Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Kada Scott, 23, Missing After Reports of Harassment | Crime Alert Recap Saturday
Date: October 11, 2025

Overview

In this Crime Alert Recap, Nancy Grace and the Crime Stories team present urgent updates on several high-profile cases, including the mysterious disappearance of Kada Scott, the arrest of a suspected arsonist behind the deadly Palisades fire, the conviction of Sarah Jean Hartsfield for the murder of her husband, and disturbing allegations of abuse by a former Idaho pastor. The episode maintains a sharp, investigative tone, focusing on the need for public vigilance and justice for victims.

1. Disappearance of Kada Scott (00:03 - 02:36)

Main Points:

• Case Details:
  • Kada Scott, 23, disappeared after arriving for her overnight shift at the Terrace at Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
  • Last seen Saturday night; her car remained parked outside, phone is dead, and social media is silent.
  • No surveillance footage; the facility had no cameras on-site.
  • Kada, described as a creative Penn State graduate, was reported missing by her family who are deeply concerned.
  • Notable Concern: Police confirm she reported being harassed by an unknown individual via phone prior to her disappearance.

Family Appeals:

• Kim Matthews (Mother):
  • "I love her. I just need her to come home and be safe. That's what I feel, that she's not safe." (01:15)
• Kevin Scott (Father):
  • "It's my oldest daughter. I love her. Last few days been crazy. Head spinning. Creative spirit, very artistic." (02:08)

Police & Community Call to Action:

• Captain John Craig (Northwest Police):
  • "You have a 23 year old young lady who has completely disappeared. No cell phone activity, no social media, no contact with family or friends." (00:54)
  • "If there's 100 pieces to a puzzle... you may think your piece is insignificant, but without your piece, that jigsaw puzzle is not being solved. So I would plead with you, whatever information you have, reach out to the police." (01:39)

Investigation Actions:

• Deployment of helicopters and K9 units, canvassing the area, interviews, and digital footprint analysis.
• Facility is cooperating with authorities; anyone with information is urged to call 215-686-TIPS.

2. Palisades Fire Arson Arrest (03:38 - 08:37)

Main Points:

• Suspect Arrested:
  • Jonathan Rindernecht, former Uber driver from Florida, faces federal charges for allegedly setting the Palisades fire that killed 12 and caused $150 billion in damages.
  • Evidence includes AI chatbot interactions, French rap fixation, and disturbing created images about burning.

Key Evidence & Timeline:

• Rindernecht was placed at the fire scene by iPhone geolocation.
• He allegedly “confessed” online to burning religious items and was seen filming firefighters after the blaze began.
• Conversations with AI (ChatGPT) included:
  • "Are you at fault if a fire is lit because of your cigarettes?" (06:12)
  • "I literally burnt the Bible that I had. It felt amazing. I felt so liberated." (06:37)

Authorities Commentary:

• Bill Asali (Acting U.S. Attorney):

  • "Though homes and businesses cannot be rebuilt, this arrest, we hope, will provide a measure of justice to all those who were impacted." (04:27)
  • "He dropped someone off. He was in this neighborhood and he went up to this hilltop around 12:12am he ignited a fire. He was the only person in this location at the time this fire ignited. We have no other indication that any other person was there. There were no fireworks at the time." (05:56)

• Rindernecht is held without bond and faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with further charges possible, including felony murder.

3. Conviction of Sarah Jean Hartsfield (08:37 - 10:35)

Main Points:

• Sarah Jean Hartsfield was convicted for the murder of her husband, Joseph Hartsfield, by allowing him to die from an insulin overdose through neglect in January 2023.
• Evidence:
  • Cell phone and activity tracking showed Sarah was active while claiming to be asleep.
  • Joseph's glucose monitor alerted her over 100 times as his condition worsened.

Background:

• Disturbing History:
  • Hartsfield previously killed a fiance (claimed self-defense, was not charged), pressured another ex-husband, and was accused of threatening former lovers.
  • Had a domestic violence charge in 1996 that was dropped.

Verdict:

• Jury convicted her in under an hour.
• Sentence: Life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

4. Pastor Gregory Wayne Jones Abuse Allegations (10:35 - 13:01)

Main Points:

• Gregory Wayne Jones—former Idaho pastor—faces charges of human sex trafficking and sexual assault, accused of exploiting his church role for over a decade.
• Posted a $1 million bond; next court appearance is December 5.

Victim Testimonials:

• Whitney Owens (Former Volunteer):
  • "He was given a gift to lead in the church, and yet he used it to take advantage of many people." (11:38)
  • “He never asked me to get a background check. I worked with these children for 20 hours a week and I never had a background check. How many people were working with my child who never had a background check?" (11:51)
  • "Being so vulnerable, allowing myself to be there so, so much of the time, not asking questions about the red flags that were there... it could have happened to me." (12:10)

Authorities:

• Abuse allegedly occurred between 2014 and 2024 at the church and its facility.
• Law enforcement commends survivors for coming forward; believes more victims may exist.
• Anyone with information asked to contact authorities at 208-587-2100.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Captain John Craig on the investigation:

  • "You may think your piece is insignificant, but without your piece, that jigsaw puzzle is not being solved." (01:39)

• US Attorney Asali on arson evidence:

  • "He was the only person in this location at the time this fire ignited. We have no other indication that any other person was there." (05:56)

• Whitney Owens on church abuse:

  • "Being so vulnerable, allowing myself to be there so much of the time, not asking questions about the red flags that were there... it could have happened to me." (12:10)

Segment Timestamps

• Kada Scott Disappearance: 00:03 – 02:36
• Palisades Fire Arson Arrest: 03:38 – 08:37
• Sarah Jean Hartsfield Conviction: 08:37 – 10:35
• Pastor Gregory Wayne Jones Abuse Allegations: 10:35 – 13:01

For more updates, listeners are encouraged to report tips to the authorities and follow the Crime Alert hourly update.