Murder in the Moonlight: Episode 4 - "About Face" Summary

Introduction

In the riveting fourth episode of Dateline’s podcast series, "Murder in the Moonlight," host Keith Morrison delves deeper into the chilling case of Sharmon and Wayne Stock's murder. Set against the backdrop of a serene farmhouse on America’s Great Plains, this episode, titled "About Face," explores the complexities and unexpected twists in the investigation that spans three states and involves four suspects. Released on February 26, 2025, the episode meticulously unpacks the confessions, evidence, and legal battles that shape this high-stakes true crime story.

Initial Confessions and Suspect Breakdown

The episode opens with confessions from three of the four suspects involved in the Stock murders.

• Matt Livers, a family cousin, confesses:
  “I did the shooting,” (01:53) and
  “I just ducked it to him and blew him away,” (01:57).

• Greg Fester, Jessica Reed’s accomplice, admits involvement by stating they were coerced by someone named Thomas:
  “It would help explain how two teens from Wisconsin end up at such a remote location that there is somebody else that's involved,” (03:39).

• Jessica Reed reveals her participation:
  “Shot again, we all run out of the house,” (02:04) and later shows signs of internal conflict about her actions:
  “This was so bizarre. That gives you a mindset of the type of person we were dealing with,” (06:15).

The fourth suspect, Nick Sampson, initially maintains his innocence:
“Oh, I wasn't there to swear to,” (02:13).

Investigation and Evidence Unearthed

Detective Jim Rohr plays a pivotal role in unraveling the truth. His investigation uncovers significant evidence that begins to challenge the initial confessions:

1. Discovery of the Shotgun Shell and Letter:
   While searching Jessica Reed's temporary residence, Rohr finds a hidden cigarette box containing a shotgun shell matching the murder weapon's caliber:
   “And alongside the shell, folded up in that cigarette box, was a letter written by Jessica Reed,” (04:36).
   The letter hints at Jessica's emotions:
   “This bullet, well, Bunny is the only thing left. And I loved it,” (04:47).

2. Jessica’s Diary Entries:
   A diary found in the same location reveals Jessica's troubling thoughts:
   “I killed someone. He was older. I loved it. I wish I could do it all the time,” (06:36).

3. Forensic Evidence:

   • Ballistics Tests confirm the shotgun shell found matches the one used in the murders.
   • Blood Evidence ties Wayne Stock’s blood to Jessica’s clothes and shoes.
   • DNA Analysis links the gold ring and marijuana pipe found at the crime scene to Jessica Reed and Greg Fester, respectively.

These findings strengthen the case against Jessica and Greg, leading to their charges for first-degree murder. However, discrepancies arise when defense attorneys scrutinize the alibis of Matt Livers and Nick Sampson.

Contradictions and Legal Challenges

Defense attorneys Julie Baer (for Matt Livers) and Jerry Susi (for Nick Sampson) uncover critical inconsistencies:

• Alibi Verification: Both Matt and Nick have strong alibis supported by their girlfriends, who provide credible testimonies and even pass polygraph tests affirming their whereabouts during the murders.

• Lack of Communication Evidence:
  Matt Livers claimed he and Nick Sampson discussed the murders via cell phone, but phone records reveal no such communication occurred, undermining Matt’s confession:
  “Communication never took place,” (19:42).
  Additionally, Matt was engaged in personal text conversations during the time the murders were said to have occurred, suggesting his alibi might be fabricated.

• Questionable Ballistics and Blood Evidence:
  Further analysis shows that the shotgun found under Nick’s bed does not match the murder weapon, and the blood on his jeans is not human, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case against him.

Defense’s Strategic Moves

Faced with mounting evidence indicating possible innocence, defense attorneys aggressively pursue the truth:

• Julie Baer confronts Matt Livers with the new findings, only to find him unaware of Jessica and Greg's involvement:
  “Do you know these people? Yeah. I was trapped in the Cult,” (24:33).

• Access to Confessions and Affidavits:
  Defense attorneys review detailed affidavits that include testimonies from Jessica and Greg, highlighting their potential innocence and the absence of evidence against Matt and Nick beyond confessed statements.

Turning Point: Prosecutor’s Deal with Jessica Reed

As inconsistencies surface, the prosecutor offers Jessica Reed a plea deal to secure her testimony against Matt Livers and Nick Sampson. This pivotal moment underscores the complexity of the case:

• The Deal:
  Jessica is promised reduced charges in exchange for her cooperation:
  “If she would agree to testify against Matt Libers and Nick Sampson, then the prosecutor could allow Jessica to plead guilty to a lesser charge,” (25:07).

• Jessica’s Reluctant Cooperation:
  In a tense meeting, Jessica expresses her predicament:
  “I'm screwed,” (27:35) and grapples with the decision to reveal the full truth during her testimony.

Emotional and Familial Impact

The murders have left Wayne and Sharmon Stock’s family grappling with immense loss and uncertainty:

• Family’s Struggle:
  Daughter Tammy reflects on the devastating impact:
  “We have just lost both our mom and our dad. To lose one is horrible,” (12:00), highlighting the emotional turmoil and the challenges of moving forward.

Conclusion and Ongoing Uncertainties

"About Face" concludes with unresolved questions about the true extent of each suspect’s involvement and the veracity of their confessions. As the legal battle intensifies, the episode sets the stage for the next installment, promising to uncover who truly was responsible for the tragic events on that fateful Easter night.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I just ducked it to him and blew him away,” — Matt Livers (01:57)
• “This was so bizarre. That gives you a mindset of the type of person we were dealing with,” — Jessica Reed (06:15)
• “I liked the adrenaline rush. I don't want that adrenaline rush again,” — Jessica Reed (10:09)
• “I'm screwed,” — Jessica Reed (27:35)
• “Communication never took place,” — Jessica Reed (19:42)

Final Thoughts

Episode 4 of "Murder in the Moonlight" masterfully navigates the tangled web of confessions, evidence, and legal maneuvering that define this high-profile case. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful revelations, Keith Morrison keeps listeners engaged, shedding light on the elusive truth behind the murders of Sharmon and Wayne Stock. As the investigation unfolds, the episode highlights the precarious balance between justice and the complexities of human behavior, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the resolution in future episodes.