Dateline Originals: Murder in the Moonlight - Episode 1: In Cold Blood

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction and Setting

In the haunting opening of Dateline Originals' "Murder in the Moonlight - Episode 1: In Cold Blood," host Keith Morrison paints a vivid picture of the desolate Nebraska plains under the pale light of a nearly full moon. Morrison sets the scene at [00:03], describing how the moon "spread across the great dark Nebraska plains" and how a lone pickup truck approaches an old farmhouse, setting the stage for a story steeped in fear and mystery.

The Stock Family Background

The episode delves into the life of the Stock family, entrenched in the small town of Murdoch, Nebraska. Murdoch, with its roots as a railroad stop in the late 1800s, embodies the quintessential American small town. The Stocks, comprising Charmin (Charman) Stock and her husband Wayne, were the fifth generation to cultivate the fertile land, running the successful Stock Hay and Grain Company. Their farm spanned a thousand acres, symbolizing their deep connection to the land and their role as pillars of the community.

Charman, described as "generous and steady" ([05:28] Andy Stock), balanced her responsibilities as a homemaker with a 17-year stint as a teacher's aide, embodying the family's commitment to hard work and community service. Their two sons, Steve (38) and Andy (27), were raised with strong values, instilled by parents who emphasized responsibility and moral integrity. Steve recalls, “[07:02]...live life to the fullest. Just live life,” reflecting the family's ethos.

The Fateful Easter Sunday

April 16, 2006, marked a seemingly ordinary Easter Sunday on the Stock family farm. The day was filled with typical festivities, including an Easter egg hunt that brought together grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Charman meticulously prepared individual Easter baskets for each child, showcasing her dedication to family traditions ([04:37] Keith Morrison).

However, there was tension beneath the surface. Andy Stock, the younger son, had chosen to spend Easter with his future in-laws, leaving behind his puppy with his parents. As Andy explains, “[07:29]...he missed the party. But he left his young puppy with his parents for the day. He said he'd pick up the dog,” hinting at underlying family dynamics that would later surface.

Discovery of the Murder

The tranquility was shattered when Andy returned home late that night to collect his puppy. At around [08:18], Andy recounts his approach to the farmhouse, noting the strange behavior of his father's pickup truck parked inside the shop. His unease grew as he noticed discrepancies like the open back door and the absence of morning routines, such as making coffee ([09:31] Keith Morrison).

As Andy ventured upstairs, he was met with a horrifying scene: blood on the walls and the lifeless bodies of his parents. “I saw dad laying there on the floor. It was a horrible thing,” Steve Stock reveals ([12:32]). Charman was found holding a telephone, as if she had been desperate to call for help before being killed ([14:28] Keith Morrison).

Investigation Begins

Cass County Sheriff initiated the investigation, quickly understanding the gravity of the situation. Steve Stock notes, “[15:11]...this is an unsolved homicide. Whether it's somebody local or somebody from another town, we don't know at this time.” Andy, being the last person to see his parents alive, became an immediate person of interest ([16:55] Steve Stock).

Investigators, led by David Cofode, the head of the crime scene investigation squad from Douglas County, faced a brutal and complex scene. Cofode describes it as, “[18:01]...one of the worst I've ever seen,” emphasizing the severity of the crime ([18:06]).

Breakthroughs and Clues

The investigation uncovered critical evidence pointing towards multiple assailants. Blood pattern analysis revealed a "void area at the top of the steps," suggesting the presence of a second shooter who was actively blocking the blood spatter ([20:23] David Cofode). Additional clues included an unusual shoe print near the front door, a marijuana pipe, and a flashlight with blood traces ([21:03] and [21:18]).

A breakthrough came when a newspaper carrier reported seeing a suspicious car parked near the Stock farm shortly before the murders and then speeding away later that night. The car, a tan or light brown four-door sedan, became a key piece of evidence linking the suspects to the crime scene ([21:43] Keith Morrison).

Despite the extensive evidence, the motive remained elusive. No valuables were stolen, and even the safe in the bedroom was untouched, deepening the mystery surrounding the murders.

Toward an Arrest

As the investigation progressed, tensions within the Stock family surfaced. Steve Stock reveals, “[24:43] Andy, however, did not get to leave. He was the last to see his parents alive, which made him, the way these things go, at the very least, a person of interest.”

However, a week later, the evidence pointed towards a family member, culminating in an arrest and confession. This development highlights the intricate dynamics and secrets within the Stock family that ultimately led to the tragic outcome.

Conclusion and Teaser for Future Episodes

"Murder in the Moonlight - Episode 1: In Cold Blood" concludes by setting the stage for future episodes, promising to unravel the complex relationships and hidden motives that led to the Stock family's demise. As Steve Stock reflects, “[24:43]...it's like looking for a needle in a haystack,” hinting at the deep-seated conflicts that would soon come to light.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Morrison [00:03]: “This is a story about fear.”
• Andy Stock [02:20]: “I'm going to do my level best to hang your ass on the highest tree.”
• Steve Stock [05:48]: “They were loving parents. I remember, you know, both of them just always saying, live life to the fullest. Just live life.”
• David Cofode [18:34]: “It was very much an execution. And there was a lot of blood, impact spatter, high velocity spatter fragments.”
• Steve Stock [24:43]: “Remember hearing in this house was bang, bang, bang, bang. Everything clicked. You knew exactly what the case was at that point.”

Production Credits

Murder in the Moonlight is a production of Dateline and NBC News, with Shane Bishop as producer. The team includes audio editors Brian Drew, Kelly Laudeen, Bruce Berger, Marshall Housefeld, and Candace Goldman; field producer Brittany Morris; program coordinator Leslie Grossman; co-executive producer Adam Gorfin; executive producer Paul Ryan; senior executive producer Liz Cole; and head of audio production Bryson Barnes. Sound mixing was handled by Bob Mallory and Katie Lau from NBC News.

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