Podcast Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Two Teachers of the Year Behind Bars for Heinous Crimes Against Children | Crime Alert 12.05.25
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline – News read by Sydney Sumner

Overview

This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" delivers a grim look at three disturbing crime stories making headlines. The central focus is on two former Teachers of the Year—one from Alabama and one from South Carolina—who have been arrested for heinous acts against children. The episode also briefly highlights the chilling case of an international murder driven by a deadly online connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alabama Teacher Arrested for Child Abuse

[00:37-02:06]

• Incident: Nicole Staples, an elementary teacher and recent Teacher of the Year at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, was arrested and charged with willful abuse of a child under 18 after a video surfaced showing her beating her son with a belt over 20 times, yelling obscenities, and violently pulling his hair.
• Video Evidence: The footage, described as "very disturbing and hard to watch," depicted physical and verbal abuse in the child's home.
• School Response: Staples was put on administrative leave and subsequently fired after her arrest.
  • Quote (School administrator Chris Brazell, 01:31):
    “Cottage Hill Christian Academy prioritizes the well-being of children above all else. We will always act promptly, transparently and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.”
• Legal Proceedings: Nicole Staples, 44, is awaiting a court bond hearing.

2. South Carolina Teacher Pleads Guilty to Harassment and Stalking

[02:06-03:41]

• Offender: Dylan Robert Dukes, 27, a former Teacher of the Year at Starr Elementary, Anderson County.
• Crimes: Sent over 60 love letters to a student, stalked her after she left the school, joined her church, gave gifts, and provided unwanted physical contact (hugs), starting in 2023.
• Mother's Testimony:
  • Quote (Victim’s mother, 02:56):
    “My child has had to endure moments of uncomfortability in places like church, school, and sports where my child should be comfortable and able to enjoy being a child.”
• Police Investigation: No sexual photos found, but evidence suggested behavior could have escalated.
• Outcome:
  • Dukes pleaded guilty to first degree harassment.
  • Sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for five years’ probation.
  • Must surrender his teaching certificate, undergo mental health counseling, and adhere to a permanent restraining order.

3. Florida Man Charged with Murder After International Online Connection

[05:11-08:07]

• Background: Sonia Exelby, a UK citizen experiencing serious mental health issues, connected with Dwayne Hall, 53, on a fetish website where she sought someone to kill her.
• Events: Exelby flew to Florida, was later found dead in a shallow grave. Evidence included a confession, digital tracing (bank cards, messages), and physical evidence (shovel with matching DNA and label; knife with Exelby’s blood).
• Hall’s Claims: Asserted he tried to dissuade Exelby from suicide and admitted to violent tendencies; also recorded himself interrogating Exelby post-abuse.
• Victim’s Message:
  • Quote (from Exelby to a friend, 07:22):
    “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him.… I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew.”
• Legal Outcome: Hall charged with murder, kidnapping, credit card fraud, and unlawful communication—denied bond.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• School Holds Firm on Child Safety

  • “We will always act promptly, transparently and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community.” – Chris Brazell, Administrator, [01:31]

• Victim’s Mother on Childhood Interrupted

  • “My child has had to endure moments of uncomfortability … where my child should be comfortable and able to enjoy being a child.” – Victim’s Mother, [02:56]

• Exelby in Despair

  • “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. … I thought he’d do it quick and not give my mind time to stew.” – Sonia Exelby (Discord message), [07:22]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Alabama Teacher Abuse Case: [00:37-02:06]
• South Carolina Teacher Harassment Case: [02:06-03:41]
• Florida Fetish Murder Case: [05:11-08:07]

Tone

The reporting is clear, direct, and empathetic, aiming to highlight the real-world impacts of these crimes, especially on children and vulnerable victims, while underscoring the seriousness of criminal behavior and the need for institutional accountability.

For listeners:
This episode underlines a troubling reality: even those lauded for their community roles can become perpetrators of serious crimes. The stories serve as a sobering reminder to remain vigilant and prioritize child safety above all.