Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Elderly Woman's Remains Found in Dumped Suitcase | Crime Alert 03.12.25
Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

In this Crime Alert installment, Nancy Grace presents the day's most disturbing crime headlines, focusing on the tragic discovery of an elderly woman's remains found in a suitcase. The episode quickly moves through several breaking cases, from a shocking murder in Oregon to child exploitation in Utah, a death in a troubled Wisconsin prison, and updates on a long-missing teen found safe. Each story is delivered with Nancy's signature urgency and dedication to justice, inviting listeners to help solve and bring awareness to ongoing cases.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The (Oregon) Suitcase Murder of Judy Hurley

[01:05] – [01:54]

• Discovery:
  Police in Banks, Oregon, responded when a suitcase containing the remains of Judy Hurley, 80, washed up on the Willamette River.
• Victim Background:
  Judy Hurley was bedridden and recently returned home from a nursing facility due to declining health.
• Suspicious Living Situation:
  Several people, identified as squatters, were living in Hurley’s home.
  Nancy Grace highlights:

  “It's clear from medical equipment Judy was bedridden. Police believe squatters took over the home with Judy powerless to stop them.” (Nancy Grace, 01:19)

• Friend's Account:
  Friends lost contact with Hurley shortly after her return. They reported her home had become a “base for crime”.

  “Squatters learned Hurley was bedridden and could not access the second floor at all.” (John Laemmle, 01:34)

• Crime Scene Discovery:
  The suitcase was spotted by a contractor, who immediately contacted 911.
• Investigation Outcome:
  Police believe one of the squatters in Hurley’s home is responsible.
• Arrest:
  Michael Moody, 54, was charged with Hurley’s murder.

2. Child Exploitation at Utah Children’s Venue

[01:54] – [02:40]

• Incident:
  An employee at Rush Funplex—an entertainment venue in Utah—reported a suspicious man alone, picking up, and sniffing children’s socks and taking photos of kids at play.

  “The employee also witnesses the man taking photos of children playing. Cops find the socks in Roland Brown's pockets.” (Nancy Grace, 01:57)

• Suspect:
  Roland Brown, 63, was arrested after police found both the socks and explicit child sex abuse material in his possession.
• Charges:
  Brown is charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

3. Wisconsin Inmate Death and Prison Investigation

[05:12] – [06:27]

• Incident:
  Damien Evans, 23, became the seventh inmate to die at the Waupun Correctional Institution since last year.
• Ongoing Issues:
  The prison is under federal and local investigation due to previous misconduct and abuse charges against staff and involvement in a prison smuggling ring.

  “Waupun has faced bipartisan calls for closure. Governor Tony Evers has proposed a $500 million overhaul, including converting it to a job training facility. For now, the prison remains under investigation, as does yet another inmate death.” (Sydney Sumner, 05:56)

4. Seven-Year Missing Child Located in Colorado

[06:27] – [07:37]

• Breakthrough:
  A burglary investigation in suburban Denver uncovers Abdul Aziz Khan, who was abducted at age 7 in Atlanta in 2017.
• How Found:
  Police discovered Khan in a car while arresting his mother, Rabia Khalid, on an outstanding warrant.

  “Authorities say 14-year-old Abdul Aziz Khan was taken from Atlanta in 2017 by his mother, Rabia Khalid, who did not have legal custody.” (John Laemmle, 06:33)

• Mother Charged:
  Khalid and her accomplice face charges of kidnapping, forgery, and identity theft; both children involved were placed in protective custody.
• Family’s response:

  “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years.” (Family Statement via John Laemmle, 07:20)

• Current Focus:

  “For now though, focus shifts to ensuring Kahn's well being and future placement.” (Sydney Sumner, 07:37)

5. Ongoing Missing Person Case: Veronica Reyes Diaz

[07:42] – [09:01]

• Last Seen:
  Veronica Reyes Diaz, 23, disappeared after returning home from a night out in Dover, Florida. She was last seen putting her children to bed; her keys and wallet were left in her car, which remained outside the house.

  “When she doesn’t come to bed, her husband assumes she’s sleeping with one of the children. Next morning he finds she’s gone, but her Chevy Yukon still parked outside, keys and wallet in the car, cell phone shut off or dies...” (Nancy Grace, 07:48)

• Case Details:
  Diaz is described as 4'10, 120 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, with a mole beneath her left eye, missing now for over four years.
• Call to Action:
  Nancy repeatedly calls for public tips and engagement, sharing contact information for the sheriff’s office.
• Purpose:
  The case underscores Nancy’s ongoing drive to bring attention to unsolved homicides and missing persons, especially children.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Nancy Grace on Elder Abuse:

  “It's clear from medical equipment Judy was bedridden. Police believe squatters took over the home with Judy powerless to stop them.” (Nancy Grace, 01:19)

• On Lack of Oversight:

  "Squatters learned Hurley was bedridden and could not access the second floor at all. The suitcase containing Hurley's remains was spotted by a contractor working on a home overlooking the river who called 911." (John Laemmle, 01:34)

• Regarding Family Relief After Missing Teen Found:

  "We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years." (Family Statement via John Laemmle, 07:20)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment Description | |----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:05 | Oregon suitcase murder of Judy Hurley | | 01:54 | Child exploitation arrest in Utah | | 05:12 | Wisconsin Waupun prison under scrutiny after another inmate death | | 06:27 | Discovery of missing boy Abdul Aziz Khan, missing for seven years | | 07:42 | Florida’s Veronica Reyes Diaz missing person appeal |

Summary Flow & Tone

The episode moves swiftly between headlines with a sense of urgency and advocacy, echoing Nancy Grace’s trademark tone: direct, relentless, and impassioned for justice and victim advocacy. Quotes and details are provided with clarity and emotion, maintaining focus on the human cost of the crimes discussed.

Call to Action

Throughout, Nancy encourages listeners to stay informed, contact authorities with any information, and join the “Crime Stories” community to help resolve ongoing missing person cases and unsolved homicides.

This summary provides both a narrative and factual guide to the episode’s core stories for those who want to grasp the main discussions, findings, and urgent appeals covered by Nancy Grace and her team.