Dateline Originals: "Murder in the Moonlight - Ep. 6: The Final Dominoes Fall"

Host: Keith Morrison
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Podcast Series: Dateline Originals
Producer: NBC News

1. Introduction to the Stock Murders

In Episode 6 of Dateline Originals titled "The Final Dominoes Fall," host Keith Morrison delves into the harrowing case of the Stock murders in Cass County, Nebraska. This episode unpacks the complexities and unraveling threads that led to multiple convictions, uncovering corruption, false confessions, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

2. Matt Livers' Confession and Release

The episode begins by highlighting the pivotal moment when Matt Livers confessed to the brutal killings of his aunt and uncle, Wayne and Charman Stock. However, his confession was riddled with inconsistencies, leading to his eventual release.

• Keith Morrison [00:53]: "Time to make a decision. Charge ahead or walk away sort of thing keeps a prosecutor up at night."

Livers' confession initially appeared damning but was later deemed unreliable. After more than seven months in jail, prosecutors acknowledged the flawed confession.

• Julie Baer [02:47]: "I probably had the biggest hug from a man that I've ever had in my life."

• Matt Livers [03:33]: "I'm innocent. I had absolutely nothing to do with."

Timestamp Highlight:
At 03:10, Cass County Prosecutor Nathan Cox emphasizes the integrity of his role:

"It's not my intention to try and convict somebody that is not guilty... The issue is whether justice is being done."

3. Impact on Relationships: Matt and Nick

Matt Livers' exoneration had profound effects on his relationship with his cousin, Nick Sampson, who was also cleared of involvement. The false accusation strained their bond irreparably.

• Julie Baer [06:24]: "Ruin it completely. It hurts knowing that he couldn't even be man enough after all this happened."

Despite efforts, Matt chose to distance himself, prioritizing his return to normalcy over reconciliation.

• Matt Livers [07:13]: "Unless I move?"

• Julie Baer [07:14]: "Yeah, but I don't want to move. I love Murdoch. It's my home."

4. Prosecution Against Jessica Reed and Greg Fester

With Matt and Nick exonerated, attention shifted to Jessica Reed and her boyfriend, Greg Fester. Jessica faced a crucial decision: accept a plea deal or maintain her innocence.

Initially refusing a deal that could have secured a lighter sentence by implicating innocent individuals, Jessica later reconsidered.

• Julie Baer [09:22]: "Jessica Reed had given up the deal that could have given her a lighter sentence... and this one she took."

However, a procedural error by the county attorney eliminated the possibility of seeking the death penalty for Fester, leading prosecutors to settle for second-degree murder charges for both Reed and Fester.

Timestamp Highlight:
At 11:27, prosecutor Nathan Cox reflects on the plea bargain:

"I didn't think so... She did some constructive things while she was incarcerated."

5. The Trial and Sentencing

The courtroom confrontation was emotionally charged as the Stock family faced their assailants for the first time.

• Steve Stock [10:49]: "It was to me there, yeah."

During sentencing, both Reed and Fester received two consecutive life terms, sparing Fester the death penalty due to the earlier technicality.

• Keith Morrison [12:21]: "You were like, what? I'm not supposed to feel bad about this. I mean, how can you have no remorse for this at all?"

6. Interview with Jessica Reed

In a poignant segment, Dateline secured an exclusive interview with Jessica Reed, providing an intimate look into her remorse and the trauma of her actions.

• Julie Baer [20:53]: "Two people are dead because of me, you know, and I'm. I have a very hard time with that still."

Reed recounts the night's events, expressing deep regret and the weight of her actions.

• Julie Baer [22:30]: "And when he told me not to cry, it was like, what? I'm not supposed to feel bad about this."

Despite her involvement, Reed emphasizes her remorse and the desire to atone for her crimes.

• Julie Baer [26:21]:

  "Because when I wake up in the morning, I can look at myself and be okay. They're where they should be, on the streets because they didn't do anything. And I'm where I should be."

7. Current Status and Aftermath

Years after the murders, the aftermath continues to unfold. Matt Livers and Nick Sampson pursued legal action, securing over $7.5 million in settlements. Meanwhile, the CSI chief, David Coford, faced legal battles for evidence tampering, ultimately receiving a sentence of up to four years despite his claims of innocence.

• Julie Baer [30:37]:

  "Had they not been able to trace that ring to its owner in Wisconsin, I'm really afraid we'd have two guys sitting on death row or locked up for something they didn't do."

Andy Stock, one of the victims' sons, finds solace in rebuilding his family's legacy through Stock Hay and Grain, choosing to create positive memories despite the tragedy.

8. Conclusion: Lingering Questions and Unresolved Truths

The episode concludes by addressing the enduring mystery surrounding the Stock murders. Despite multiple convictions, questions remain about the true chain of events and the motivations that led two teenagers to commit such heinous acts.

• Nathan Cox [27:20]:

  "I hope someday we can all sit down and look at each other and say, were these two involved? Yes or no?"

Keith Morrison leaves listeners contemplating the elusive nature of truth and justice, underscoring the complexities of the legal system and human fallibility.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Morrison [00:53]: "Time to make a decision. Charge ahead or walk away sort of thing keeps a prosecutor up at night."

• Matt Livers [03:33]: "I'm innocent. I had absolutely nothing to do with."

• Julie Baer [02:47]: "I probably had the biggest hug from a man that I've ever had in my life."

• Nathan Cox [03:10]: "It's not my intention to try and convict somebody that is not guilty... The issue is whether justice is being done."

• Julie Baer [26:21]: "Because when I wake up in the morning, I can look at myself and be okay. They're where they should be, on the streets because they didn't do anything. And I'm where I should be."

This episode of Dateline Originals masterfully navigates the intricate web of this true crime case, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events, motivations, and lasting impacts on all involved parties.