Serialously with Annie Elise

Episode 358: Feds Looking Into Ellen Greenberg, Barry Morphew News, & Man Stabs Wife, Calls Son to Confess

Release Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Annie Elise and Amy Colette

Overview

In this jam-packed headline episode, Annie Elise and co-host Amy Colette discuss major updates and chilling new details in several true crime cases: the Barry Morphew murder trial developments, the federal review into Ellen Greenberg’s suspicious death, the heartbreaking disappearance and death of 8-year-old Malika Boone, a disturbing case out of Missouri involving a husband who killed his wife and called their son to confess, and the devastating murder of a mother in Indianapolis—despite her efforts to seek help. The episode carries Annie’s signature conversational tone, mixing in personal banter and authentic reactions while breaking down complex, sensitive stories with detail and nuance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Updates on Barry Morphew: The Suzanne Morphew Case

[06:44 – 12:49]

• Barry Morphew has been re-indicted (June 2025) for the first-degree murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, who vanished on Mother’s Day, 2020.
• Discovery of Suzanne’s Remains: Found in September 2025; forensic evidence revealed a “cocktail” of animal tranquilizers in her bone marrow.
  • “All three tranquilizers that were found in her system are only typically used in animals, never people. Also, Barry had like the only prescription for these in the whole county or something like that.” (Annie, 09:18)
• Tranquilizer Dart Evidence: Remnants found in the washing machine (paralleling other crimes where suspects try to “wash” away evidence).
• Family Dynamics: Despite mounting evidence, Barry’s daughters continue to support his innocence.
• Upcoming Trial: Barry has pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a speedy trial; the trial is set for October 12, 2026.
• Personal Note: Annie expresses strong disdain for Barry Morphew and commits to attending the trial (“He is up there because I think he is such a grifter loser and that he felt so entitled because Suzanne was going to finally leave his sorry ass.” (Annie, 10:38)).
• Memorable Moment: Annie recalls a nightmare involving Barry Morphew at a cruise ship blackjack table (“I need a dream interpreter.” (Annie, 12:21)).

2. Federal Involvement in Ellen Greenberg’s Death

[12:55 – 16:44]

• Background: Ellen Greenberg’s 2011 death was ruled a suicide despite 20+ stab wounds (some to the back of her head and neck).
• Recent Update: The federal government is now reviewing the case due to potential mishandling or a cover-up. Agencies involved include the Philadelphia Police, the medical examiner, and the Pennsylvania AG.
• Controversy: Allegations of political/familial connections to Ellen’s fiancé, Sam, have fueled suspicions of corruption.
• Social Media Spotlight: Recent images of Sam have gone viral; public opinion is overwhelmingly distrustful.
  • “He is looking rough and we love to see it. Karma.” (Annie, 16:31)
• Caution: Annie stresses they are allegations and urges listeners to make their own judgments.
• Hopeful Outlook: The hosts express optimism for justice and answers for Ellen’s family.

3. The Disappearance and Death of Malika Boone

[16:44 – 22:07]

• Case Overview: 8-year-old Malika Boone went missing from the Navajo Nation, Arizona (January 15, 2026) and was found deceased within 24 hours.
• Turquoise Alert: Law enforcement issued a specific alert used for missing indigenous persons, highlighting systemic issues with violence against Native communities.
• Investigation: FBI, Navajo police, and state authorities all involved; jurisdictional complications slow information releases.
• Community Reaction: Outrage and heartbreak over lack of details as the investigation continues.
  • “All we really know right now… is that we know an 8-year-old went missing, that she was found dead the next day, but nobody knows what else really happened, begging the question, what really happened to Malika Boone?” (Annie, 20:57)
• Systemic Concerns: High rates of violence against indigenous people led to the creation of the Turquoise Alert.
  • “It’s kind of like a double-edged sword… the numbers are so high, they created this secondary alert.” (Annie, 21:38)

4. Family Homicide in Missouri: Malang John Akbari

[22:07 – 28:52] (Amy leads)

• Incident: Malang John Akbari, 46, stabbed his wife during a domestic dispute, then calmly called his adult son to confess.
• Case Details:
  • Akbari accused his wife of cheating and “tampering with his food.”
  • After the murder, he placed a pillow under her head and sat with her as she died, displaying disturbing disconnection.
  • Fled the scene with an 18-month-old child, prompting an Amber Alert; the baby was found safe at a relative’s.
• Charges: First-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful weapon use, child endangerment. Akbari pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with an evaluation pending.
• Psychological Angle: The hosts explore possible motivations—delusions, PTSD from prior military service, or inability to cope with marital suspicions.
• Chilling Quote: “I sacrificed everything for her. I made a mistake and I do regret this. There was no other option for me.” (via Amy, 24:00)
• Notable Discussion: The hosts are struck by his calm confession and lack of attempted cover-up: “They commit these murders and then just call someone… there was some sort of a disconnect there.” (Amy, 28:07)

5. Indianapolis Murder: Protective Order Came Too Late

[29:11 – 38:51]

• Case Summary: On December 28, 2025, Jerry Maines was shot by her husband, Cecil Maines, in front of their four children (ages 10-19), who called 911 during the attack.
• Protective Order Failure: Jerry had filed for a protective order three days prior, citing escalating violence and threats, but due to the court holiday it wasn’t reviewed in time.
• Details of Abuse: Jerry documented repeated abuse, threats, and her fears for herself and the children.
• Consequences: The children witnessed or heard their mother’s murder; Cecil was apprehended soon after and charged with murder.
• Systemic Frustration:
  • “She asked for help, she went to court, she put in writing that she was scared for her life… yet still she lost her life in front of her four children.” (Annie, 36:56)
  • The hosts discuss the tragic outcomes when systems fail to act swiftly enough, and how even timely intervention isn’t always enough to prevent violence.
• Poignant Reflection: “Just get a divorce. Yeah, I know, I know. I will never understand how people think that murder is the solution in any of this. It is so beyond selfish.” (Annie, 38:22)

Notable Quotes

• On Barry Morphew:
  • “I think he is such a grifter loser and that he felt so entitled because Suzanne was going to finally leave his sorry ass.” – Annie, 10:38
• On systemic failures:
  • “She asked for help... yet still she lost her life in front of her four children.” – Annie, 36:56
• On Ellen Greenberg’s fiancé:
  • “He is looking rough and we love to see it. Karma.” – Annie, 16:31
• On violence against indigenous women:
  • “Because the numbers are so high, they created this secondary alert… but also it’s like you only got to that place because these numbers are so incredibly high.” – Annie, 21:38

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Barry Morphew Update: 06:44 – 12:49
• Ellen Greenberg Federal Review: 12:55 – 16:44
• Malika Boone Disappearance/Death: 16:44 – 22:07
• Missouri Family Homicide (Akbari): 22:07 – 28:52
• Indianapolis Murder (Maines Case): 29:11 – 38:51

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The episode opens with the hosts’ candid banter about Annie’s hair crisis (wigs, bangs, “going bronde”)—emphasizing the friendly, personal touch listeners expect.
• Annie recounts a bizarre dream involving Barry Morphew (11:41–12:21), highlighting how immersed she is in these cases.
• Their reactions to the cases range from disgust and outrage to somber reflection, with numerous comedic asides (e.g., “Just get a divorce. And don’t be a Barry Morphew.” (Annie, 39:02)).

Summary

This Serialously episode exemplifies Annie and Amy’s relatable, detail-oriented approach to true crime, breaking down headline updates and horrifying new cases with urgency, nuance, and a touch of irreverence. The episode covers structural failures by legal systems, family betrayal, the disproportionate dangers faced by indigenous communities, and the haunting repercussions for children left behind by these tragedies. Despite the heavy subject matter, the hosts maintain an engaging, conversational tone, highlighting both their expertise and humanity.

Bottom Line:
“Be nice. Don’t kill people. Just get a divorce. And don’t be a Barry Morphew.” – Annie Elise, 39:02