Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Kohberger Crossed Paths With Idaho Four Survivor Before Stabbing Spree | CRIME ALERT RECAP 01.03.2026
Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (CrimeOnline/iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Nancy and the CrimeOnline news team deliver a detailed Crime Alert Recap, focusing primarily on shocking developments in several high-profile cases. The spotlight is on new revelations about Idaho murderer Brian Kohberger’s potential pre-murder encounter with surviving roommate Bethany Funk, insight into Kohberger’s life behind bars, and the emotional fallout from a burial plot dispute involving a grieving mother and a billionaire family. Additional stories include updates on a California farmer charged with his wife’s murder and a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Will Smith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brian Kohberger’s Pre-Murders Movements ([01:08])

• New police report: Kohberger may have “come face to face” with survivor Bethany Funk three days before the murders.
  • Evidence: Store receipts from a Target store indicate Funk checked out at 4:09 pm (Nov 10, 2022), Kohberger at 5:42 pm—same location, same day.
  • Both lived nearby: Funk shared the Moscow, Idaho, off-campus house, while Kohberger was just 15 minutes away in Pullman, WA.

“Coburger was in the same target within two hours of one of his victim surviving roommates, Bethany Funk.” — Dave Mack (01:20)

• Kohberger’s behavior in prison:
  • Complains about inmate harassment and even the “type of bananas” served.
  • Is disliked by guards and inmates due to a “patronizing attitude.”
  • Allegedly reaching out to other high-profile inmates/serial killers, seeking connection and validation.

“Kohberger has been making overtures to other high profile killers and sees himself above everyone around him.” — Chris McDonough, Cold Case Foundation director (02:55)

2. Heartbreaking Burial Plot Dispute ([03:15])

• Incident details:
  • Paula Tigno, a grieving mother, was forced to watch her son’s grave be unearthed after a judge sided with the billionaire Reaser family over a double-sold plot.
  • Clerical error: Both Tigno and the Reasers were sold the same spot years apart.
  • Emotional trauma as Tigno pleaded at her son’s grave.

“I think the humanity or lack of it, the cruelty, and someone feeling so entitled … when someone's son is already in the ground was sort of unfathomable.” — David Williams (Tigno’s husband) (03:59)

• Legal fallout:
  • The cemetery admitted fault but honored the earlier Reaser claim.
  • Judge sided with Reasers; Tigno never responded to alternative offers.
  • Civil jury found cemetery negligent but not liable for “severe emotional distress.”
  • Family refuses the new burial site and keeps their son’s remains at home.

“A mother should not be penalized for not reading the fine print while burying her child.” — Darian Stanford, Tigno’s attorney (05:50)

3. California Farmer Charged With Estranged Wife’s Murder ([06:24])

• Case summary:
  • Michael Abadi, a respected farmer, extradited to Arizona, pleads not guilty to first-degree murder in wife Carrie’s shooting death.
  • $5.5 million bond set; attorneys cite his health concerns.
  • Details: Carrie relocated to Arizona during divorce. Authorities allege Michael drove from California to commit the crime then returned.
  • Divorce cited as the only clear motive.

“The one clear factor is there is a divorce underway and they were unable to reach an agreement.” — Sheriff David Clouse (07:34)

• Family history:
  • The couple owned Abadi Farms; Carrie left Michael unexpectedly (per Michael’s account).
  • Pretrial conference scheduled (March 17).

4. Will Smith Sued for Sexual Harassment by Touring Violinist ([09:08])

• Allegations:
  • Brian King Joseph, a violinist, claims Smith groomed and harassed him during the 2025 “Based on a True Story” tour.
  • Lawsuit describes uncomfortable incidents during tour, including a hotel room break-in, mysterious note, and items left by an unknown person (including HIV meds with someone else’s name).
  • Claims management failed to protect Joseph, then terminated his employment after he reported the incident.

“You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” — Alleged quote by Will Smith to Brian King Joseph (10:29)

• Post-incident fallout:
  • Joseph reported the break-in, was “shamed” and terminated.
  • Another violinist hired for the tour, alleged as proof the termination was pretextual.
  • Joseph claims severe distress, loss of income, and PTSD as a result.

“Plaintiff suffered from PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination.” — Narration of lawsuit claims (12:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Mack (on Kohberger’s grocery run):
  “Coburger was in the same target within two hours of … Bethany Funk.” ([01:20])

• Chris McDonough (on Kohberger in prison):
  “Kohberger has been making overtures to other high profile killers and sees himself above everyone around him.” ([02:55])

• David Williams (on burial plot):
  “I think the humanity or lack of it, the cruelty … was sort of unfathomable.” ([03:59])

• Sheriff David Clouse (on murder motive):
  “The one clear factor is there is a divorce underway and they were unable to reach an agreement.” ([07:34])

• Alleged Will Smith comment:
  “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” ([10:29])

Key Timestamps

• 01:08 — Kohberger store receipt breakthrough, prison complaints, and social isolation.
• 03:15 — Cemetery exhumation case; heartbroken family and legal battles.
• 06:24 — Arizona murder case: Farmer accused of killing estranged wife.
• 09:08 — Lawsuit: Will Smith accused of sexual harassment and grooming.
• 12:48 — Details on Joseph’s PTSD, lawsuit outcome, and distress.

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is fast-paced, empathetic, and unflinching, with Nancy Grace and correspondents providing factual analysis and highlighting the personal toll behind each major headline. The tone shifts between channeling the outrage and heartbreak of victims with direct, no-nonsense legal reporting and insights.

For listeners:
This episode offers a comprehensive, emotionally charged rundown of America’s headline-grabbing crimes, revealing both new forensic facts and the human aftermath of high-profile cases.