Murder Sheet: The Cheat Sheet – Endangerment and Elders
Podcast: Murder Sheet
Hosts: Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee
Date: January 23, 2026
Episode Theme: This episode spotlights urgent cases involving endangered individuals, particularly focusing on missing youth and crimes against elders. The hosts provide updates, contextual legal analysis, and draw broader connections to national trends in crime rates. They also infuse their banter and personal anecdotes throughout the discussion.
Main Topics Covered
- Urgent Missing Person Case: Hailey Busby (Fishers, Indiana)
- Recent Homicide of Elderly Couple: Larry and Sandra Moore (Oconee County, South Carolina)
- Infamous Cold Case Recall: Russell and Shirley Dermond (Lake Oconee, Georgia)
- Legal Update: Dr. Devon Hoover Murder (Detroit, Michigan)
- National Crime Trends: U.S. Homicide Rate Decline
- Host Banter and Anecdotes
1. Urgent Case: Missing 17-Year-Old, Hailey Busby (Fishers, Indiana)
[04:57–12:33]
- Overview: Áine urgently calls attention to the disappearance of Hailey Busby, 17, missing since January 5, 2026, from Fishers, a suburb north of Indianapolis.
- Case Details:
- Hailey left home voluntarily at 10 p.m., last seen at “the enclave in the Vermillion neighborhood.”
- Believed to have had help—“Police believe she had a plan with someone else, and that person may still... have her be in the picture.” (Áine, 08:16)
- Shifted from “runaway” to “endangered missing juvenile;” police are extremely concerned for her safety.
- Last seen: 5'3”, brown hair/eyes, gray jeans, white blouse, black puffer jacket, pink Vera Bradley duffel.
- Actionable Info:
- “If you see her, call 911 or contact the Fishers Police Department at 317-773-1282.” (Áine, 12:34)
- Key Quote:
- “Based on when she left, she couldn't have done that alone... People have given us the hope and strength that we need.” —Hailey’s father to Indianapolis Star (10:10)
- Context:
- Comparisons made to two resolved local runaway cases; no evidence of a broader pattern or serial activity.
- Áine appeals for listeners to share Hailey’s story and photo widely.
2. Elderly Couple Slain: Larry and Sandra Moore (Oconee County, SC)
[16:53–20:22]
- Incident: On January 15, 2026, beloved local couple Larry (76) and Sandra (75) Moore found dead in their rural home.
- Investigation:
- Initial welfare check led to 911 call; believed to be homicide, not accident.
- The Oconee County Sheriff's Office suggests the incident is “isolated,” though hosts question the reassurance such statements provide.
- Community Call-Out:
- Authorities seek any info, especially home surveillance footage, related to Cromer Moore Drive.
- Oconee County Sheriff’s Office tip line: 864-638-4111.
3. Cold Case Revisited: Russell and Shirley Dermond (Lake Oconee, GA)
[20:23–22:48]
- Connection: Case is reminiscent by name and nature—elderly couple murdered in a rural area with “Oconee” in place name.
- Case Facts:
- May 6, 2014: Russell (88) decapitated, discovered in garage; wife Shirley (87) found in lake, weighted with concrete blocks.
- No clear motive; possible attempt to conceal ballistic evidence.
- The case remains unsolved.
- Analysis:
- Áine emphasizes: “Serial killers are exceptionally rare... usually not.”
- Contextualizes crime rate perceptions: media and true crime communities often overemphasize serial nature of crimes.
4. Legal Update: Dr. Devon Hoover Murder (Detroit, MI)
[23:04–30:32]
- Summary:
- Dr. Devon Hoover, prominent Detroit physician, murdered April 2023. Body found in crawl space at his home.
- Perpetrator: Desmond Burks, originally charged with first-degree murder, surprised court by accepting a plea for second-degree murder in the midst of jury selection.
- Sentencing: Faces 35–60 years in prison.
- Key Quotes:
- Defense Attorney Gabby Silver: “It was a bit of a surprise to all of us, but at the end of the day, it was his decision.” (25:22)
- Family Statement: “We are relieved... that a long and difficult trial would not be necessary.” (26:04)
- Hosts’ Insights:
- Áine: “Victims’ families are not a monolith... Trials can be cathartic or retraumatizing.” (27:16)
- Plea deals, while often controversial, can offer certainty and relief from emotional court proceedings.
5. Positive National Trend: Homicide Rate Decline
[31:07–36:45]
- Report:
- The Independent Council on Criminal Justice reports a 21% drop in US homicide rates (2024–2025), with decreases across both Democratic and Republican-led areas.
- 31 of 35 major cities saw a decline; exceptions like Little Rock, Arkansas bucked the trend.
- Discussion Points:
- Perception vs. Reality: Despite constant exposure to violent cases via media and social feeds, national crime—especially homicide—has fallen.
- Áine: “Social media is not real life... If you're basing all of your understanding about crime... on social media, you're not getting an accurate read.”
- Uncertain Causes: Factors for the decline are debated; possibilities include post-COVID normalization, reductions in environmental toxins, policing strategies.
- Key Quote:
- “Crime is not just going down in areas where Republicans did something, it's... everywhere.” (31:28, Kevin)
- “There's never one reason crime goes down.” (35:01, quoting study author)
6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Banter
- Áine busts misconceptions about crime trends:
“I hear from so many people who think that crime rates are skyrocketed, and I just... that's not true.” (33:15) - Kevin playfully laments state mottos and urges listeners to crowdsource better ones:
“I've been spending more time than I should looking at state nicknames.” (01:57) - Áine’s realism about True Crime media: “I’m begging people in true crime to stop thinking everything's a serial killer.” (19:48)
- Genuine advocacy for missing youth: “Anyone who's aiding and abetting a child running away from home... conjures some very dark and scary things.” (12:24)
- Plea for audience engagement: “If any criminologists or sociologists are listening... please email us at murdersheet@gmail.com. I'd be curious to hear what you think.” (36:45)
7. Host Banter & Personal Anecdotes
[37:37–49:59]
- IU Football Championship Adventure:
- Áine becomes unexpectedly obsessed with Indiana University’s Cinderella national championship run, culminating in an intense viewing experience at a hockey rink-turned-watch-party (“I felt sick to my stomach... I was so invested in this.” (43:36)).
- Kevin brings levity: fascination with a raccoon mascot said to have ancestors who were train robbers.
- Dog Trouble:
- Their new dog Nick exhibits mischief: retrieves laundry, chews pockets for treats, and steals bread and undergarments. “He’s so cute we can’t be mad at him.”
- Playful jabs:
- Áine references the running gag about “the thin Kevin line” restraining her energy: “I just want to gesture in Kevin's direction right now and look meaningfully at the camera. That does not exist here.” (02:58)
- Faux rivalry over spoilers about episode content: “See, you wanted people to be surprised and I’ve just spoiled it.” (37:09)
8. Listener Engagement and Upcoming Events
[51:10–53:52]
- Announce appearances at book clubs (Naughty Dog Books, Nashville, IN; March event in Marion, Ohio).
- Invite listeners to contribute case suggestions and theories.
Key Takeaways
- Hailey Busby’s disappearance is treated with urgency; hosts leverage their platform for actionable search and community outreach.
- Crimes against elders provoke reflection on safety, public messaging from law enforcement, and the media’s role in shaping perceptions.
- The Dr. Hoover legal update provides an important practical look at plea deals in homicide cases.
- Hosts provide contextual, data-driven analysis on crime trends, challenging common misconceptions amplified by media.
- The show maintains its signature blend: in-depth, empathetic true crime journalism, candid legal discussion, and human touches of humor and vulnerability.
Notable Segment Timestamps
- [04:57–12:33] — Hailey Busby case
- [16:53–20:22] — Larry & Sandra Moore homicide
- [20:23–22:48] — Dermond cold case
- [23:04–30:32] — Dr. Devon Hoover legal resolution
- [31:07–36:45] — Homicide rate declines and media narratives
- [37:37–49:59] — Host anecdotes: IU football & dog shenanigans
This summary preserves the journalistic, conversational tone of the hosts and includes key points, memorable quotes, and actionable information for listeners both engaged in true crime and concerned with national trends.
