Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Mother Says Missing Woman’s BF ‘Extremely Abusive’ | Crime Alert 6AM 11.21.25

Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Sydney Sumner (for Crime Alert update)
Podcast Feed: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode delivers updates on high-profile and disturbing crime stories, focusing on the disappearance of Danielle Staley in California amid serious allegations against her long-time boyfriend. The episode also covers other shocking cases, including a double homicide in Ohio and a patricide in Connecticut, offering details on suspects' backgrounds and the ongoing investigations. The tone is factual, urgent, and compassionate with an undercurrent of advocacy for victims.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disappearance of Danielle Staley (Utah Woman Missing in California)

• Victim: Danielle Staley, 35 years old, originally from Utah, missing since November 7.

• Last Seen: At a bonfire near Rio del Mar State Beach, Aptos, California, around 11:30pm (01:08)

• Companion: Longtime boyfriend, Alex Nunez (62), present at the bonfire, claims innocence and is participating in the search.

• Relationship History: Staley's family describes Nunez as "extremely abusive and manipulative," with a turbulent 13-year relationship (01:33).

• Living Situation: Couple had been living in a camper on the California coast since late October.

• Evidence: Danielle's belongings were found on the beach; no indicators she entered the water.

• Family Concerns: Staley’s mother, April Miller, called out repeated worries for her daughter’s safety (01:55).

  • Notable Quote:
    Sydney Sumner (attributing to April Miller):

    "Danielle's family has been concerned the entire time. The pair has dated on and off for around 13 years." (01:55)

• Boyfriend's Response:

  • Nunez is willing to take a polygraph test, suggests Danielle may have had a drug relapse (02:07).

• Police Involvement:

  • Nunez is not named as a suspect and is cooperating.
  • Authorities seek any surveillance and security footage from surrounding areas (02:19).

• Description and Appeal:

  • Danielle Staley: White, 5ft 6in, 120 lbs, blonde hair, last seen in a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard print leggings (02:26).
  • Public plea for info: Contact Santa Cruz County Police at 831-471-1121.

2. Double Homicide in Ohio: Arrest Across Borders

• Incident:
  • Maxwell Anatra, 24, suspected of killing his parents, Lisa (61) and Matthew (63) Anatra, in Crestline, Ohio (04:40).
• Timeline:
  • Police called for a welfare check after Lisa did not show up at work; bodies found in their home and garage.
  • Maxwell seen at home the night before, then unreachable.
  • Attempted to flee, was arrested in Canada, and is currently in Michigan awaiting extradition to Ohio.
• Notable Quote:

  "Family members told police that their son Maxwell Anatra had been at the home the previous night but was now unreachable by phone." (05:22)

• Current Status:
  • Held at St. Clair County Jail on an Ohio murder warrant.

3. Patricide in Connecticut: A Troubled History

• Suspect:
  • Joshua Popeolarcik, 31, charged with killing his father, David Pope Larchik (62), details limited due to sealed arrest warrant (06:14).
• Background:
  • Prior convictions for violence, including strangulation and suffocation (06:25).
  • Details from earlier police interactions reveal a disturbing pattern of violent and erratic behavior, escalating from assault to rape (06:28–07:40).
• Victim Testimony:
  • Anonymous woman, met Popeolarcik in rehab, recounts intense violence and manipulation, including being forced to drive while assaulted (06:45).
• Police Observations:
  • Visible signs of abuse on the victim; while charges not fully pursued, the history is well documented (08:00).
• Notable Quote:
  • Sydney Sumner, sharing the victim’s account:

    "He became increasingly violent, often pushing and slapping her and wrapping his hands around her neck. She said he punched her and strangled her, including once when she was lying down for a nap." (07:08)

Memorable Quotes

• On Surveillance Hope:

  "There's cameras there. There's a whole private subdivision there that is nothing but cameras. There has to be some video surveillance of something, cars going in and out at that particular time between around 11 o'clock and about 6 in the morning."
  (Sydney Sumner, paraphrasing the urgency for surveillance, 02:14)

• On Family Fears:

  "Danielle's family has been concerned the entire time. The pair has dated on and off for around 13 years."
  (Attributed to April Miller, 01:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Danielle Staley’s Disappearance Overview: 01:08 – 03:00
• Ohio Double Homicide, Maxwell Anatra Case: 04:40 – 06:14
• Patricide in Connecticut, Joshua Popeolarcik’s Violent History: 06:14 – 08:44

Tone and Language

• Direct, concise, and driven by the facts.
• Empathetic to victims and their families.
• Emphasis on public involvement and vigilance.

Conclusion

This update-packed episode spotlights Danielle Staley’s highly suspicious disappearance, underlining deep family fears and a troubling relationship with her boyfriend. Additional cases enforce the podcast's ethos of urgent, unvarnished reporting on injustice and violence, motivating listeners to assist investigations and stay alert to ongoing crime stories in their communities.