Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode: Second Suspect Arrested in Brooklyn 7-Month-Old's Shooting | Crime Alert 04.06.26
Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Sydney Sumner (for segment), iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a fast-paced crime alert update focusing on two major cases:
- The arrest of a second suspect in the gang-related shooting death of 7-month-old Kaori Patterson Moore in Brooklyn, NY
- A random, fatal stabbing of an elderly woman in a Stuart, Florida neighborhood
Both segments highlight the chaos and tragedy of unexpected violent crime and the intensive efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The tone is urgent, emotional, and journalistic, reflecting the host's commitment to informing the public on crime and safety.
1. Brooklyn 7-Month-Old Shooting: Arrests and Investigation
[00:39 – 03:59]
Key Discussion Points
-
Incident Recap:
- 7-month-old Kaori Patterson Moore was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in a gang-related shooting in Brooklyn.
- The shooter fired from the back of a moped; two suspects were involved.
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Suspect Details:
- Murray Green, 21 – Identified as the suspected gunman. Taken into custody at the hospital where he was treated for a leg broken in a post-shooting crash (“Green, shoeless from the force of the crash, seen hopping on one foot, scrambling to gather belongings…” [01:15])
- Matthew Rodriguez, 18 – Driver of the moped. Prints found on the scooter led police to Rodriguez, arrested in Pennsylvania. (“Rodriguez taken into custody in Pennsylvania Friday evening with charges pending.” [01:56])
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Crime Scene and Evidence:
- The suspects crashed their moped after the shooting, captured on new surveillance footage.
- Two shell casings recovered; gun has not been found.
- NYPD recovered the moped and shoes belonging to Green at the crash scene.
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Gang Connection & Motive:
- Green is a known associate of the Marcy House gang. (“Greene is a known associate of the Marcy House gang, though Rodriguez's connection is less clear.” [02:30])
- Investigators are looking into whether the targeted person was Kaori’s father, possibly related to rivalry between Marcy and Bushwick Houses gangs.
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Victim’s Family:
- The family attempted to take shelter in a corner bodega; after the shooting, Kaori’s father rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she could not be revived.
- Kaori’s 2-year-old brother was grazed but is recovering at home.
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Emotional Responses:
- Kaori’s mother, Leona Charles Moore, posted a heart-wrenching tribute:
“I don't know what life is like without you, Kaori. My heart is aching, broken, and defeated. You are always so bubbly and happy, always smiling, always brightening up our moods. Me and Daddy and your brother love you forever.”
(Leona Charles Moore, [03:24]) - NYPD Chief Detective Joseph Kenney remarks on the ongoing investigation:
"We’re looking to see the possible connection between a beef between the Marcy Houses, Bushwick Houses...”
(Chief Joseph Kenney, [03:05])
- Kaori’s mother, Leona Charles Moore, posted a heart-wrenching tribute:
-
Legal Proceedings:
- Green arraigned from his hospital bed; held without bail, due back in court April 8.
Notable Quotes
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On Gang Links:
“He is not in our criminal group database as an Moe gang member, but based on the geography and where he was at that time, we're looking into that aspect.”
(Chief Detective Joseph Kenney, [03:05]) -
From Kaori’s Mother:
“My heart is aching, broken and defeated... Me and Daddy and your brother love you forever.”
(Leona Charles Moore, [03:24])
Important Timestamps
- [00:39] – Case introduction, shooting details
- [01:15] – Surveillance video and crash aftermath
- [01:56] – Second suspect identification/arrest
- [02:30] – Gang affiliations/motive
- [03:05] – Detective Kenney on potential motives
- [03:24] – Mother’s tribute / family update
2. Stuart, Florida Fatal Stabbing: Random Attack Shocks Community
[05:02 – 07:00]
Key Discussion Points
-
Incident Recap:
- An elderly woman was fatally stabbed while walking her dog in a quiet Florida neighborhood by a man who had been observed behaving suspiciously.
- “A quiet afternoon…turned into a scene of absolute horror Thursday.”
(Sydney Sumner, [05:02])
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Suspect Details:
- Kirsten Francilas, 25 – Approached several homes asking for a non-existent bank before attacking the victim.
- No prior criminal history, lived nearby with family.
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Attack and Immediate Response:
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The victim was stabbed “upwards of 16 times.”
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A civilian attempted but failed to intervene; a deputy arrived as the stabbing was in progress.
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On approach:
"Our suspect was on top of her...actively stabbing her. The civilian tried to intervene, could not get the male off of her..."
(Sheriff Dawn Budenciak, [06:22]) -
The suspect surrendered immediately upon police arrival, throwing down his knife and proning out.
-
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Weapon and Motive:
- Crime committed with a steak knife from suspect’s own kitchen.
- Motive unclear, but Francilas’ only description of the victim to police was her being Jewish, raising concerns about a hate crime.
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Victim Profile:
- A beloved 70-year-old woman, described as kind and cheerful.
- Police haven’t released her name pending family notification.
Notable Quotes
-
On Witness Accounts:
"He walked up to several front doors, knocked on the doors and then asked them where the new bank was... There’s no bank around here, but he asked several times..."
(Sheriff Dawn Budenciak, [05:37]) -
From Law Enforcement:
"When our deputy pulled up, he yelled for our deputy. Our deputy rounded the corner, hopped out of his car, pulled his gun out and immediately our suspect disengaged the female..."
(Sheriff Dawn Budenciak, [06:22]) -
On Motive:
"He spoke with law enforcement and did state that he killed her, and when asked to describe her, the only way he could describe her was that she was Jewish."
(Prosecutor’s statement, [06:54])
Important Timestamps
- [05:02] – Incident introduction
- [05:37] – Suspect’s pre-attack behavior
- [06:22] – Details of intervention / suspect’s surrender
- [06:54] – Motive speculation, legal developments
Takeaways & Final Notes
- The Brooklyn shooting case reflects the dangerous and unpredictable consequences of gang violence, innocent lives caught in the crossfire, and the long-reaching pain for victims’ families.
- The Florida stabbing case illustrates how sudden and senseless violence can devastate a community, with law enforcement facing the grim realities of random acts and underlying prejudices.
- Both stories highlight rapid investigative work by police and the emotional toll violent crime takes on survivors and neighborhoods.
For further updates, listeners are encouraged to follow the Crime Alert Hourly Update on their preferred podcast platform.
