Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Man Killed Confronting Line-Cutter at Convenience Store Toilet | Crime Alert 6AM 01.28.26
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Contributors: Drew Nelson, Ellen Gilland, Aaron Ruber

Episode Overview

In this daily Crime Alert episode, Nancy Grace spotlights several recent, emotionally gripping crimes across the U.S., focusing on everyday people affected by shocking violence and tragedy. The leading story details a fatal shooting at a Phoenix convenience store following a dispute over restroom access. The episode also covers the loss of a beloved Kansas teacher likely due to hypothermia and features an in-depth segment with a Florida woman convicted for the mercy killing of her terminally ill husband.

Key Stories & Insights

1. Fatal Shooting Over Line-Cutting — Phoenix, Arizona

[00:00 – 01:47]

• Incident Recap:
  Dannielyn Castor, 52, was shot and killed at a Phoenix gas station after confronting DeAndre Franklin, 25, for cutting the restroom line. Castor suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died at the scene. Franklin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

• Family’s Perspective:

  • The Castor family is devastated, struggling with the suddenness and senselessness of the crime.
  • Castor is remembered as kind, generous, and quick-witted, devoted to his family, his pets, and his truck.
  • The family is resolute in seeking justice and plans to attend every court hearing.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “He was funny, told really great jokes. He always had a huge heart for animals.” — Drew Nelson, relaying family memories of Castor [01:00]
  • “Danny was literally the person that would give you the shirt off of his back.” — Nancy Grace [01:05]
  • “He left for work on Friday. Now he's never coming home.” — Nancy Grace [01:14]
  • “Just want to say to him that I really love him and that I'm sorry that he had to go through this and that he was probably scared.” — Nancy Grace, quoting Castor's niece, Shelby [01:20]

2. Death of Kansas Teacher — Emporia, Kansas

[02:24 – 04:25]

• Incident Recap:
  Rebecca Ruber, a 28-year-old second-grade teacher at Riverside Elementary, was found deceased in the woods after going missing post a night out. Authorities suspect hypothermia following a night of heavy snow, with no evidence of foul play.

• Community Reaction:

  • The Emporia community mourns Ruber’s loss, highlighting her warmth, joyfulness, and unconditional kindness.
  • Colleagues and students recall the loving atmosphere she created, referring to her students as "Ruber’s Goobers."
  • Plans are underway to plant a flower garden at her school in her honor.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “The most chill, fun and relaxed person I've ever been around.” — Ellen Gilland, quoting fellow teacher Brandi Taylor [03:06]
  • “Favorite color was yellow and everyone knew it.” — Ellen Gilland [03:08]
  • “Just a goofy individual who just brought joy to everybody's life. ... She was incredibly smart, kind, funny, loving.” — Aaron Ruber, Rebecca’s brother [04:00]
  • “Didn't matter whether you're a mean, bully person, she would love you the next day. I think we should pass that on. Especially now.” — Aaron Ruber [04:19]

3. Euthanasia and Legal Fallout — Daytona Beach, Florida

[04:25 – 06:42]

• Incident Recap:
  Ellen Gilland, 79, reflects on the aftermath of shooting her terminally ill husband in a hospital, an act she describes as a desperate measure after running out of options. She served a year in prison and is now advocating for legalized medically assisted death in Florida.

• Personal Toll:

  • Gilland discusses the emotional devastation of her husband’s terminal diagnosis and her subsequent actions.
  • She details her harsh experience in prison, compounded by health crises such as a heart attack.
  • Life post-prison is fraught with difficulties: finding stable housing, employment, and adhering to the constraints of probation.

• Advocacy:
  Gilland expresses her “acceptance of consequences” but urgently calls for laws to give families facing terminal illness better options.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “I knew how difficult it would be to be without him. Not just my best friend, but all of the things that we did for each other.” — Ellen Gilland [05:17]
  • “Most of them would help you if you cornered them and said I need help. There were a few...that were very rude and shouting and name calling.” — Ellen Gilland on life in prison [05:48]
  • “Trying to find housing, trying to find a job, having to make it to parole or your probation officer.” — Ellen Gilland on adjusting to life post-release [06:19]
  • Gilland advocates for “medically assistant death” to be legalized, stressing the need for compassionate legal solutions [06:27]

Notable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• Confronting Violence with Everyday Courage

  • [01:05] Nancy Grace: “Danny was literally the person that would give you the shirt off of his back.”

• On Irreplaceable Loss

  • [01:14] Nancy Grace: “He left for work on Friday. Now he's never coming home.”

• A Teacher’s Unmatched Kindness

  • [03:06] Ellen Gilland: “The most chill, fun and relaxed person I've ever been around.”

• Family Forgiveness and Legacy

  • [04:19] Aaron Ruber: “Didn't matter whether you're a mean, bully person, she would love you the next day. I think we should pass that on.”

• The Dignity in Suffering

  • [05:17] Ellen Gilland: “I knew how difficult it would be to be without him. Not just my best friend, but all of the things that we did for each other.”

Episode Timestamps

• [00:00 – 01:47]: Phoenix shooting incident and victim’s family tributes
• [02:24 – 04:25]: Kansas teacher’s mysterious death, community tributes
• [04:25 – 06:42]: Ellen Gilland’s story, prison experience, and call for legal change

Summary & Takeaways

This Crime Alert episode from Nancy Grace delivers a raw, emotional snapshot of tragedies impacting ordinary Americans. Whether confronting violence, grieving senseless loss, or wrestling with the gray areas of end-of-life decisions, each story is handled with compassion and urgency. The use of personal anecdotes, family voices, and direct calls for justice turn headline crimes into deeply personal stories, extending the podcast’s mission to seek justice and keep victims’ memories alive.

Listeners are encouraged to support affected families, engage in community healing, and be part of the wider conversation on reform and compassion in the criminal justice system.

Additional Information

• For the latest developments and ongoing cases, listeners are directed to CrimeOnline.com.
• The show continues daily, emphasizing finding missing persons and solving unsolved homicides.