A grandmother's trial is set to start. An international fugitive faces a jury. And digital go bags.

Summary

Dateline NBC: A Grandmother's Trial, an International Fugitive, and Digital Go Bags

Episode Release Date: August 14, 2025

Overview

In this riveting episode of Dateline NBC, listeners are taken through a series of compelling true-crime stories, including the impending trial of Donna Adelson for murder, the high-profile case of international fugitive Nicholas Rossi, and insightful discussions on modern emergency preparedness with digital go bags. The episode provides in-depth investigations, expert analyses, and exclusive interviews, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each case.

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1. Donna Adelson's Murder Trial

Background

Donna Adelson, the matriarch of a prominent family of dentists in Florida, is set to stand trial for the murder of her former mother-in-law, Dan Markell. The case has captivated the community for over a decade, with Donna pleading not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation.

Family Dynamics and Motive

Donna's involvement is deeply rooted in a bitter custody battle following her son Dan's divorce from her daughter Wendy. Prosecutors allege that Donna's determination to keep her grandchildren in Miami led her to orchestrate a murder-for-hire plot to eliminate Dan.

• Donna's Influence:

  "You gotta fight this guy," Donna urged her daughter Wendy via email, showcasing her relentless push against the custody arrangement (04:02).

Evidence Against Donna

The prosecution's case hinges on circumstantial evidence, including a recorded conversation where Donna seemingly implicates herself. An FBI sting operation captured Donna discussing fleeing the country to evade law enforcement, which prosecutors argue indicates her consciousness of guilt.

• Recorded Conversation:

  "You probably. General idea what I'm talking about," Donna said in a phone call following the FBI's undercover intervention (05:41).

Trial Developments

As the trial date approaches, key testimonies and strategic defense moves are set to shape the courtroom drama. Donna's decision to testify, similar to her son's earlier trial strategy, adds another layer of intrigue.

• Defense's Strategy:

  Donna's lawyer plans to testify about her fear of the Latin Kings gang, emphasizing her claimed innocence and portraying the prosecution's case as flawed (08:09).

Jury Selection and Expectations

With jury selection scheduled to begin, the defense and prosecution are preparing for a potentially intense trial process, especially with new witnesses like Donna's estranged brother, Rob Adelson, potentially coming forward.

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2. International Fugitive: Nicholas Rossi's Trial

Background

Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Oliverdian and Arthur Knight, is an American fugitive who evaded capture by faking his death in 2020. His tumultuous journey from the United States to Scotland, and eventual extradition, has been a focal point of Dateline's investigative reporting.

Alias and Capture

Rossi maintained various identities to escape legal repercussions for rape and fraud charges. His capture in Scotland followed a notable interview where he adamantly denied his true identity.

• Rossi's Denial:

  "I am not Nicholas Alan Rennie and I do not know how to make this clearer," Rossi asserted during his Scottish interview (12:40).

Trial Proceedings

Upon extradition, Rossi faced charges in Salt Lake City, Utah. His courtroom demeanor, marked by his polished appearance and use of an oxygen mask, underscored the high-stakes nature of his trial.

• Prosecution's Stance:

  "Yes, ma'," Rossi responded when asked about his actions, though the context suggests evasiveness (25:40).

Case Details

Rossi's criminal history dates back to 2008, with multiple allegations of sexual assault. The revelation of his DNA matching evidence from past crimes has fortified the prosecution's case, leading to his recent conviction of rape.

• Victim's Testimony:

  The alleged victim recounted how Rossi's charming facade turned controlling and abusive, culminating in his violent actions (17:22).

Upcoming Proceedings

Following his conviction, Rossi is slated for a second trial in September to address additional rape charges, keeping the legal saga alive and under public scrutiny.

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3. DATELINE Roundup

a. Tony Hayes' Acquittal in Wisconsin

Tony Hayes was accused of a triple homicide that occurred in 1992. The breakthrough came in 2022 when DNA evidence linked Hayes to the crime decades later. Despite the prosecution's reliance on his confession, the defense successfully argued its unreliability, leading to a not guilty verdict.

• Defense's Victory:

  "From the very moment that I met him and Nicole met him and our team did, we were 100% convinced of his innocence," Hayes’ attorney stated post-verdict (22:31).

b. Ryan Cooper's Murder Trial in Iowa

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ryan Cooper was murdered in 2021. His wife, Karina, and her lover, Houston Danker, were charged with his death. While Karina was convicted, Danker pled guilty to avoid a prolonged trial, resulting in life sentences without parole for both.

c. Alec Murdoch's Appeal in South Carolina

Alec Murdoch, convicted of murdering his wife and son, has filed an appeal citing judicial errors and misconduct by the Clerk of Court, Becky Hill. The Attorney General's office remains steadfast, asserting Murdoch's guilt and the appropriateness of the trial proceedings.

• AG's Rebuttal:

  "They were foolish and fleeting, but comments aren't the same as jury tampering," the Attorney General responded to Murdoch's claims (25:48).

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4. Digital Go Bags: Preparing for Emergencies

Expert Insights with Evie Pompous

In a segment dedicated to emergency preparedness, former Secret Service agent Evie Pompous provides valuable advice on assembling a digital go bag—an essential toolkit for safeguarding vital documents and personal information in the event of a disaster.

Essential Documents

Pompous emphasizes the importance of having digital copies of critical documents such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, passports, marriage licenses, Social Security cards, and wills. These can be stored on a secure flash drive to ensure accessibility when needed.

• Storing Documents:

  "You can store this on some type of flash drive. Usb, usb c, any type of drive," Pompous advises to maintain secure and portable copies (27:01).

Digital Security

While physical copies are recommended, Pompous acknowledges the practicality of using smartphones to store photos of documents. However, she warns of potential security risks associated with cloud storage, advocating for strong passwords and encryption.

• Protecting Digital Data:

  "Having things on the cloud, you just have to be extremely careful that you've got really strong passwords and security systems because clouds get hacked," she cautions (27:52).

Additional Tips

Pompous also suggests video documentation of household items for insurance purposes and maintaining a hard copy list of emergency contacts to ensure readiness even without access to digital devices.

• Emergency Contacts:

  "Use old school. You should write phone numbers down," Pompous recommends to ensure crucial information is always accessible (29:16).

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5. Upcoming Features and Events

Dateline Live in Nashville

Listeners are invited to join the Dateline NBC team in Nashville for Dateline Live, featuring panels with key team members, live demonstrations, and exclusive receptions. Tickets are available at DatelinePremium.com.

Future Episodes Highlight

During the episode's conclusion, Dateline NBC teases upcoming stories, including the long-unsolved disappearance of Kristen Smart, promising renewed attention and potential breakthroughs.

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Conclusion

This episode of Dateline NBC masterfully weaves multiple narratives, from high-profile trials to practical safety tips, offering listeners a thorough exploration of each topic. With expert interviews, detailed case analyses, and engaging storytelling, the podcast continues to uphold its reputation for delivering compelling true-crime content.

Notable Quotes:

• "You gotta fight this guy," Donna Adelson urging her daughter in custody battle (04:02)
• "I am not Nicholas Alan Rennie and I do not know how to make this clearer," Nicholas Rossi asserting his innocence (12:40)
• "From the very moment that I met him and Nicole met him and our team did, we were 100% convinced of his innocence," Hayes’ attorney (22:31)
• "You can store this on some type of flash drive. Usb, usb c, any type of drive," Evie Pompous on securing documents (27:01)

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture the essence and key elements of the Dateline NBC episode for those who have not listened.

Transcript

[Tom Yamas]

Taking over the helm of NBC nightly news, a 75 year old broadcast. It's a great responsibility. Good evening. I'm Tom Yamas. You have to go out there to bring people at home. Closer to the store. Wildfires continue to be a threat. With that massive hurricane comes the massive response. The best reporters in our business know how to listen. And when you listen, you get the truth for NBC News. For NBC News, I'm Tom Galmas. That's what we do every night. NBC Nightly News with Tom Yamas. Evenings on NBC. DATELINE is hitting the road for a first of its kind event and you're invited join the entire DATELINE team in Nashville, Tennessee, for DATELINE Live. Hear from Lester, Blaine, Andrea, Josh, Keith and Dennis. Plus, live demonstrations, a VIP reception and more. The true crime original like you've never seen before. Buy tickets to DATELINE live [e-mail] event. It would be a crime to miss it.

[Andrea Canning]

Hey, good morning.

[Brad Davis]

It's the start of another workday here at 30 Rockefeller Center.

[Andrea Canning]

A few new updates in the investigation here.

[Brad Davis]

The DATELINE team is catching up on breaking crime news. Her other husband was accused of killing his first wife.

[Tom Yamas]

There's another trial, too, right?

[Brad Davis]

He's been communicating with us sporadically from the jail. Welcome to DATELINE True Crime Weekly. I'm Andrea Canning. It's August 14th and here's what's on our docket In Utah, a verdict in the trial of a man prosecutors say faked his own death and fled across the Atlantic Ocean to escape justice. He was in Scotland when I interviewed him in one of the more unusual interviews of my time here at dateline.

[Tom Yamas]

Andrea, I am not Nicholas Alan Rennie and I do not know how to make this clearer.

[Brad Davis]

In DATELINE Roundup, the latest on Alec Murdoch's fight to overturn his conviction and dramatic endings for trials we've following in Wisconsin and Iowa, the reading of any verdict.

[Andrea Canning]

Everyone is on pins and needles and this courtroom was no different.

[Brad Davis]

Plus, staying safe in a natural disaster. We've got tips on how to make a digital go bag with everything you'd need in an emergency should something, let's.

[Evie Pompous]

Say, happen to your home and you can never go back. You want to have these documents with you.

[Brad Davis]

But before all that, we're taking you to a courthouse in Tallahassee where after more than a decade, the matriarch of a family of Florida dentists is about to go on trial for murder. In July 2014, respected FSU law professor Dan Markell was shot twice in the head as he pulled his car into the garage of his house. A years long investigation by police and the FBI uncovered a sprawling murder for hire plot which they say was orchestrated in part by none other than Dan's former mother in law, Donna Adelson. Next week, after several courtroom delays, Donna will finally face a jury. She has pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation. DATELINE producer Brad Davis, who has been covering this case from the beginning, is here to tell us what to watch out for in the weeks ahead. Brad, thanks so much for joining us.

[Tom Yamas]

Glad to be here.

[Brad Davis]

Okay, so Brad, tell us about the Adelson family. Who are they and how did Dan Markell fit into the family?

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah, the Adelsons were a wealthy family based in South Florida in the Miami area. The dad of the family, Harvey, was a successful dentist. He's married to Donna and she ran his office. And then they had three kids. Two sons, Charlie and Rob, and a daughter, Wendy, who was a lawyer. Dan Markell was married to Wendy and the couple had two children together. And they were living in Tallahassee, Florida, where he taught at FSU as a law professor. They got a divorce and it turned into a really awful, gruesome custody battle.

[Brad Davis]

And so according to prosecutors, Brad, Donna firmly took her daughter's side in this divorce, this custody battle.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah, there are a number of emails between Donna and her daughter Wendy where Donna was saying, you know, you gotta fight this guy. Donna was determined to get those kids to live down there in Miami close to her. But Dan needed to stay in Tallahassee. So that was, you know, something the court was not gonna allow. And she just kept on hammering Wendy that she's gotta fight him and do everything she can and use very harsh language to do.

[Brad Davis]

Is the custody battle then what prosecutors are alleging was the motive behind this murder plot?

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah, it really revolves around that. And there are some other characters in this who are really key to it all. What we know from the investigation is that Charlie the brother, enlisted the help of his girlfriend at the time, this woman named Catherine Magbanua, recruited two other men to do the hit. One was the father of her children, this man named Sigveda Garcia. And another man who was alleged to be a member of the Latin Kings, the gang, his name was Luis Rivera. They're all in prison now. Mcbanwa and one of the hitmen, Garcia, were both convicted of first grave murder at trial, and Rivera took a plea deal. And then the most recent trial was Charlie Adelson himself, who was convicted of murder along with solicitation. And conspiracy to commit murder.

[Brad Davis]

Wow. This is so convoluted and unbelievable that all these people, you know, would be involved in this. And now it's Donna's turn. What evidence does the prosecution have against her?

[Tom Yamas]

The case is largely circumstantial. You know, she wasn't a hit person. But the real key to their case, or at least one of them, is this conversation that Donna had that was caught on tape. The prosecutors say this proves that she was involved and that there's consciousness of guilt here on her part.

[Brad Davis]

Rod, you mentioned the audio.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah. The FBI, they set up this sting operation, they call it a bump, where the undercover agent comes in, he's, like, you know, just in disguise, and he is posing as a blackmailer who claims to sort of know Luis Rivera, one of the guys who's in prison by that point for this crime. And he confronts Don on the street and threatens to expose her and Charlie as being involved in the murder. And the FBI, by this point, were tapping Donna and Charlie's phones. And so immediately after this bump, Donna calls Charlie Adelson, her son. I got some. I got some paperwork hand delivered to me. You're being sued? No, that's what I thought it was. But I'm gonna need to talk to you. Okay. Does it involve me or other people? Well, probably the two of us, so you probably. General idea what I'm talking about. The prosecution says that, you know, her saying that, it's like, okay, then you were involved. You were implicating yourself, you know?

[Brad Davis]

Yeah. That's tough, though, you know, because to. To prove that, yes, they were absolutely talking about a murder. I mean, that's difficult.

[Tom Yamas]

It is. It is tough. And, yeah, the jury has to weigh that and decide.

[Brad Davis]

Investigators say there was another call between Donna and Charlie after Charlie's conviction that got their attention.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah. One of the interesting things of this case is that Donna and Charlie Adelson speak a lot together on the phone. And when he was convicted, she got on the phone with him. She says, you know, that she and her husband had been looking to fleeing to a country without an extradition treaty, that they would be leaving the country. We've looked at all the places. I mean, I could go to Korea and China, but there's no extradition. But we're looking for places where there's no extradition. So the prosecution looks at this, and they say, hey, they're seriously talking about fleeing the country. And this could be our, you know, our last opportunity to arrest Don Adelson. And so they go to the Miami airport, the FBI and arrest her as her husband is standing there while they're right about to get on a plane flying to initially Dubai and then eventually to Vietnam. They had one way tickets, and she has said that they were going. This was a vacation and so forth. And it's like, well, maybe so. But that's gonna be a big hurdle for the defense.

[Brad Davis]

And Donna's lawyer asked the judge to exclude it from the evidence the jury will hear at the trial. How did the judge rule on that?

[Tom Yamas]

On Friday, they had a final pretrial hearing in the case where a number of logistical issues were settled. And he said, no, the jury can hear it and decide for themselves.

[Brad Davis]

Another piece of big news out of that hearing. The defense seems to be leaning toward Donna taking the stand just like her son Charlie did.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah, that was certainly news. It looks like. I mean, unless something changes, which it could, that she will be testifying in her own defense, which will be really interesting to watch.

[Brad Davis]

So Donna's lawyer says that she's planning to testify about her fear of the Latin King's gang.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah, that's one of the things that she talks about. Her defense makes the case that her demeanor on the phone calls and especially after the bump, the FBI sting operation, that this is showing that she was very. Because she knows that this man is connected to the Latin Kings. And that's been a big issue. The prosecution doesn't want the Latin Kings to be mentioned because they don't want it to be prejudicial against their witness Luis Rivera, who's going to testify.

[Brad Davis]

Okay. So, Brad, jury selection is scheduled to start on Tuesday.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah. The judge is saying, he said in this last hearing that There are about 300 prospective jurors. Could take two or three days. That's about how long it's taken for these previous trials.

[Brad Davis]

Brad, anything you expect to be different this time? I mean, this is now the fourth trial in this case.

[Tom Yamas]

Yeah. What's interesting, this will be the first time we hear from Rob Adelson, who is the other son, who is basically estranged from the family, from his. From his parents and his sister Wendy. Charlie is on the witness list too. He may testify for the prosecution, which will be interesting if it happens. I'm skeptical if he will just because he's got an appeal pending still. So it'll be interesting to see what happens.

[Brad Davis]

Quite the saga. Brad, thank you for bringing us this story, and we'll look forward to more updates once you get into the courtroom.

[Tom Yamas]

Yep. You'll be hearing from me.

[Brad Davis]

Coming up after an International manhunt. Nicholas Rossi, AKA Nicholas Oliverdian, AKA Arthur Knight, stands trial in a Utah courtroom.

[Tom Yamas]

Hey guys, Willie Geist here reminding you.

[Brad Davis]

To check out the Sunday Sit down podcast. On this week's episode, I get together.

[Tom Yamas]

With a guy who's been in the headlines a bit recently, Stephen Colbert. After the surprise cancellation of his late show by cbs, Stephen and I talk about his rise up through improv comedy to that spot in late night. You can get our conversation now for free wherever you download your podcasts.

[Brad Davis]

Hey everyone, I'm Jenna Bush Hager from the Today show and I'm excited to share my podcast Open Book with Jenna. It is fast for season two. Each week, celebrities, experts, friends and authors will share candid stories with me about their lives and new projects. Guests like Rebecca Yarros, Kristin Hannah, Ego Wodom, and more. Like a good book, you'll leave feeling inspired and entertained. Join me for my podcast Open Book with Jenna. Listen now on Apple Podcasts. As the day wraps up, get the scoop on what's been happening with here's the Scoop, a new podcast from NBC News. With me, your host, Yasmin Vesugian, along with Morgan Chesky and Brian Chung. We'll take a deep dive into the day's top stories with NBC News's trusted journalists. It's a fresh take that's sharp, thoughtful and it's informative, bringing you closer to the headlines and conversations that are shaping our world. From the front page to the zeitgeist, all in 15 minutes or less. Here's the scoop from NBC News. Listen daily on Apple Podcasts. In December 2021, Scottish authorities swarmed the intensive care unit of a Glasgow hospital. They were looking for a patient they suspected of being an American fugitive. Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Oliverdian, was wanted back in the United States on rape and fraud charges. The patient told authorities they had the wrong man and he spoke in a British accent and said he was an Irish citizen, a law abiding businessman named Arthur Knight. And that's what he told me in one of the most memorable interviews of my career. I asked if he wouldn't mind removing the oxygen mask he was wearing so I could see his face for myself. He refused. What do you say to someone who believes that you are Nicholas Oliverdean?

[Tom Yamas]

I am not Ale Andrea. I am not Nicholas Oliverdean. I do not know how to make this clear.

[Brad Davis]

Did you sexually assault anyone? Did you kidnap anyone? Did you defraud anyone?

[Tom Yamas]

What? No, no, no, no.

[Brad Davis]

Investigators didn't buy it and neither did a Scottish judge. In January 2024, he was extradited back to the US and this week, he appeared in court in Salt Lake City for the first of two sexual assault trials he's scheduled to face this year. DATELINE producer Lynn Keller and I have been tracking Nicholas Rossi for years. She joins us now to fill us in. Hey, Lynn.

[Lynn Keller]

Hi, Andrea.

[Brad Davis]

So what is Nicholas Rossi going by for this trial as far as names go?

[Lynn Keller]

Well, he tried to get the court to allow him to go by Arthur Knight, but the judge rules, no, you're going to have to go by Nicholas Rossi because that's how you were charged.

[Brad Davis]

Nicholas Rossi pleaded not guilty to all the criminal charges against him. And before we get into the case, remind everyone about Rossi's backstory land. Who is he and what we've uncovered, you know, reporting on him for the last five years.

[Lynn Keller]

He was born Nicholas Oliverdian in a town outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Nicholas's mom remarried, and that man adopted Nicholas, and that's how he became Nicholas Rossi. His mom ended up putting him in foster care when he was 12. And when he was in foster care, he claimed that he had been assaulted and abused. But also he got a job as a page at the Rhode Island State House. And he was really good at it. Like, people thought he was super smart. He spent a lot of time, he knew the laws, and he then took it upon himself to start advocating for change in the foster care system.

[Brad Davis]

People were really impressed by him. But by the time Rossi was 21, he was getting into trouble with the law.

[Lynn Keller]

Right. He moved to Ohio and he was going to college, and he met a woman. He met her on the college campus. And then he said, well, can I just walk you to class? And she's like, okay. Her classroom was in the basement. And she said as they got to the bottom of the stairs, he sexually assaulted her.

[Brad Davis]

And this was back in 2008. And Nicholas ended up getting convicted of public indecency and sexual imposition. He got a fine and was put on a sex offender regist a few months after that. According to prosecutors, they allege that Rossi raped two women in Utah. And those rape accusations are why he's currently facing criminal charges in Utah.

[Lynn Keller]

Yes. Both women claim he raped them and both say that he took money from them.

[Brad Davis]

This has taken a really long time to go to trial. And, you know, we, we could talk for days on why it's taken so long to get to trial, but try to break it down for us as best you can. Lynn.

[Lynn Keller]

Both rape charges were filed recently, fairly recently, the alleged victim in the trial that's happening right now. She says she recognized Rossi as her attacker from a post on Facebook that a news outlet had put up in January of 2022. And the other victim, she did complete a rape kit the day after the assault in 2008. However, that rape kit wasn't tested until 2017 because of a backlog of testing rape kits. And then when they did that test, they got a match. Rossi's DNA from the sexual assault in Ohio at the college matched the woman in Utah. And by then he was living in.

[Brad Davis]

The UK let's not forget he also faked his own death in 2020. Prosecutors say that was an attempt to throw investigators off his trail, but Rossi says he did it because someone was threatening his life. So, Lynn, take us into the courtroom this week. How did he appear?

[Lynn Keller]

He's always been a very dapper dresser, very fancy. He had on a black suit. It seemed understated. He was in a wheelchair. And instead of an oxygen mask, he had the oxygen that just goes into your nostrils. And we heard him ask his defense attorney if she thought he had lost weight. From all the people that we spoke to, he's always been concerned about his appearance.

[Brad Davis]

What the main points of the prosecution's opening statement, they put it out there.

[Lynn Keller]

Right from the start to let the jury know that, yes, we know that this is an old case, but this woman, she's never forgotten.

[Brad Davis]

What did the defense focus on in their opening statement?

[Lynn Keller]

The defense opening was that, you know, you get an old puzzle, there are going to be pieces missing. And she was saying that that's the same with this case, that there are pieces missing. She says that what really happened is that this woman, she sees Nick on the news and she's like, oh, that's that guy who ripped me off, who was terrible to me. And then she adds on the part about the rape.

[Brad Davis]

Lynn, the alleged victim, she testified.

[Lynn Keller]

Yes. And she was sick, and so her voice was very hoarse, but she was very clear in all her answers. She talked about how she decided to go on Craigslist, and that's how she met Nicholas Rossi. His ad said, a cultured, artistic scarf wearing bibliophile seeks female counterpart. They'd only been dating for two weeks before he asked her to marry him. Which, Andrea, you know, when we interviewed his wife.

[Brad Davis]

Yeah.

[Lynn Keller]

Remember the same thing.

[Brad Davis]

He's racing down the aisle to get married. Yes.

[Lynn Keller]

And she said he was constantly borrowing money from her. She said he made her fill out a credit application to buy the wedding rings. One for each of them, which of course put her in debt. And then his behavior changed. She said he became controlling and critical. So two weeks after they got engaged, she told him she wanted to break up. He got angry and she says raped her at his apartment on his twin bed. She said she didn't file a police report. She tried to, in her words on the stand, wean nick off talking to her. But then she filed a claim in small claims court over the ring debt.

[Brad Davis]

Lynn what's so interesting is that the other alleged victim whose trial has not started, the second trial, she actually testified in this alleged victim's trial.

[Lynn Keller]

Yes. And what I find the most telling is how incredibly similar the cases are where they say he's taking money from them, they're gonna break up, he gets very angry, and that's when they say he rapes them.

[Brad Davis]

We didn't get to hear from Nicholas Rossi himself in this trial. He decided not to testify and the jury came back with a verdict. After less than a day of deliberation, they found him guilty of rape and we expect to see Rossi back in court. Lynn for his second rape trial.

[Lynn Keller]

He is scheduled to begin in September. So we will be watching.

[Brad Davis]

Thank you, Lynn.

[Lynn Keller]

Yes. And it continues.

[Brad Davis]

If you want to check out our episode on this story, the man of Many Faces, you can stream it on Peacock or listen to it at the link in our episode description. Up next, it's time for DATELINE Roundup, a verdict in the trial of the Wisconsin man accused of killing his neighbors and their dog 30 years ago. Plus, you've probably heard what to pack in a physical go bag when disaster strikes. But what about a digital go bag?

[Tom Yamas]

I'm Josh Mankiewicz and I hope you'll join us for season four of dateline Missing in America. In each episode of dateline's award winning series, we will focus on one missing persons case and hear from the families, the friends and the investigators all desperate to find them. You will want to listen closely. Maybe you could help investigators solve a mystery. DATELINE Missing in America all episodes available now. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Brad Davis]

Welcome back. Joining us for this week's roundup is DATELINE producer Marissa Meyer. Thanks for coming back on the show, Marissa.

[Andrea Canning]

Thank you for having me, Andrea.

[Brad Davis]

To kick off, we're headed to Wisconsin where we've got a huge update in a trial we first talked about a few weeks ago. Marissa, this is the case of Tony Hayes, who was on trial for an alleged 30 year old double murder. Give us first a quick recap.

[Andrea Canning]

So Hayes was accused of killing Tana Togstead and her boyfriend Tim Mumbrew, as well as Tana's dog by stabbing them in the middle, middle of the night at Tana's house in 1992.

[Brad Davis]

This case went cold for decades. What led police to make an arrest all these years later?

[Andrea Canning]

Well, when investigators picked the case back up, they zeroed in on Hayes as a possible suspect. They obtained his DNA at a traffic stop in 2022. That DNA sample ended up being a match to DNA found on Tana's body. When police eventually questioned Hayes about the crime, he confessed.

[Brad Davis]

The defense pushed back hard on Hayes alleged confession, saying it was false. They also questioned the reliability of the DNA evidence. Marissa, what else did they have to tell the jury to bolster their case?

[Andrea Canning]

They suggested an alternate suspect. And they pointed to Hayes's uncle, who was investigated as part of the case but was never charged with the crime. And he died by suicide in 1995.

[Brad Davis]

The jury deliberated for four days. Here is the judge reading what the jury decided.

[Tom Yamas]

We the jury, find the defendant, Tony.

[Lynn Keller]

Garrett Hayes, not guilty.

[Brad Davis]

Describe the moment in court for us, Marissa.

[Andrea Canning]

The gallery was full of supporters for both victims, but Hayes had a lot of families sitting on his side of the aisle, too. And when the judge read the verdict, the victim side, it felt like they were struck with disbelief. Some of them were even sobbing. But on Hayes', his family was of course, embracing over this verdict. And Hayes attorney spoke with our NBC affiliate WGBA after the verdict.

[Tom Yamas]

From the very moment that I met him and Nicole met him and our team did, we were 100% convinced of his innocence. And that has never wavered.

[Brad Davis]

Our next story takes us to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where another murder trial we've been watching came to an abrupt end this week. Marissa, bring us up to speed on that.

[Andrea Canning]

So, Andrea, this is the case of Iowa farmer Ryan Cooper, who was shot at his house in 2021. Prosecutors accused his wife Karina and her then lover, Houston Danker, of plotting to murder him. Both of them were charged with first degree murder. Karina was found guilty at her trial last month. And then this week, Denker was set to go on trial.

[Brad Davis]

Okay, but that came to an abrupt halt.

[Andrea Canning]

Yes, it did. Danker decided to plead guilty. And according to a statement his defense attorney gave the local paper, he wanted to spare his family, the Cooper family and the community the ordeal of a trial. Danker and Karina haven't been sentenced yet, but the judge won't have much discretion because first degree murder has a mandatory sentence of life. In prison without parole in this state.

[Brad Davis]

Okay, for our final story, we've got an update in a case we haven't talked about in a while, the Alec Murdoch case. He is the former lawyer who was convicted of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul at a blockbuster trial in South Carolina two years ago. So what is new there, Marissa? Everyone always seems to be following this case.

[Andrea Canning]

Murdoch filed an appeal with the South Carolina Supreme Court in December 2024. This week, the Attorney General finally submitted his response, and Murdoch is claiming that he did not get a fair trial, mainly for two reasons. Firstly, because he believes the judge made a mistake by allowing prosecutors to present evidence of his financial crimes. And secondly, that improper comments were made by the Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, which might have swayed jurors to convict him. Hill is facing her own criminal charges for perjury and misconduct. For those allegations, we should say Hill.

[Brad Davis]

Has denied having any improper contact with the jury. But at least one juror told the judge during a fact checking hearing that Hill's alleged behavior did impact her.

[Tom Yamas]

Did you hear Ms. Becky Hill make any comment about this case before your verdict?

[Brad Davis]

Yes, ma'.

[Tom Yamas]

Am.

[Brad Davis]

Was your verdict.

[Tom Yamas]

Influenced, if any way by the communications of the Clerk of.

[Brad Davis]

Court in this case? Yes, ma'.

[Lynn Keller]

Am.

[Brad Davis]

So, Marissa, what is the Attorney General saying in his response to Murdoch's appeal?

[Andrea Canning]

The Attorney General is really doubling down. They said that Murdoch is obviously guilty and that all of the evidence, including information about Murdoch's financial crimes, were properly admitted. As for Hill's comments to the jury, the AG says they were foolish and fleeting, but comments aren't the same as jury tampering.

[Brad Davis]

Now we just wait on the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision. Thank you for all this news, Marissa.

[Andrea Canning]

Thank you, Andrea.

[Brad Davis]

We talk a lot about staying safe on the podcast and what you can do to protect yourself from scammers or other kinds of criminals. But what can you do when you're at risk from Mother Nature? You've probably heard tips about packing food, water, medicine if you're forced to flee your home. But what about things that aren't so easy to GRASP, like documents, IDs, and personal information? My next guest, Evie Pompous, is a former Secret Service agent and personal safety expert. She's here to help us put together a digital go bag. Welcome back, Evie.

[Evie Pompous]

Hello.

[Brad Davis]

So, Evie, when we're thinking about preparing for an emergency, what kinds of documents should people be including to make sure that they are truly prepared?

[Evie Pompous]

There are certain things that you want to carry with you because they're vital. Documents should Something, let's say, happen to your home and you can never go back. You want to have these documents, documents with you, birth certificate, driver's license, passport, a marriage license or marriage certificate, your Social Security card, wills or deeds. Now, you can't keep these documents in your go bag, so there's two things you can do. You can scan them, make a copy and keep physical copies. But the next best thing, you can store this on some type of flash drive. Usb, usb c, any type of drive. That way you can take it with you wherever you go and should you need those documents, because again, if you're an emergency, it's very likely you might need these documents as proof of who you are, your identity. If you're trying to access something, you have these with you. And even if you need to replace them, it's easier.

[Brad Davis]

And Evie, some people may not like this idea, but you can also take photos on your phone if you don't want to have that drive.

[Evie Pompous]

You know, it's interesting, when it's on your phone, sometimes it gets stored into a cloud or then it appears on other devices. Having things on the cloud, you just have to be extremely careful that you've got really strong passwords and security systems because clouds get hacked. So that's why I like this physical thing. You're also making an assumption that you'll have access to WI fi or Internet when you need this stuff. Meanwhile, you can just plug this in and it's there. Another great thing people can do is take video of things in your house because if you're doing an insurance claim later, one of the things you have to deal with is, well, how do we know you had that big screen tv? How do we know you had that stereo system? You could show them as proof because it's got the date and timestamp on it, right? It's got that metadata on it. I actually had to do that on 911 and I actually had an office in the World Trade center. So I had to make a list of all the items that I lost. I remember sitting, trying to remember, what did I have? What was it worth? So this is another great thing for you to have should the unthinkable happen.

[Brad Davis]

Yeah, absolutely. And something that is really critical is having a list of emergency contacts.

[Evie Pompous]

You know, this is where you go old school. You should write phone numbers down. Let's say you leave and you don't have your cell phone, right? How many of us memorize phone numbers right now? No, and it's really especially important for little kids too. Have them memorize phone numbers. You know, we always presume we will always be there with our family and loved ones. But what if we're not there? We're just being proactive. I have to tell you, being a former U.S. secret Service agent, the majority of what we did, it was all proactive. Security and protection. It's what you do before.

[Brad Davis]

Evie, this has been so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for coming back on the podcast.

[Evie Pompous]

Thank you for having me.

[Brad Davis]

And for anyone who's ever wondered what they do in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe, check out the new docu series Survival Mode from our colleagues at NBC News Studios.

[Tom Yamas]

Everything I did was to stay alive.

[Brad Davis]

This is a dangerous situation. Our house was gone. We gotta run.

[Tom Yamas]

I wanna say thank you for saving my life.

[Brad Davis]

The series shares harrowing stories from the perspective of those who took extreme measures to survive. Survival Mode airs on Monday nights at 10, 9 Central and begins streaming on Peacock the next day. That's it for this episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly. To get ad free listening for all of our podcasts, subscribe to Dateline Premium. Coming up this Friday on Dateline, Josh has a classic episode. When Cal Poly freshman Kristen Smart vanished during Memorial day weekend in 1996. Her friends and family were left without answers or justice for over 25 years until a podcast brought Kristen's case back into the national spotlight.

[Tom Yamas]

You don't give up. You don't give up.

[Brad Davis]

No, you can't watch justice for Kristen Smart this Friday at 9, 8 Central. And one last thing we want to mention before we go. Dateline is hitting the road next month and we want you to join us. On Sunday, September 28, the whole team will be in Nashville for DATELINE Live. It's a first of a kind event featuring on stage panels, audience Q&As and a VIP reception. Tickets are on sale now at datelinenbc.com event. You can also find a link in the description of this episode. Thanks for listening. Dateline True Crime Weekly is produced by Franny Kelly and Katie Ferguson. Our associate producers are Carson Cummins and Caroline Casey. Our senior producer is Liz Brown Kurloff production and fact checking helped by Georgina DiNardo, Terry Dickerson and Mackenzie Matwick. Veronica Mazeka is our digital producer. Rick Kwan is our sound designer. Original Music by Jesse McGinty. Bryson Barnes is head of audio production. Paul Ryan is executive producer and Liz Cole is senior executive producer of Dateline.

[Tom Yamas]

Anything else?

[Andrea Canning]

Okay, see you soon.