Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Doomsday Killer Chad Daybell Speaks Out & Claims His Case Was a Con Job | Crime Alert 6AM 09.25.2025
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

Nancy Grace delves into three major crime stories in this fast-paced episode. She spotlights Chad Daybell—convicted for the murders of his first wife and step-children—who now proclaims innocence from death row via a new website. The episode then follows the dramatic end to a nationwide manhunt for Travis Decker, accused of murdering his three daughters. Finally, significant legal action is highlighted in the case of a Michigan kindergartner's tragic death in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, followed by a brief but alarming story of a 12-year-old’s dangerous joyride.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Chad Daybell’s Public Letters and Claims of Innocence

[00:02–02:41]

• Chad Daybell's New Website

  • From death row in Idaho Max Security, Daybell has launched a website, "Letters from Chad," through daughter Emma Murray, to share his version of the story and contest media portrayals.
  • Claims to sympathize with the grief over the victims, asserting shared sorrow but maintaining innocence.

• Defense Strategy Critique

  • Daybell alleges in letters that his lawyers instructed him not to show emotion at trial, affecting public perception.
  • He is “not a cult member,” “not a conspirator or a killer,” and insists a fuller story will emerge during appeals.

• Family and Public Reception

  • Daughter Emma Murray is highlighted as a supporter who believes Chad was “framed.”

• Nancy Grace’s Tone

  • Nancy is skeptical, sarcastically calling it a "return to sender" situation and questioning who could plausibly have framed Daybell.

Notable Quote:

“He is using the website to share his story uncensored and unfiltered, because the media's portrayal of him is, quote, unrecognizable… He maintains his innocence and hints that a more complete story will be shared during my appeals process.” — Jennifer Gould (Daybell’s words), [01:34]

2. The Travis Decker Manhunt: A Tragic Ending

[02:41–04:42]

• Ending of the Manhunt

  • Travis Decker, a former soldier accused of murdering his three young daughters, was found dead in remote Washington after a harrowing 111-day national search.

• Details of the Crime

  • Peyton (9), Evelyn (8), and Olivia (5) were suffocated with plastic bags and zip ties during a custody visit gone wrong.
  • Key evidence included a bloody fingerprint, matching DNA, and items found near his abandoned vehicle.

• Family and Community Impact

  • Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison emphasizes community's grief and persistence.

Notable Quote:

“We never gave up. We told them we wouldn't give up. Peyton, Evelyn and Olivia deserved better. Whitney deserved better. Their family deserved better. Our community deserves better.” — Mike Morrison, Chelan County Sheriff, [02:42]

• Unresolved Questions
  • Circumstances of Decker’s own death remain unclear, with decomposition and animal activity affecting the remains.

3. Michigan Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Tragedy

[05:52–09:08]

• Incident Summary

  • Thomas Cooper (5), seeking therapy for ADHD and sleep apnea, died inside a hyperbaric chamber at an alternative care facility. Unapproved use of the device was a contributing factor.

• Lawsuit Details

  • Parents are suing for $100 million, alleging gross negligence and corporate greed. The chamber reportedly lacked crucial safety features; staff and manufacturer are implicated.

Notable Quote:

“These things are designed and manufactured and sold and used for the sole purpose of profits to get bodies in, bodies out and get the next body in and next body out and take the money.” — James Harrington, Cooper Family Attorney, [06:20]

• Criminal Charges
  • Four staffers—including CEO, safety manager, and chamber operator—face murder and manslaughter charges.

4. Other Crime Alerts

[09:08–09:16]

• 12-Year-Old’s School Joyride
  • In Sacramento, a 12-year-old led police on a 70 mph chase using his parents’ SUV, which ended in a crash with a police car (no injuries, serious charges pending).

“Looks like his driving days have hit a traffic jam for now.” — Jennifer Gould, [09:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Daybell still maintains his innocence… sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings from death row…” — Nancy Grace, [00:10]
• “He insists he is not a cult member who should be feared, nor is he a conspirator or a killer.” — Jennifer Gould, [01:24]
• “A coffin waiting to ignite.” — Lawsuit description, quoted by Jennifer Gould, [06:00]
• “The tragedy also sparked a criminal investigation. Four Oxford center staffers have been charged…” — Jennifer Gould, [07:45]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Chad Daybell’s Letters: [00:02–02:41]
• Travis Decker Manhunt Resolution: [02:41–04:42]
• Hyperbaric Chamber Death Lawsuit: [05:52–09:08]
• Sacramento 12-Year-Old Joyride: [09:08–09:16]

Tone and Final Thoughts

Nancy Grace continues her signature direct—and sometimes sardonic—approach throughout, cutting through sensational developments to question claims, amplify victims’ experiences, and keep the focus on unresolved justice. The episode features straightforward reporting, interspersed with pointed remarks and rhetorical questions, all aimed at engaging listeners in pursuit of truth and accountability.

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