Dateline Originals: "Murder in the Moonlight - Ep. 3: The Ring"

Host: NBC News’ Keith Morrison
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Podcast Series: Dateline Originals – True crime narratives presented in gripping mini-series format.

1. Introduction to the Murders

In the quiet town of Murdoch, Nebraska, the lives of residents were shattered by the brutal double homicide of Wayne and Charman Stock. Their murders sent shockwaves through the community, leaving everyone questioning the safety within their own homes.

Keith Morrison opens the episode reflecting on the impact of the murders:

“The investigation that is into the murders of Wayne and Charman Stock, the people of Murdoch, Nebraska had been deeply shaken and quite understandably so." (00:59)

2. The Initial Investigation and Arrests

Two weeks following the heinous crimes, the Cass County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of Matt Livers, the couple's 28-year-old nephew, and his 21-year-old cousin, Nick Sampson. Livers confessed to the murders, alleging that he had shot his aunt and uncle, while Sampson denied involvement, leading to a tangled web of conflicting testimonies.

Keith Morrison recounts the sheriff’s declaration:

“The Cass County Sheriff's Office announced just two weeks after the murders that one of the most shocking crimes in this part of Nebraska in decades had been solved." (00:59)

3. Confessions and Denials

Matt Livers was forthcoming in his confession, detailing the gruesome act. However, Nick Sampson’s denial introduced doubt and complexity into the case. This inconsistency prompted further investigation to uncover the truth behind the murders.

Livers expressed his feelings upon confession:

“I was already fired up and yes, I have a branch to settle." (01:40)

4. Discovery of the Gold Ring

Amidst the efforts to close the case, a pivotal piece of evidence emerged—a gold ring found on the kitchen floor of the Stock farmhouse. Initially overlooked, the ring became a crucial clue that rekindled the investigation.

Keith Morrison highlights the significance of the ring:

“A gold ring... it was a size 10. A man's ring, 10 karat gold. And it was engraved with a very personal message." (07:33)

5. Tracing the Ring to Wisconsin

The inscription on the ring read "Corey and Ryan, Love always," which perplexed investigators as none of the Stock family's acquaintances matched these names. Further analysis revealed the ring was manufactured by A&A Jewelers in Buffalo, New York, but it was last shipped to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Julie Baer, Matt Livers' attorney, underscores the challenge:

“That's like looking for a needle in a haystack." (10:28)

Determined to solve the mystery, Mary Martino from A&A Jewelers meticulously searched through old order records, eventually tracing the ring to a residence in Beaver Dam.

6. Linking the Ring to a Stolen Truck

In Beaver Dam, the ring was connected to Ryan, whose pickup truck was reported stolen shortly before the Stock murders. The vehicle, containing the ring, had made its way to Louisiana, far from its origin. This unexpected journey raised suspicions about the truck's involvement in the murders.

Jim Rohr, the Wisconsin detective, explains the link:

“When that ring gets tracked back as to being last in the possession of the owner of this truck that was stolen, it's not going to be a simple stolen vehicle anymore." (19:47)

7. Uncovering the Truck Thieves: Greg Fester and Jessica Reed

Investigators identified Greg Fester, a 19-year-old with a troubled past, and his 17-year-old accomplice, Jessica Reed, as the culprits behind the truck theft. Their inexperience and lack of sophistication made them easy targets for detection.

Jim Rohr describes Fester’s demeanor:

“Greg was a little odd. He seemed a bit slow. Not real educated." (21:23)

8. Jessica Reed's Confession and Involvement

Under intense interrogation, Jessica Reed initially denied knowledge of the murders. However, confronted with incriminating evidence—a marijuana pipe and the ring—she eventually confessed to her role in the theft and inadvertently implicated herself in the murders.

Tammy Stock, daughter of the victims, shares her emotional plea:

“I can let this eat you alive or you can go on and be the best that you." (04:08)

9. Greg Fester's Account and Shifting Stories

Greg Fester remained reticent during questioning, initially shifting blame onto Jessica for both the truck theft and the murders. His account introduced a mysterious figure named Thomas, complicating the investigation further.

Jim Rohr notes Fester's evasiveness:

“He was very quiet. Greg was never one that was very outspoken." (31:43)

10. Physical Evidence and Case Breakthroughs

As the investigation delved deeper, a cigarette box found at the crime scene tied Fester and Reed to the murders, strengthening the case against them. The convergence of testimonies and physical evidence began to piece together the intricate puzzle of the Stock murders.

Jim Rohr reflects on the disbelief at the evidence:

“This was so bizarre. That gives you a mindset of the type of person we were dealing with." (35:16)

11. Conclusion and Ongoing Developments

With Fester and Reed in custody, the case against the initial suspects, Matt Livers and Nick Sampson, remains complex. The discovery of the ring and its journey across states underscores the unpredictable nature of true crime investigations, leaving the community of Murdoch searching for closure.

Keith Morrison wraps up the episode:

“What a lot of mischief that size 10 ring was getting up to. Good mischief, bad mischief.” (36:16)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Keith Morrison (00:59):
  “The investigation that is into the murders of Wayne and Charman Stock, the people of Murdoch, Nebraska had been deeply shaken and quite understandably so."

• Julie Baer (10:28):
  “That's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

• Jim Rohr (19:47):
  “When that ring gets tracked back as to being last in the possession of the owner of this truck that was stolen, it's not going to be a simple stolen vehicle anymore."

• Tammy Stock (04:08):
  “I can let this eat you alive or you can go on and be the best that you."

• Jim Rohr (31:43):
  "Greg was a little odd. He seemed a bit slow. Not real educated."

• Jim Rohr (35:16):
  “This was so bizarre. That gives you a mindset of the type of person we were dealing with."

• Keith Morrison (36:16):
  “What a lot of mischief that size 10 ring was getting up to. Good mischief, bad mischief.”

Final Thoughts

"Murder in the Moonlight - Ep. 3: The Ring" intricately weaves a tale of deception, unexpected evidence, and relentless pursuit of the truth. Through meticulous investigation and the unraveling of seemingly unrelated clues, Dateline Originals paints a vivid picture of the complexities involved in solving true crime cases.

For listeners seeking an engrossing true crime story filled with twists and revelations, this episode of Dateline Originals delivers a compelling narrative that underscores the profound impact of meticulous detective work in uncovering the truth.