Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode: MIRACLE NMAMANI MISSING | Crime Alert Recap
Date: February 21, 2026
Overview
This episode centers on the urgent disappearance of 16-year-old Miracle Namamani from Pikesville, Maryland. Host Nancy Grace uses her platform and experience to amplify Miracle’s case and highlight other breaking crime stories, including the arrest of a prominent skating coach, a chilling spousal murder linked to an ex-American Idol contestant, and shocking child abuse allegations in Minnesota. The tone is urgent, concerned, and earnest, with repeated calls for public assistance and vigilance.
Miracle Namamani Missing – Main Segment
Key Facts & Details
Timestamps: [02:34] – [07:53]
- Victim Profile: Miracle Namamani, 16, described as "scrubbed in sunshine," standing 4'8", 125 lbs, seen with a backpack and cross-body purse, likely in a school uniform.
- Disappearance: Last observed at 12:30 AM (“00:30 hours”) in Pikesville, Maryland—a commuter suburb northwest of Baltimore, near major highways I-795 and Baltimore Beltway.
- Tip Line: 410-887-1279
Discussion Highlights
- Limited Publicity: “There’s very little out there about this precious girl, Miracle Namamani.” (Drew, [02:34])
- Geographic Risk:
- Drew voices concern about proximity to highways:
“A perp saw them from driving down the interstate, spotted them, went back, wiped out their family and stole the children. … That concerns me whenever I find out that a location is near an interstate.” ([04:03])
- Dave Mack underscores the transient nature of the community:
“We’re talking 695, 95 major highway thoroughfares going through there and very close to Baltimore. … She goes missing 12:30 at night in Pikesville. So was she communicating with somebody online? Was she meeting somebody?” ([05:03])
- Digital Dangers: Recurring reference to cases where teens “lured online” have disappeared from their own homes.
- Emotional Plea:
- Drew:
“Her life could hang in the balance. I want to bring her home unharmed and alive.” ([06:50])
- The urgency of sharing her photo and activating the community is stressed:
“She’s getting no traction. Nobody is out there looking for her. … Please put up the tip line because she’s getting no traction.” ([05:54])
- Unanswered Questions:
- Was she last seen by family or someone outside?
- Was she going to bed, or was she meeting someone?
- Why was she out at 12:30 AM on a school night?
Notable Quote:
“Can I tell you how many stories we have covered? How many investigations of girls missing out of their own bedroom, lured online? Is that what happened?” – Drew ([06:40])
Hourly Crime Alert – National Case Updates
1. Skating Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault
Timestamps: [11:59] – [14:00]
- Arrest: Benjamin Schrote, age 47, Dallas-based skating coach, charged with indecency and sexual assault involving athletes.
- Olympic Connection: Once coached Team USA skater Amber Glenn, who is competing in the Winter Olympics; ongoing impact on the skating community.
- Community & Athlete Effects:
“A lot of athletes are hesitant to come forward … coach is the person who holds your dreams in your hands.” – Beverly Wooden, former competitor and now counselor ([12:50]) “Most of your lessons are private lessons, so it’s you and the coach one on one.” ([13:12])
- Investigation: Case originated Feb. 15, ongoing.
2. Spousal Murder Linked to Former American Idol Contestant
Timestamps: [14:00] – [17:08]
- Suspect: Caleb Flynn, former American Idol Season 12 contestant, accused of orchestrating the murder of his pregnant wife, Ashley Flynn.
- Incident:
- Frantic 911 call about a supposed midnight burglary; authorities grew suspicious based on the scene.
- Ashley, a middle school volleyball coach and teacher, and her unborn child killed at home, while their two daughters were inside.
- Evidence:
- Crime scene staged; shell casings at foot of bed signaled inside job.
- Murder weapon found stashed in truck console.
- Community Reaction:
“You think you know your neighbors.” – John Lenning, neighbor ([16:19])
- Current Status: Caleb Flynn jailed on $2 million bond; motive still unknown.
Memorable Quote:
“The irony is deafening. During his Season 12 Idol audition, Flynn compared Ashley’s beauty to Carrie Underwood.” – Jennifer Gould ([14:53])
3. Child Abuse in Minnesota
Timestamps: [17:08] – [19:35]
- Suspects: Amber Lynn Raymond (31) criminally charged; boyfriend Basil Woods (25) assaulted a 10-year-old girl.
- Incident:
- Assault filmed and reported to authorities; Woods wore boxing gloves, hit the girl multiple times while shouting at her.
- Home described as “chaotic and unsanitary” with animal waste and locked refrigerator.
- Raymond admitted to “asking the man to help her with the girl,” but claims “the use of gloves was intended for playful boxing.”
- Child’s Outcome: Girl hospitalized, now in a safe home.
- Legal: Both suspects remain in custody; hearings set for late February/early March.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Drew on digital dangers and urgency:
“How many investigations of girls missing out of their own bedroom, lured online? Is that what happened? Her life could hang in the balance. I want to bring her home unharmed and alive.” ([06:40])
- Jennifer Gould on spousal betrayal:
“The irony is deafening. During his Season 12 Idol audition, Flynn compared Ashley’s beauty to Carrie Underwood. … Now Caleb remains in Miami County Jail as the case unfolds, the motive remains a mystery.” ([14:53]–[17:08])
- Beverly Wooden on coach-athlete relationships:
“A lot of athletes are hesitant to come forward right away because the coach is the person who holds your dreams in your hands and it’s hard challenge them or speak up about it when they could potentially ruin your career...” ([12:50])
Key Takeaways
- The episode’s central plea is for the public’s help in finding Miracle Namamani, using the power of media and social networks to amplify her missing persons case.
- Several stories highlight the dangers that may lurk online and in close-knit relationships—whether in sports, marriages, or families.
- Urgent warning signs are raised regarding locations with close proximity to highways and digital communications.
- Ongoing support and legal proceedings are being discussed for the cases involving vulnerable victims such as children and athletes.
Important Timestamps
- [02:34] – Miracle Namamani case introduction and background
- [05:03] – Analysis of Pikesville’s geography and risk factors
- [06:50] – Key plea regarding Miracle’s case and digital dangers
- [11:59] – Figure skating coach arrested segment
- [14:00] – American Idol-linked spousal murder case
- [17:08] – Child abuse charges in Minnesota
Crime Stoppers Tip Line for Miracle Namamani:
410-887-1279
Share her photograph and information; community involvement is crucial.
This episode provides a compelling, detail-rich update designed to catalyze awareness, vigilance, and action from listeners nationwide.
