Episode Summary: "DNA IDs Missouri man after 30+ years | Crime Alert 6AM 09.16.25"

Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace (with reporting from John Laemmle)
Duration Covered: ~00:01–06:03

Overview

This Crime Alert episode centers on a series of major recent crime stories and cold case breakthroughs. The main theme is the resolution of decades-old mysteries through new DNA and investigative techniques, the ongoing controversies in law enforcement, and the role of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases. The segments bring listeners up to speed on significant cases making headlines, offering both closure and raising new questions in the realm of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Missouri Cold Case Solved After 30+ Years

[00:01–01:25]

• Main Story: The identity of a man found in the Mississippi River south of St. Louis in 1994 has finally been confirmed after more than three decades. The victim was known only as John Doe until new DNA techniques and fingerprint records allowed authorities to identify him as Benny Leo Olson from Edwardsville, Illinois.

• Olson’s Background: Olson suffered from severe paranoid schizophrenia. In 1980, he was charged in Illinois for attempting to hire someone to burn down his stepmother’s home, but was found mentally incompetent and spent time in a mental health facility.

• Closure for the Family: There was no indication of foul play in Olson’s death. Family members, including half-sister Katherine Heston, expressed relief at finally learning his fate.

  "While they'd always suspected something had happened, they, quote, never really knew."
  —John Laemmle, reporting Katherine Heston's words [01:20]

2. ICE-Related Fatal Shooting in Suburban Chicago

[02:44–03:40]

• Incident: Silverio Villegas Gonzalez was fatally shot in Franklin Park, Illinois by ICE officers after he attempted to evade arrest, allegedly by driving at officers and dragging one with his car.

• Operation Context: The shooting is part of Operation Midway Blitz, a federal immigration crackdown in sanctuary states.

• Controversy: The incident has incited political debate. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called for a full investigation. Immigrant rights groups demand transparency and criticize alleged excessive force.

  "Supporters say it's about enforcing immigration law. Critics say it risks overreach and undermining trust in communities."
  —John Laemmle [03:25]

3. Brutal Double Homicide in Queens, New York

[03:41–04:47]

• The Crime: An elderly couple, Frank and Maureen Olten, were killed in their home which was then set on fire. Frank was tied to a pole and stabbed; Maureen died from the fire.

• Suspect Arrested: Jamel McGriff, a parolee with extensive criminal history, was tracked using surveillance after using the couple's stolen credit cards.

• Methodical Entry: McGriff allegedly gained access by pretending to need to charge his phone and remained in the house for hours.

  "McGriff entered the home under false pretense, asking if he could charge his phone and remained inside for several hours before the deadly events."
  —John Laemmle [04:32]

4. Bear Brook State Park Cold Case Breakthrough

[04:48–05:44]

• Identification: Nearly 25 years after four bodies were found in Bear Brook State Park, New Hampshire, one of the young girls has been identified as Rhea Rasmussen.

• Serial Killer Connection: The case is linked to serial killer Terry Rasmussen, a man with multiple aliases who targeted vulnerable women, and died in prison in 2010.

• Mother Still Missing: Rhea’s biological mother, Pepper Reed, remains missing since the 1970s; another woman, Denise Beaudin, is still unaccounted for.

• Techniques Used: The case highlights the crucial role of genetic genealogy in identifying victims and urging the public to assist in unresolved cases.

  "This identification underscores the power of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases and they continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that might help resolve remaining questions."
  —John Laemmle [05:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Laemmle, on the closure brought to Olson's family:

  "They'd always suspected something had happened, they, quote, never really knew." [01:20]

• On ICE enforcement debate:

  "Supporters say it's about enforcing immigration law. Critics say it risks overreach and undermining trust in communities." [03:25]

• On the power of forensic advances:

  "This identification underscores the power of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases…" [05:33]

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | Cold case solved: Benny Leo Olson ID'ed | | 01:20 | Katherine Heston’s quote—family’s closure| | 02:44 | ICE-related shooting, Franklin Park, IL | | 03:41 | Double homicide arrest in Queens, NYC | | 04:48 | Bear Brook State Park victim identified | | 05:33 | Importance of genetic genealogy |

Tone & Delivery

The episode maintains a brisk, urgent tone focused on delivering compelling updates from the world of crime and justice. John Laemmle’s reporting is factual and concise, spotlighting the human impact of forensic advances and criminal investigations. Family closure and the advancement of science in solving cold cases come through as hopeful notes amid stories of tragedy and controversy. The language is straightforward and accessible, aimed at keeping listeners both informed and emotionally engaged.

For more stories and ongoing updates, Nancy Grace encourages listeners to visit crimeonline.com and tune in daily for Crime Stories.