Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Timothy Busfield Seeks Pre‑Trial Release, Submits Polygraph as Melissa Gilbert Appeals to Judge
Date: January 19, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace zeroes in on recent and shocking crime news, including Emmy Award winner Timothy Busfield’s legal troubles and pre-trial detention, with defense moves involving a polygraph and an impassioned appeal letter from wife Melissa Gilbert. The episode also covers a chilling parricide case in Tennessee and the search for missing cyclist James Solak. Throughout, Grace and her correspondents maintain a hard-hitting, urgent tone.

Main Segment: Timothy Busfield's Pre-Trial Battle

Background & Allegations

• Timothy Busfield, Emmy-winning actor and director, known for The West Wing and husband to Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, faces serious allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a minor on a TV set in New Mexico.

• Busfield has voluntarily taken and passed an independent polygraph denying the claims.

  "[Busfield's] lawyer... says the West Wing actor passed a voluntary independent polygraph test denying all claims."
  — Nancy Grace (00:01)

Legal Developments

• Busfield surrendered to authorities and was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance.

• Additional accusations surfaced: NM prosecutors allege a separate incident involving a then-16-year-old girl, reported by her father, occurred "several years ago".

  "Law enforcement officers received a report Thursday from the alleged victim's father who said Busfield kissed his 16 year old daughter and inappropriately touched her, quote, several years ago."
  — Nicole Parton (00:26)

• The investigation began in November 2024, following a hospital report regarding another case of suspected sexual abuse involving twin boy actors.

• Busfield’s defense has submitted a filing listing 13 potential witnesses, notably including Melissa Gilbert, and showcasing considerable community support (75 letters from family and colleagues).

Melissa Gilbert’s Support

• Gilbert stands “resolutely” by her husband, both as a defense witness and through a heartfelt letter to the judge.

• In her letter, Gilbert details their history, Busfield’s devotion to family, his positive influence on her son, and his ‘solid moral compass.’ She draws attention to the pain her family is experiencing and her trust in the justice system to protect him.

  "Tim Busfield is my love, my rock, my partner in business and life. His joy, humor and quick wit light up my days. He is the heartbeat of our vibrant and loving extended family."
  — Melissa Gilbert, as read by Nicole Parton (01:37)

  "As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now. And I think that more than anything else is what is truly heartbreaking. I'm relying on you to protect him for me."
  — Melissa Gilbert, as read by Nicole Parton (02:40)

• Next Legal Step: A preliminary hearing is set for January 29.

Key Quotes

• Nancy Grace: "Allegations mount against Emmy Award winner Timothy Busfield... His lawyer trying to deflect, says... [he] passed a voluntary independent polygraph test denying all claims." (00:01)
• Nicole Parton: "Gilbert described her bond with her husband, recalling their initial meeting in the 1980s..." (01:37)

Additional Case: Parricide in Tennessee

Case Summary

• Incident: Zachary Justin Hayes, 25, killed his mother, Kimberly Hayes, while she was watching TV; he also killed her cat, drank, then finished the TV show before going to bed.

• Discovery: The next day, a coworker found the gruesome scene after Kimberly missed work.

• Hayes’ Statement: He confessed, admitting to the murder with startling nonchalance and offering no clear motive.

  "I was not looking forward to it, planning it. I just saw her watching television and decided it's a good night to kill my mother."
  — Zachary Hayes, quoted by Nancy Grace (04:09)

• Legal Outcome: Hayes, now 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and related charges and received a 37-year sentence.

Timestamps

• Case Introduction: 03:36
• Direct Quote: 04:09
• Sentencing Update: 05:16

Missing Person Alert: James Solak

Case Overview

• James Solak was on a solo cross-country bicycle journey from Michigan to North Carolina.

• On April 8, after reporting to family that he lost his backpack containing crucial items, all communication ceased.

• Last known phone activity: Clarksville, Maryland.

• Physical description and a call to action provided for public assistance.

  "If you have info on James Solak, please call Central Berks, Pennsylvania PD 610-779-1100." (06:13)

Timestamps

• Case Introduction: 05:24
• Contact Info: 06:13

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Melissa Gilbert’s moving plea:
  "As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now. And I think that more than anything else is what is truly heartbreaking. I'm relying on you to protect him for me." (02:40, read by Nicole Parton)

• Zachary Hayes’ chilling confession:
  “I just saw her watching television and decided it’s a good night to kill my mother.” (04:09)

Conclusion

Nancy Grace’s episode this morning is marked by thorough, unsparing coverage of high-profile and harrowing crimes—from the uncertain fate of Timothy Busfield to a family tragedy in Tennessee, and the urgent search for a missing cyclist. The emotional stakes are high, with Melissa Gilbert’s testimony embodying the pain and complexity of defending a loved one, while the details of other stories provide raw insight into the unpredictable fabric of real-life crime.