Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Mom Allegedly Filmed Upbeat TikTok Dance in Hospital Room as Weeks‑Old Son Lay Dying From "Abusive Head Trauma"

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Crime Alert segment with Nicole Parton (filling in for Nancy Grace)

Episode Overview

This Crime Alert update dives into several tragic and headline-grabbing crime stories, focusing primarily on the disturbing case of two young parents charged with the murder of their 7-week-old son in Washington state. The episode explores the events leading up to the baby's death, the parents' actions—including a controversial TikTok video filmed in the hospital—and the legal developments in the case. Additional coverage includes a violent domestic homicide in West Virginia and a major missing children recovery operation in California.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tragedy in Washington: 7-Week-Old Dies from Abusive Head Trauma

• Parents Charged:

  • Alyssa Jade Vanderbeeck (19) and Mark Anthony Clammer (21) are charged with second-degree murder, with Clammer also facing homicide by abuse.
    (00:03 – 00:46)

• Timeline & Hospitalization:

  • The infant, referred to as N.C., was critically injured and admitted to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital on March 4. He died on March 9.
  • Medical examiners found “multiple severe injuries including hemorrhages and a brain injury consistent with abusive head trauma.” The death was ruled a homicide.
    (00:03 – 01:21)

• Parental Admissions and Delayed Response:

  • Clammer admitted to police that he “jerked” the baby aggressively when the child became fussy.
  • There was nearly an hour delay before 911 was called after the baby became unresponsive.
  • Vanderbeeck awoke to Clammer putting the baby down, and after a shower, they found him unresponsive and tried to wake him by shaking him in panic.
    (01:21 – 01:52)

• Disturbing TikTok Video:

  • Vanderbeeck allegedly recorded videos of her distressed infant and sent them to family seeking help. Later, investigators discovered a TikTok video showing Vanderbeeck dancing to upbeat music in the hospital bathroom while her son lay dying.
    (01:52 – 02:56)

• Behavioral Observations:

  • Law enforcement and hospital staff noted the parents’ behavior was “unusual given the severity of the situation.”
    (02:56 - 03:10)

• Legal Developments:

  • Both parents are held on $1 million bond.
  • Vanderbeeck appeared visibly emotional in court footage.
    (03:10 – 03:31)

Notable Quotes

• “[Clammer] admitted to handling the baby roughly, acknowledging that he had jerked the child in a way that he recognized was too hard.”
  — Nicole Parton (00:46)
• “It was discovered that the couple delayed calling 911 for about an hour after noticing the baby was in distress.”
  — Nicole Parton (01:06)
• “Investigators later discovered a TikTok video filmed by Vanderbeeck at her son’s bedside, showing her dancing in the hospital bathroom to upbeat music.”
  — Nicole Parton (02:56)
• “He had some severe injuries that they didn’t know the exact cause from but didn’t think they were accidental.”
  — Unnamed investigator audio clip (02:48)

2. West Virginia: Domestic Homicide and Child Endangerment

• Incident Summary:

  • Leroy Hunt (35) is accused of first-degree murder after his wife, Christina Hunt, was found shot to death, concealed under a blanket on their porch.
  • The couple’s two-year-old child was present but unharmed.
    (05:16 – 07:23)

• Arrest Details:

  • A neighbor requested a wellness check, leading to the grim discovery.
  • After a police standoff, Leroy Hunt surrendered without further incident.
    (06:13 – 06:59)

Notable Quotes

• “Leroy Hunt allegedly murdered his wife Christina Hunt as she was returning home...”
  — Nicole Parton (06:36)
• “Authorities assert that Leroy Hunt endangered the child’s safety when he reportedly shot his wife.”
  — Nicole Parton (06:46)

3. California: Major Missing Children Rescue Operation

• Operation Safe Return:

  • Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. coordinated an initiative spanning three states, identifying 50+ missing children and rescuing 37, most teens aged 14-17, some victims of sex trafficking and assault.
    (07:23 – 08:27)

• Collaborative Effort:

  • The rescue was achieved with help from federal and local agencies, including LAPD and the California Highway Patrol.
  • Seven arrests were made, including a Homeland Security case related to child sex trafficking.
    (07:49 – 08:24)

• Support for Survivors:

  • Sheriff Bianco emphasized comprehensive support and advocacy for rescued children, ensuring access to medical care and resources.
    (08:26 – 08:38)

Notable Quotes

• “Our sex trafficking occurs through hotels, events and online apps.”
  — Sheriff Chad Bianco (08:12)
• “Each of the children had ties to Riverside County, the sheriff emphasized.”
  — Nicole Parton (08:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Washington Infant Death Case:
  00:03 – 03:31

• West Virginia Domestic Homicide:
  05:16 – 07:23

• California Missing Children Rescue:
  07:23 – 08:38

Memorable Moments

• The profound disconnect between the gravity of the child’s health crisis and Vanderbeeck’s decision to film an upbeat dance in the hospital—highlighted by the investigators' and hospital staff’s shock (02:56).
• The heartbreaking details of parents’ panic and poor decision-making following their son’s critical injury (01:52).
• The scale of Operation Safe Return—a rare positive outcome in the world of missing child investigations, with dozens of lives potentially turned around (07:23 – 08:38).

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a somber, fact-focused, and at times incredulous tone, especially when describing the parents' actions in Washington. Nicole Parton’s delivery is steady, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of each case.

Conclusion

This Crime Alert episode tackles some of the week’s most disturbing cases, focusing first on a baby’s death from alleged abuse and parental neglect in Washington, then pivoting to other headline cases. The stories are rendered in exacting detail, relying heavily on police reports, autopsy findings, and direct quotes from officials. Each segment is a confronting snapshot of crime’s impact on families and communities—and a testament to the ongoing work of law enforcement.