Podcast Summary:

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode: Toilet Training Horror: Nancy Says “Rot In Hell!” as Mom Gets Life Without Parole | Crime Alert 6AM 12.17.25
Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

In this intense episode, Nancy Grace details a shocking case out of Georgia where a mother, Sophia Williams, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal killing of her four-year-old son, Anthony Vice, after prolonged abuse relating to toilet training. The episode's main theme centers on the quest for justice in disturbing crimes against children, societal outrage, and the broader fight against heinous acts. Supplementing the main story, the episode features further crime alerts including a foiled New Year’s Eve bombing plot in California, and a Hanukkah hate crime in Southern California.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Georgia Mom Sentenced to Life for Potty Training-Related Murder

• Nancy Grace [00:00]: Opens with blunt outrage about the case — “Rot in hell, woman!” — expressing disbelief and anger at the brutality inflicted on a four-year-old boy for not being potty trained.
  • Quote: “Rot in hell, woman…” (Nancy Grace, 00:17)
• Drew Nelson [00:26]: Provides a comprehensive case overview.
  • Sophia Williams, 43, was convicted and sentenced to life without parole plus 10 years for the malice murder of her son, Anthony Vice.
  • Jury found her guilty of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, four counts of cruelty to children, and three counts of aggravated battery.
  • On March 6, 2020, police responded to an emergency where Anthony was found unresponsive with extensive new and old bruises.
  • Methods of Abuse: Williams admitted to beating him with her hand, a slipper, purse strap, and charging cord for toilet training failures.
  • A 13-year-old witness recounted the beating that rendered Anthony dizzy and ultimately unresponsive, with Sophia attempting to revive him unsuccessfully.
  • Williams delayed calling emergency services by nearly an hour, citing concern about Anthony’s visible injuries.
  • Medical Examiner’s Findings: Anthony died from blunt force trauma to the head. The examiner determined he likely would have survived had he received timely medical care.
  • Quote: “She delayed calling because of the bruises on his body.” (Drew Nelson, 01:52)

Timestamps for Main Story

• [00:00] – Nancy’s introduction and commentary
• [00:26] – Drew Nelson’s detailed report
• [02:26] – Transition to next story

2. Foiled Southern California New Year’s Eve Bomb Plot

• Drew Nelson [05:09]: Reports on the arrest of four suspects plotting to bomb multiple locations across Orange County and Los Angeles.
  • Federal authorities tracked suspects from the Turtle Island Liberation Front as they prepared bomb materials in the desert.
  • Law enforcement intervened before any explosive devices were completed.
  • Quote: “It included a step by step instructions to build IEDs... and listed multiple targets.” (Bill Asale, 05:51)
  • All suspects face charges of conspiracy and possessing unregistered destructive devices. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional accomplices exist.
  • Quote: “They had everything they needed to make an operational bomb at that location.” (Bill Asale, 06:37)

Timestamps for Bomb Plot

• [05:09] – Initial report from Drew Nelson
• [05:51] – Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Asale elaborates
• [06:33] – Arrest and charges detailed

3. Hanukkah Hate Crime Shooting in Redlands, California

• Drew Nelson [06:48]: Details a hate crime involving a Jewish family whose home was shot at during Hanukkah celebrations.
  • Three suspects shouted slurs, including references to “Free Palestine” and racial epithets, then fired over 20 rounds (likely from an airsoft gun) at the family’s house.
  • The attack occurred while the house was decorated for Hanukkah, with three family members inside.
  • Family Response: Father Roger Cohen emphasizes he won’t let hate dictate their lives.
    • Quote: “Our home is a home of joy. Our home is a home of peace... we like to just share our excitement to the world...” (Roger Cohen, 08:49)
  • Redlands police have escalated patrols at local places of worship and continue to investigate.
  • The incident left the family shaken, especially upon reviewing surveillance footage.
    • Quote: “Looking back, realizing that what he had in his hand was likely a gun and that he was that close to me really shakes me up.” (John Paul Cohen, 09:15)

Timestamps for Hate Crime Story

• [06:48] – Introduction to the Redlands attack
• [07:53] – Roger Cohen and family recount events and aftermath
• [08:49] – Family’s resolve and reflections
• [09:15] – Emotional impact on the son

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nancy Grace’s moral outrage at child abuse:
  • “Rot in hell, woman…” (00:17)
• Desperation and tragic consequences detailed by Drew Nelson:
  • “She delayed calling because of the bruises on his body.” (01:52)
  • “He appeared to be dizzy and fell to the floor. Unresponsive...” (Nelson quoting the 13-year-old witness, 01:28)
• On the bomb plot:
  • “It included a step by step instructions to build IEDs... and listed multiple targets...” (Bill Asale, 05:51)
  • “They had everything they needed to make an operational bomb at that location.” (Bill Asale, 06:37)
• From the hate crime victim:
  • “Our home is a home of joy. Our home is a home of peace... we like to just share our excitement to the world...” (Roger Cohen, 08:49)
  • “Looking back, realizing that what he had in his hand was likely a gun and that he was that close to me really shakes me up.” (John Paul Cohen, 09:15)

Episode Flow & Tone

• Tone: Direct, urgent, and compassionate — maximizing the impact of heinous crimes while encouraging resilience and vigilance against injustice.
• Emphasis: Justice for victims, harsh condemnation of perpetrators, and a rallying call to the audience for societal awareness.

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates Nancy Grace’s signature blend of fierce advocacy for victims, unvarnished reporting, and impassioned calls for justice. Covering the horror of child abuse, community-targeted hate, and terror threats, each story is delivered with clarity, empathy, and an unmistakable sense of urgency.

For ongoing updates on these and other cases, visit crimeonline.com or tune in to "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace."