Crime Stories with Nancy Grace – Episode Summary

Episode: DOES LA HAVE ANOTHER SERIAL KILLER? | Crime Alert Recap Saturday 02.07.26
Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (with contributions from crime reporters and legal analysts)
Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace (iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights several high-profile crime stories, with a primary focus on the alarming possibility of a new serial killer stalking Los Angeles’ Compton Creek area following the murder of former NFL player Kevin Johnson. The show also examines challenges of media coverage in a Utah murder trial, a disturbing missing persons case in Nebraska, and the prosecution of a North Carolina vet tech who rescued a dog from a snowstorm.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Possible Serial Killer in Los Angeles: The Compton Creek Murders

• Case Background
  • Kevin Johnson, former NFL defensive lineman, was found murdered in a homeless encampment along the LA River in Willowbrook.
  • Johnson’s death is the fourth linked homicide in the same homeless camp since October, raising fears of a serial killer.
• Victims:
  • Michelle Steele (52): Shot in the head, died a month later. [01:06]
  • Octavio Arias (52): Beaten to death. [01:16]
  • Mauro Alfaro (mid-50s): Bludgeoned to death. [01:23]
  • Kevin Johnson (55): Stab wounds and head trauma. [00:48]
• Personal Impact:
  • Brandon Johnson (son) recalls identifying his father and tells police his dad suffered from health problems, possibly from CTE, contributing to his homelessness.
  • Ex-wife Chantel Hill says, “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.” [01:41]
• Law Enforcement: Investigators are probing whether the same perpetrator is responsible across all cases. Motives remain unclear.

2. High-Profile Utah Murder Trial and Courtroom Transparency

• Case Overview:
  • Tyler Robinson is on trial for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a speech at a Utah college.
  • Millions viewed videos of the incident. The defense argued that showing full footage in court could prejudice jurors.
• Key Points:
  • Legal expert Valerie Hans (Cornell Law School) warns of the biasing effects of extensive media:
    • “Extensive media coverage in high profile cases can create a significant biasing effect on potential jurors.” [03:41]
  • Defense wants cameras banned; prosecution, media, and Kirk’s widow favor an open courtroom.
  • Erica Kirk’s attorney: "Without transparency there is a risk of speculation, misinformation and conspiracy theories..." [04:47]
  • Judge’s ruling on these filings is pending.
• Death Penalty: Prosecutors announce their intention early to seek the death penalty, citing the public interest and to provide closure to the victim’s family.

3. Nebraska Missing Couple and Murder Investigation

• Investigation Details:
  • Police are searching for the bodies of Hannah Neville, who was 32 weeks pregnant, and Roberto Tanner, both presumed dead. [06:05]
  • Digital evidence and witness statements are leading searches across multiple counties.
  • Sterling James (Tanner’s half-brother) is charged with two counts of first-degree murder; his wife, Sadie Titus, is charged with aiding and abetting.
• Police Statement:
  • Lt. Dustin Romscheck: “We have a lot of different areas and different areas of interest...” [07:17]
  • Motive and details about the initial shooting are undetermined. The search is ongoing, and police encourage tips. [07:31]

4. North Carolina Vet Tech's Legal Nightmare After Dog Rescue

• The Story:
  • Veterinary technician Dasen Garner rescued an abandoned labradoodle during a severe snowstorm after spotting ring camera footage of its abandonment.
  • Garner, believing the dog would not survive a shelter, cared for it herself and ultimately reunited it with its original owner.
  • Despite her good deed, Garner was arrested and fired, facing charges including “keeping a stray animal” and “failure to surrender.” [08:00]
• Garner’s Reaction:
  • “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.” [08:22]
  • Despite the charges and being fired, she remains steadfast: “I don’t regret saving the dog, saying it would have died otherwise.” [08:54]
• Aftermath:
  • The dog’s actual owner is grateful to Garner.
  • Garner’s family started a GoFundMe for legal fees, aiming for $6,000.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brandon Johnson (on his father, Kevin Johnson):
  “He was my best friend. My dad was a loving, gentle person.” [01:29]
• Chantel Hill (ex-wife of Kevin Johnson):
  “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.” [01:41]
• Valerie Hans, legal analyst:
  “Extensive media coverage in high profile cases can create a significant biasing effect on potential jurors.” [03:41]
• Erica Kirk’s attorney:
  “Without transparency there is a risk of speculation, misinformation and conspiracy theories, which could undermine public trust in the judicial system.” [04:47]
• Dasen Garner (vet tech):
  “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.” [08:22]
• Lt. Dustin Romscheck, Lincoln Police:
  “We have a lot of different areas and different areas of interest other than just here.” [07:17]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Possible LA Serial Killer/Compton Creek Murders: 00:08 – 02:22
• Utah Charlie Kirk Murder Trial: 03:04 – 06:03
• Nebraska Missing Pregnant Couple Case: 06:03 – 07:31
• North Carolina Vet Tech Dog Rescue Case: 07:44 – 08:59

Episode Tone

The episode relays factual detail and emotional impact, with compassionate testimony from surviving family and victims. Nancy Grace’s signature tone—intense, urgent, and zeroing in on tough questions—adds gravity and immediacy, especially when discussing the possibility of a serial killer and controversial legal actions. Crime reporters and experts provide analytical, concise commentary in line with their professional backgrounds.

Summary

This episode underscores the complexities and heartbreaks at the intersection of crime, justice, and public scrutiny. From the possibility of a new serial killer endangering LA’s most vulnerable to debates over fairness and transparency in courtrooms, and even the criminalization of mercy, the stories reflect both the challenges and human cost at the heart of today’s crime headlines.