Crime Stories with Nancy Grace — Crime Alert 03.20.26
Episode Summary – March 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, host Sidney Sumner (standing in for Nancy Grace) delivers an urgent rundown of the day’s most disturbing and headline-grabbing crimes from across the country. Each segment highlights shocking details and the latest investigative updates, providing a real-time glimpse into both the tragedies and the rapid pursuit of justice.

1. Oregon Father's Chilling Confession: Infant Son Killed and Dumped

Timestamps: 00:37–02:11

• Case Summary:
  Jared Stoller, a 27-year-old Oregon father, initially reported his 11-month-old infant missing from a motel room, claiming a possible kidnapping.
• Unraveling Lies:
  At the police station, Stoller recanted, confessing to killing his son days earlier and disposing of the body in the South Umpqua River.
• Evolving Story:
  Stoller’s account shifted from an accidental death during co-sleeping to an admission of manual strangulation of his son.
• Police Actions:
  Stoller led authorities to the river, where the infant’s body was recovered. An autopsy is pending.
• Charges:
  Stoller faces first-degree murder and second-degree abuse of a corpse. He is due in court later that day.

Notable Quotes:

• “Stoller admitted to lying about the suspected kidnapping. He then confessed to killing his infant son days earlier and dumping his body in the South Umpqua River.” — Sidney Sumner [00:51]
• “While Stoller initially told police that his son died during co-sleeping, he later confessed to manually strangling his son.” — Sidney Sumner [01:11]

2. Alaska Family Tragedy: Ex-Son-in-Law Murders Elderly Man, Dies in Woods

Timestamps: 02:12–03:11

• Incident Summary:
  The suspect, Matthew Thomas Becker (61), allegedly killed his ex-father-in-law, 87-year-old Romaine Clark, in Anchorage, Alaska.
• Sequence of Events:
  Becker first attempted to murder his ex-wife at her hair salon, unsuccessfully, then proceeded to the home where he shot Clark through a window and fled.
• Discovery and Manhunt:
  Clark’s body was discovered by friends; a manhunt was launched. Becker’s body was found the following day in nearby woods; cause of death pending autopsy.
• Background:
  Becker, who lived in Arizona after the divorce, was reportedly suffering from cancer and owned a comedy club.

Notable Quotes:

• “He [Becker] got out and started shooting at her, then jumped back in and sped away as she fled.” — Sidney Sumner [02:39]
• “Based on preliminary evidence, it appears the suspect went to the rear of the residence, fired a couple of rounds through a plate glass window, striking and killing the victim, and then fleeing the scene.” — Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case, cited by Sidney Sumner [02:55]

3. California Millionaire Developer Found Dead After Standoff

Timestamps: 04:12–05:32

• Incident Details:
  Demetrius Decoulos, a 92-year-old prominent developer, was found dead and decomposing in a luxury Hermosa Beach residence.
• Police Response:
  After a welfare check led to the discovery of a barricaded, armed suspect, SWAT negotiators managed a peaceful surrender after a seven-hour standoff.
• Suspects:
  Robert Philip Simmons and Eleanor Beaulieu (both 39) were taken into custody and charged with murder.
• Timeline:
  Authorities believe Decoulos was killed between March 7–14.

Memorable Moment:

• “Simmons-Beaulieu finally came out of the residence looking like a blues brother, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, dark tie, sunglasses, and fedora.” — Sidney Sumner [05:12]

4. Shocking Child Abuse Case in Stanislaus County, California

Timestamps: 05:33–07:46

• Victim Statement & Discovery:
  An 11-year-old girl, refusing to return home over severe abuse allegations, prompted an investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
• Abuse Details:
  The girl endured strangulation, beatings, being dragged by a dog leash, sleeping in an uninsulated garage, starvation, and forced excessive exercise under threat of violence.
• Evidence:
  Surveillance footage corroborated the child’s account; she had lived in garage/backyard conditions.
• Arrests & Charges:
  Aunt Priscilla Mistaz and boyfriend Anthony Machuca are charged with 27 felony and misdemeanor counts, including torture and conspiracy to commit torture, after the aunt’s arrest was delayed due to pregnancy.
• Other Children:
  The newborn and a four-year-old were placed in protective custody; the victim’s current status is undisclosed.

Notable Quotes:

• “The garage was not a converted living space, lacking heating and air conditioning and insulation, leaving the child exposed to unsafe temperatures year-round.” — Sidney Sumner [06:35]
• “…repeated physical abuse, including strangulation, punching and slapping, withholding adequate nutrition, causing the child to become malnourished…” — Sidney Sumner [07:20]

5. Closing

The episode closes by encouraging listeners to follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" for the latest in crime and justice news.

Summary Tone:
Straightforward, urgent, and somber, faithfully mirroring Sidney Sumner’s crisp, factual reporting style.

For More Information:
For updates on the highlighted cases and daily crime alerts, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to their favorite podcast apps.

End of Episode Content