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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
DOES LA HAVE ANOTHER SERIAL KILLER?|Crime Alert Recap Saturday 02.07.26
00:10:10
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- [00:00]
Podcast Host
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
- [00:08]
Crime Reporter
Does LA have Another Serial Killer? Until the death of former NFL star Kevin Johnson, nobody paid much attention to a string of murders taking place in the Compton Creek area of Los Angeles. The notorious camp along the LA river is known for being dangerous, but the homeless population being what it is around la, many people will stay wherever they can, which is how 55 year old Kevin Johnson Johnson found the camp. A fourth round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1993, Johnson spent three years in the NFL in the mid-90s for the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders, then four years in arena football before hanging up his cleats. Johnson's son Brandon is speaking out about his father's death, suggesting health issues have plagued the former athlete, possibly contributing to his housing instability. Brandon says his father found the homeless encampment in the Willowbrook area along the L A River south of LA about six months before his murder. Johnson was found dead in the encampment on January 21st with stab wounds and what the sheriff's department described as head trauma. The camp is now tied to at least three other murders and it's possible the same person is behind all four killings. On October 5, 52 year old Michelle Steele, shot in the head, dies a month later in the hospital shortly after the death of steel. On December 4, Octavio Arias, also 52, beaten to death. And just last week, Mauro Alfaro, a man in his mid-50s, bludgeoned to death. The medical examiner ruled the death of Kevin Johnson a homicide from blunt head trauma and stab wounds. Johnson's son Brandon helped investigators identify his father's body at the scene. Describing his father as his best friend, Brandon says his dad was a loving, gentle person. It's not clear why the former defensive lineman, who once played at the elite level of sport in the NFL, was out on the streets, but friends suggested he was suffering from cte, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head. Johnson's ex wife, Chantel Hill, says of her former husband, he wasn't the type of person that would touch a fly. He had no anger in his heart, no evil. That just was not him. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the killings.
- [02:23]
News Anchor Drew Nelson
More crime and justice news after this.
- [02:30]
Podcast Host
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- [03:05]
Legal Analyst
Depicting the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his speech at a Utah college campus quickly gained widespread attention online, racking up millions of views. On Tuesday, screenshots from these videos were presented as evidence in the murder trial of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of Kirk's death. However, the full video footage was not displayed in court due to objections from defense attorneys who argued that it could jeopardize Robinson's right to a fair trial. Legal experts, including Valerie Hans of the Cornell Law School, affirms that such concerns are valid. They noted that extensive media coverage in high profile cases can create a significant biasing effect on potential jurors. There's a plethora of content related to the murder, including videos, images and analysis of how the defendant turned himself in, hans explained, emphasizing that jurors exposed to such media narratives may interpret courtroom evidence differently. The defense team is also advocating for the exclusion of television and still cameras from the courtroom, claiming that highly biased news outlets could influence the case's integrity. In contrast, prosecutors, representatives for news organizations and Kirk's widow are urging state District Judge Toni Graf to maintain an open courtroom. Erica's attorney expressed concern in a court filing, saying without transparency there is a risk of speculation, misinformation and conspiracy theories, which could undermine public trust in the judicial system. Robinson, 22, faces aggravated murder charges in the shooting of Kirk on September 10th at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. With prosecutors planning to pursue the death penalty, he has yet to enter a plea. Approximately 3,000 people were present at the outdoor rally where Kirk, a co founder of Turning Point usa, encouraged young voters to support President Donald Trump in Utah. Securing a death sentence requires prosecutors to prove aggravating factors, such as the crime being particularly heinous or atrocious, criteria that graphic videos may help establish. Hans noted that viewing the footage might lead people to conclude, yes, this was especially atrocious or cruel. During the proceedings on Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray revealed that he considered pursuing the death penalty even before an arrest was made. He could not recall the exact timing of when he informed the governor and federal officials of his intention. When questioned about the early announcement of his death penalty plans, Gray explained that the case had already attracted a significant public interest and he wanted to avoid prolonging uncertainty for the widow, Erica Kirk. The judge has yet to make a ruling on these filings.
- [06:04]
News Anchor Drew Nelson
I'm Drew Nelson. Two people are under arrest as A multi county search continues in eastern Nebraska for the bodies of a missing couple believed to have been killed. Lincoln police are searching rural areas of Saunders county near Malmo after digital evidence and witness statements led investigators to multiple locations of interest. Authorities say the site near Highway 22 and County Road R is just one of several areas being examined in the homicide investigation involving Hannah Neville and Roberto Tanner. Investigators say Neville was 32 weeks pregnant when she was reported missing more than two weeks ago. Tanner was later reported missing in Lincoln. Police say they believe the couple is dead. Investigators have not determined whether the two victims are together. Lincoln police say they have searched multiple locations across Lancaster and Saunders counties since earlier this week. Officers were seen walking tree lines, combing open fields and using a drone to survey the area, police said. 24 year old Sterling James, Tanner's half brother is charged with two counts of first degree murder. His wife Sadie Titus faces two counts of aiding and abetting. Lincoln Police Lt. Dustin Romscheck says the investigation is expanding as new information continues to come in.
- [07:16]
Crime Reporter
We're just analyzing a lot of digital evidence as well as a lot of people providing tips since the news briefing and then individuals are just coming forward providing statements to us. So we have, we have a lot of different areas and different areas of interest other than just here.
- [07:32]
News Anchor Drew Nelson
Police say they are still working to determine a motive and the location of the initial shooting. Investigators continue to ask anyone with information to contact law enforcement as the search remains active.
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Reporter Jennifer Gould
I'm Jennifer Gould. A North Carolina veterinary technician's act of mercy has been twisted into a criminal indictment after she rescued an abandoned labradoodle from a lethal snowstorm, only to be arrested and fired for her compassion. Dasen Garner, a groomer and single mom, is completely broken. She says after the Wilson County Sheriff's Office hit her with a slew of charges including keeping a stray animal, failure to surrender and interfering with law enforcement. Garner spoke to WRAL News.
- [08:22]
Podcast Host
I'm baffled. I'm confused. I have a lot of hard feelings right now because unexpected court costs, unexpected lawyer fees, all of this adds up.
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Reporter Jennifer Gould
The legal nightmare began on a frigid Saturday when a bomb cyclone buried Wilson, North Carolina under 11 inches of snow and sent the temperatures plunging to a bone chilling 21 degrees. The drama ignited when Garner spotted ring doorbell footage of a woman later ID'd as 32 year old Ashley Barker dumping a matted terrified labradoodle on a stranger's porch before just scurrying away. Recognizing the sweet pup would not survive the night, Garner rushed to the rescue. While she reported the fine to animal Control. She refused their demand to surrender the pooch. As a professional vet tech, Garner knew the neglected dog wouldn't stand a chance end quote in a cold shelter environment and chose instead to provide expert care at home. Within 24 hours, Garner bypassed the bureaucracy and reunited the pup with its rightful owner, who revealed the dog had been missing for two months. But while the alleged dumper barker was charged with animal abandonment, authorities turned their sights on the rescuer, too. Deputies claim Garner repeatedly dodged calls and defied orders to forfeit the dog, leading to her arrest. The fallout has been devastating. Garner was fired from her animal clinic in Rocky Mount and now faces crippling legal fees just as she was returning to the workforce. However, despite all the dog drama, Garner doesn't regret saving the dog, saying it would have died otherwise. The original dog owner also expressed deep gratitude for Garner's actions. Garner is due in court later. In February, her family started a GoFundMe to help cover legal expenses with a $6,000 goal. A for the latest crime and justice news, follow the Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcast app. With this crime alert, I'm Jennifer Gould.