-old Uber driver found dead from gunshot wounds on a Lawrenceville street.
• Ring doorbell footage revealed a black SUV stopped on the road, dropping off the victim’s body before leaving.
• The SUV belonged to the Uber driver. Police determined the cause was a carjacking.
• By early afternoon, police tracked the stolen SUV to a home in Lilburn, 10 miles from the crime scene, and arrested the teen.
• The teenager is being charged as an adult with murder.
• Identities of both the victim and accused have not been released due to next-of-kin notification and the suspect’s age.
• Quote:
  "Police in the metropolitan Atlanta area have arrested a 15-year-old boy for the murder of an Uber driver found dead on a Lawrenceville street on Thursday." — Sydney Sumner [00:23]

2. Amber Alert: 14-Year-Old Girl Missing in Texas

• [01:18] Texas authorities issued an Amber Alert for Maruri Yolani Gomez Marquez, 14, believed to be with Juan Orlando Garcia Sarmiento, 41.
• Maruri was last seen with Sarmiento on Sunday morning in Plains, Texas.
• Authorities suspect they may be traveling in a black 2010 Ford F150 (Texas plate: WGV 9997).
• Public urged to call Texas Department of Public Safety or 911 with any information.
• Quote:
  "Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety ... or call 911." — Sydney Sumner [02:06]

3. Abuse and Death of a 6-Year-Old Girl in North Carolina

• [02:18] Three women charged after Dominique Moody, 6, died weighing just 27 pounds, having suffered burns, fractures, and neglect.
• Investigators cited extensive physical abuse: burn scars, rib fractures, prolonged exposure to soiled items, and forced confinement in a dog crate.
• Tanya McKnight (guardian/aunt), adopted sister Terian McKnight, and Susan Robinson charged with five counts of child abuse, held without bail.
• Prosecutors may pursue murder by torture charges, pending lab results.
• Police had responded to the residence five times since 2022.
• Quote:
  "She had burn scars, rib fractures and wounds from prolonged sitting in urine or feces, soiled items such as a diaper for extensive periods of time." — Sydney Sumner [02:44]
• Memorable Moment:
  The revelation that the legal guardian forced the child to stay in a dog crate, confirmed by other children in the home.

4. Oregon Manhunt After Early Morning Murder

• [03:35] Deschutes County, OR police are searching for Don Henry Vandenberg Jr. (“Tank”), 51, declared armed and dangerous after the shooting of Justin Garrett Jimenez, 32.
• Vandenberg, heavily tattooed and well-described, is the primary person of interest.
• Public warned not to approach him if seen.
• Quote:
  "Police cautioned the public not to approach Vandenberg if he's seen." — Sydney Sumner [04:17]

5. Murder of Ohio Dentist and His Wife

• [04:23] Dr. Spencer Tepe, 37, and his wife Monique, 39, were found shot dead in their home; two children under age six left unharmed.
• No sign of forced entry, murder-suicide, or weapon at the scene; prior robbery suggested by dispatch.
• Police prompted to check on the couple after co-workers and friends reported concern when Dr. Tepe failed to appear at work.
• Detailed timeline of discovery, highlighting community’s involvement and concern for the couple’s young children.
• Quote:
  "There were no indications of a murder suicide. There were no signs of forced entry and no weapons were found." — Sydney Sumner [04:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On juvenile crime:
  "Detectives determined that he had been the victim of carjacking. By early afternoon, they had tracked the SUV to a home in Lilburn some 10 miles away. There they arrested the teen who was charged as an adult with murder." — Sydney Sumner [00:46]

• On systemic child abuse:
  "The home was rat infested and cluttered with both human and animal feces." — Sydney Sumner [03:02]

• On the urgency for public help:
  "Anyone with information should call Columbus Police homicide unit...or Central Ohio Crimestoppers." — Sydney Sumner [05:23]

Important Segments and Timestamps

• Atlanta Uber driver murder & carjacking: [00:20] – [01:14]
• Texas Amber Alert: [01:18] – [02:17]
• North Carolina child death/abuse: [02:18] – [03:34]
• Oregon homicide manhunt: [03:35] – [04:22]
• Ohio dentist couple murder: [04:23] – [05:23]

Tone and Delivery

The episode maintains a matter-of-fact and pressing tone, characteristic of Nancy Grace’s “tough-on-crime” style. The language is direct, clear, and unflinching, emphasizing both public safety and a call to action for their audience.

Summary

This Crime Alert episode rapidly delivers several disturbing case updates—with a focus on youth crime, child endangerment, and community tragedy—reinforcing Nancy Grace’s mission to bring urgent attention to unfolding and unresolved crimes. Listeners are provided with pertinent case details, physical descriptions, and calls for information, keeping the public engaged and vigilant in the ongoing pursuit of justice.