Murder in the Moonlight: Episode 3 - The Ring

Released on February 24, 2025

Introduction

In the tranquil expanse of Murdoch, Nebraska, the idyllic life of Sharmon and Wayne Stock is brutally shattered on Easter night. Under the eerie glow of a pale moon, the couple is mercilessly shot to death in their bedroom, sending shockwaves through their close-knit community. Host Keith Morrison delves into this chilling case in "The Ring," the third episode of Dateline’s newest podcast, Murder in the Moonlight.

Initial Investigation and Arrests

The investigation into the murders progresses rapidly, bringing initial relief to the traumatized town. Cass County Sheriff Bill Bruggeman remarks on the community's mixed feelings:

“I think there's some relief at the same time, some hurt.” (00:43)

Shockingly, the culprits are revealed to be within the Stock family circle. Matt Livers, the 28-year-old nephew of Wayne and Sharmon, confesses to the murders:

“I was already fired up and guess I have a grudge to settle.” (01:09)

Despite Matt’s damning confession, uncertainty lingers as his 21-year-old cousin, Nick Sampson, is implicated but denies involvement. Sheriff Bruggeman comments on the lingering doubts:

“People ask, is this a closure on the case? It's not. I think it's another. It's another chapter turning a page. There's still a lot of work to be done.” (01:44)

Discovery of the Gold Ring

Amidst the case's complexities, a pivotal clue surfaces—a gold ring discovered on the kitchen floor of the Stock farmhouse. Crime Scene Investigator Chief David Cofode describes the initial confusion:

“I thought, well, somebody took it off to wash their hands and it fell down. Somehow they forgot about it.” (06:33)

The ring, a size 10, 10-karat gold piece engraved with “Love always, Corey and Ryan,” does not belong to the family, raising suspicions:

“Nothing was ever out of place. The meticulous housekeeper Charman made sure of it.” (06:37)

Tracing the Ring’s Origins

The investigation takes a significant turn as Detective Cofode focuses on the ring’s origin. A keen-eyed detective notes small inscriptions—“A, A, J” inside the band—which lead them to A & A Jewelers in Buffalo, New York. Mary Martino, one of the last employees remaining as the company winds down, undertakes the daunting task of sifting through thousands of old order forms. After relentless effort, Martino successfully traces the ring to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin:

“I got up from my chair and I said bingo. I found it. I found it.” (12:40)

Link to the Stolen Pickup Truck

In Beaver Dam, the ring’s trail intersects with a stolen pickup truck. The vehicle, previously owned by Ryan from Corey, was reported missing after being taken from Ryan’s farm. Wisconsin detective Jim Rohr explains the initial handling of the stolen vehicle:

“We treat it just as a simple missing vehicle. When it's recovered, if it's somebody taking it for a joyride, you know, we'll get it back.” (15:39)

Unexpectedly, the truck reappears abandoned in Louisiana, triggering a nationwide search. The discovery connects the ring directly to the Stock murders, unraveling a deeper conspiracy.

Introduction of Suspects Greg Fester and Jessica Reed

The investigation uncovers two teenage suspects from Wisconsin involved in the truck theft: 19-year-old Greg Fester and 17-year-old Jessica Reed. Fester, with a troubled past including drug use and anger issues, and Reed, a former honor roll student whose life spiraled after her parents' divorce, are far from seasoned criminals. Jerry Susi, Nick Sampson’s attorney, reflects on their perceived incompetence:

“They were not exactly members of Mensa. They left quite a trail.” (17:21)

Confessions and Inconsistencies

Jessica Reed's interrogation reveals critical inconsistencies. Initially dismissive, she eventually admits to stealing money and inadvertently placing the ring in the farmhouse:

“I stole a whole bunch of money from somebody. I don't know who. I don't know where. I just remember stealing a whole bunch of money.” (23:39)

However, her account conflicts with Matt Livers' confession, which omits any mention of the ring or the stolen truck, complicating the narrative. Reed struggles to connect Matt and Nick to the ring's presence at the crime scene, asserting:

“If they did it, I swear to God, there's dumb people.” (25:53)

Further Investigation and Emerging Evidence

As the investigators piece together the fragmented stories, the plot thickens. Greg Fester shifts blame onto Jessica, alleging:

“She kind of got me into going with her, just, you know, because that seemed like a good idea.” (28:35)

Matt Livers’ confession introduces another layer, mentioning a mysterious figure named Thomas who supposedly orchestrated the murders. This revelation casts further doubt on the straightforwardness of the initial confessions.

The Cigarette Box Twist

The investigation is poised for another twist with the discovery of a cigarette box at the crime scene. Detective Rohr comments on the bizarre nature of the evidence:

“This was so bizarre. That gives you a mindset of the type of person we were dealing with.” (31:21)

This new clue suggests that there are more hidden connections and motives yet to be uncovered, hinting at a deeper conspiracy behind the murders.

Conclusion

Episode three, "The Ring," intricately weaves together the threads of a multifaceted investigation. From the initial shock of family-involved murders to the enigmatic gold ring linking distant locales, the narrative exposes the complexities and uncertainties inherent in criminal investigations. As new evidence emerges, the case remains far from closed, promising further revelations in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Sheriff Bill Bruggeman on closure:

  “People ask, is this a closure on the case? It's not. I think it's another. It's another chapter turning a page. There's still a lot of work to be done.” (01:44)

• Matt Livers’ confession:

  “I was already fired up and guess I have a grudge to settle.” (01:09)

• Jessica Reed on her actions:

  “I stole a whole bunch of money from somebody. I don't know who. I don't know where. I just remember stealing a whole bunch of money.” (23:39)

• Detective Rohr on the stolen vehicle:

  “We treat it just as a simple missing vehicle. When it's recovered, if it's somebody taking it for a joyride, you know, we'll get it back.” (15:39)

Further Developments

The episode concludes with the promise of more uncovered secrets as the investigators continue to unravel the tangled web surrounding the Stock murders, the elusive gold ring, and the intertwined lives of those involved.