Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Man Praised for Fire Rescue Attempt Now Accused of Killing Neighbor | Crime Alert 6AM 12.15.25

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Producer: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace explores several shocking recent crime stories, focusing first on the dramatic case of a New Jersey man once celebrated as a hero for attempting to rescue his elderly neighbor from a house fire—only to now become the prime suspect in her murder. The episode also covers the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, a failed holiday drone smuggling attempt at a correctional institution, and the ongoing disappearance of Craig Melton.

Main Story: From Hero to Homicide Suspect

Key Points

• Alleged Heroism Now Under Suspicion
  William Aile, 70, was initially praised for trying to rescue his longtime neighbor, 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell, from a house fire. He told police he was walking his dog when he saw flames and entered her home via the open garage.

  • Nancy Grace challenges the narrative:

    “That’s not exactly what happened. We’ll find out what did happen in court.” (Nancy Grace, 00:13)

• Official Charges and Evidence
  Authorities in Union County, NJ, have charged Aile with first-degree murder, felony murder, burglary, and aggravated arson.

  • Important evidence cited:
    • Surveillance footage of Aile entering Cranwell’s garage multiple times
    • A gas can with Aile’s DNA found behind Cranwell’s ottoman
    • Fire determined to be intentionally set
    • Medical examiner rules death a homicide
  • Aile is being held without bail pending his next court appearance.

    "The evidence led detectives to El as a suspect, rather than a hero." (News Reporter, 01:33)

Notable Quote

• Nancy Grace:

  "That's not exactly what happened. We'll find out what did happen in court." (00:13)

Key Timeline

• [00:01] Headline Presented
• [00:28] Charges and Investigation Details
• [01:48] Segment Ends

Additional Crime Stories Covered

1. Hollywood Tragedy: Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead

Key Points

• Rob Reiner (renowned director/actor) and wife Michelle found deceased in their Los Angeles home.
• Bodies discovered by fire department; deaths currently under investigation.
• Their son, Nick, is being questioned by police amid reports of his long history with drug addiction and estrangement.

  "Sources close to the situation say that now police are interviewing the son in relation to the deaths of his parents." (News Reporter, 04:18)

Timeline

• [02:57] News breaks of deaths
• [04:34] Background and investigation details

2. Festive Attempt Foiled: Prison Drone Smuggling

Key Points

• A drone delivering a holiday meal (steaks, crab legs, Old Bay, and marijuana) to inmates at Lee Correctional Institution (South Carolina) was intercepted.
• Correctional officials thwarted the planned feast and confiscated the drone and contraband.

  "No holiday feast for these inmates." (News Reporter, 05:23)

Timeline

• [04:34] Incident described
• [05:28] Outcome and commentary

3. Ongoing Disappearance: Craig Melton

Key Points

• Craig Melton, 34, disappeared after offering a ride to two men from Fargo to Belcourt, North Dakota (about 250 miles).
• Melton’s car was found abandoned near Belcourt, with significant damage, and he has been missing for over two years.
• Law enforcement and family seek tips from the public.

  “If you have information on his disappearance, please contact... Fargo PD 701-235-4493.” (Crime Alert Narrator, 06:05)

Timeline

• [05:28] Story begins
• [06:16] Public appeal issued

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nancy Grace:

  "That’s not exactly what happened. We’ll find out what did happen in court." (00:13)

• News Reporter:

  "The evidence led detectives to El as a suspect, rather than a hero." (01:33) "Sources close to the situation say that now police are interviewing the son in relation to the deaths of his parents." (04:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–01:48: Main story – William Aile’s transition from ‘hero’ to murder suspect.
• 02:57–04:34: Rob Reiner and wife’s deaths under investigation.
• 04:34–05:28: Drone smuggling attempt into South Carolina prison.
• 05:28–06:16: Disappearance of Craig Melton; call for public assistance.

Tone & Language

• Direct, urgent reporting style, true to Nancy Grace's investigative tone.
• Focuses on hard facts, law enforcement commentary, and public appeals.
• Quotes and summaries remain close to original broadcast speech.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a packed lineup of recent high-profile crime stories, anchored by the shocking twist in the “hero” fire rescue case. With a focus on delivering facts, investigative updates, and appeals for public help, Nancy Grace provides both a digest of headline-making cases and her trademark no-nonsense analysis. The mix of cases—from celebrity tragedy to local disappearances—showcases the wide scope of her daily crime coverage.