Murder in the Moonlight: Episode 5 - "When It All Falls Apart"

Host: Keith Morrison
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Publisher: NBC News (Dateline)
Podcast Description: In Dateline’s newest podcast, Keith Morrison delves into the tragic murder of Sharmon and Wayne Stock in a serene farmhouse on America’s Great Plains. The investigation unravels with multiple suspects across three states, centering around a single crucial piece of evidence—a gold ring found at the crime scene.

Introduction to the Case

The episode begins by revisiting the mysterious murder of Sharmon and Wayne Stock, which occurred under the pale moonlight in Nebraska. Initially, two cousins, Matt Livers and Nick Sampson, were arrested and charged with the murders. However, as the investigation unfolds, significant doubts about their guilt emerge.

Legal Struggles and False Confessions

Matt Livers' Confession:

• Time Stamp: [01:54]
• Context: Matt Livers initially confessed to the murders, implicating his cousin Nick Sampson. Despite his attempts to retract his confession, it was not dismissed by the prosecutor.

Key Quote:

Matt Livers: "I was upset at a loss of why my own cousin could do this to me."

Matt's confession included incriminating details, such as a blood smear that matched the victim's DNA, found in a car associated with Nick Sampson’s brother.

Nick Sampson's Predicament:

• Time Stamp: [02:29]
• Context: Nick Sampson faced immense psychological strain while in jail, contemplating the injustice of possibly being wrongfully convicted.

Key Quote:

Nick Sampson: "I don't think you understand what the death penalty means. I'm gonna walk out that door and I'm gonna do my level best to hang your ass from the highest tree."

Sampson’s attorney, Jerry Susi, expressed frustration over the inability to prove Nick’s innocence and the relentless theories the police pursued to maintain their case against him.

Jessica Reed's Testimony and Its Impact

Jessica Reed's Crucial Testimony:

• Time Stamp: [03:29]
• Context: Jessica Reed, a 17-year-old teenager from Wisconsin, was offered a deal to testify against Matt Livers and Nick Sampson in exchange for a reduced charge. Her testimony became a turning point in the case.

Key Quote:

Tom Olson (Jessica's lawyer): "She had nothing connected to them. Sure, they weren't friends, family. She had no reason to protect them. And she had every reason to benefit herself."

Jessica insisted that neither Matt nor Nick was present at the farmhouse during the murders, effectively weakening the prosecution’s case against them.

Shift in Legal Strategy and Dropped Charges

As Jessica Reed's testimony cast significant doubt on the involvement of Matt and Nick, defense attorney Jerry Susi changed his strategy to aggressively challenge the prosecution's evidence.

Defense Attorney's Strategy:

• Time Stamp: [04:08]
• Context: Susi filed an extensive motion highlighting inconsistencies and pointing to Reed and Fester acting alone.

Key Quote:

Jerry Susi: "I certainly can't prove it against Nick Sampson."

Ultimately, the county attorney, Nathan Cox, announced that the murder case against Nick Sampson was being dropped, although retaining the right to refile due to the absence of a statute of limitations on murder.

Emotional and Social Repercussions for the Accused

Despite his release, Nick Sampson struggled with lingering fears and societal stigma.

Nick Sampson's Struggles Post-Release:

• Time Stamp: [06:38]

Key Quotes:

Nick Sampson: "Let's go home."
Matt Livers: "I'm finally out."

Nick expressed constant fear and paranoia, feeling unsafe even after his release, while Matt Livers grappled with the betrayal he felt from his cousin’s false confession.

Unveiling the Truth: Investigators' Malpractice

Detective David Cofode's Misconduct:

• Time Stamp: [24:00]
• Context: The FBI investigated Detective David Cofode, uncovering that he had planted Wayne Stock’s blood at the crime scene to secure the conviction of Matt and Nick. Cofode faced four federal charges, including falsifying evidence and violating the defendants' civil rights.

Key Quote:

David Cofode: "I did make a mistake. I didn't follow procedures, and that bothers me."

This revelation exposed severe misconduct within the investigation, casting further doubt on the integrity of the entire case and raising questions about the validity of the initial convictions.

Matt Livers' Recantation and Continued Incarceration

Matt Livers Recants His Confession:

• Time Stamp: [17:35]
• Context: Matt Livers provided a second interview where he openly recanted his initial confession, admitting that he had fabricated details under police pressure.

Key Quote:

Matt Livers: "I've been just making things up to satisfy you guys."

Despite his recantation, Matt remained incarcerated, highlighting the systemic failures and the lasting impact of coerced confessions.

Ongoing Mysteries and Final Revelations

The episode concludes by addressing unresolved elements, such as the mysterious individual named Thomas, whom Wisconsin teenagers Greg Fester and Jessica Reed claimed was the main perpetrator. Investigators struggled to locate this person, adding layers of complexity and suspicion around the case.

Final Teaser:

• Time Stamp: [27:05]
• Context: The episode hints at further developments, including the implications of Cofode’s actions and Matt Livers' continued imprisonment, setting the stage for the concluding episode.

Key Quote:

Keith Morrison: "Coming up in the final episode of Murder in the Moonlight. How could Matt Liver still be in jail now that evidence had apparently been planted and his confession proven untrustworthy? And a killer tells her tale."

Conclusion

Episode 5 of "Murder in the Moonlight" intricately weaves the narrative of wrongful accusations, legal battles, and investigative corruption. Through detailed interviews and compelling storytelling, Keith Morrison sheds light on the deep-seated issues within the criminal justice system, leaving listeners eager for the series' resolution.

Notable Quotes:

• Jerry Susi: "If you look and start examining the case in context... It's really a textbook false confession."
• Matt Livers: "Hell."

For those captivated by true crime and the quest for justice, "Murder in the Moonlight" offers a profound exploration of how the search for truth can be marred by human fallibility and systemic flaws.

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