Serialously with Annie Elise: Episode 366 Summary

Title: Nancy Guthrie, Anna Kepner’s Step Brother Arrested, Tepe Footage Released & Lil Jon’s Son
Release Date: February 12, 2026
Host: Annie Elise (with co-host Amy)

Overview

This episode of Serialously is a Thursday headline roundup, where Annie Elise and co-host Amy dive into the biggest updates and breaking stories in the true crime world from the week. The main cases covered are:

• The disappearance and death of Lil Jon's son (Nathan Smith/DJ Young Slade)
• The arrest in the Anna Kepner cruise ship homicide
• Major developments and grim autopsy details in the Tepe (Tempe) double murder
• New twists and ongoing investigation in the Nancy Guthrie abduction
• A shoutout to Mike King’s new “Gardens of Evil” cult podcast

The episode maintains Annie's classic conversational, detail-driven, "true crime bestie" tone—balancing deep research with candid reactions and emotional investment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lil Jon’s Missing Son: Nathan Smith / DJ Young Slade

[03:31 – 11:36]

• Timeline:

  • Nathan Smith, 27, and a music producer/DJ known as Young Slade, went missing from his Milton, Georgia, home on February 3, 2026.
  • He was last seen running from his home at 6am, without his phone or vehicle, under what police call “unusual circumstances.”
    • "He left on foot. No car, no ride, no ride share... He also didn't take his phone with him...he ran out of his home." (Annie, 05:02)

• Search and Discovery:

  • Initial searches failed. By February 6, focus shifted to a local pond in Mayfield Park, indicating authorities possibly pivoted from rescue to recovery.
  • Police quickly recovered a body presumed to be Nathan Smith, though formal identification and cause of death were not confirmed as of recording.

• Investigation & Family Statement:

  • No signs of foul play; the investigation remains open.
  • Lil Jon released a public, heartfelt statement praising Nathan’s character and talents.
    • "Nathan was the kindest human being you’d ever meet...we are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated…” (Annie quoting Lil Jon, 09:40)
  • The episode discusses possible mental health or substance-related angles, but stresses there are no confirmed details.

• Memorable Moment:

  • Annie reflects on whether intervention could have changed the outcome:
    • “At 27 years old, you still have your whole life ahead of you....it’s just devastating to think about.” (Annie, 11:14)

2. Anna Kepner Cruise Ship Murder—Stepbrother Arrested

[11:52 – 24:12]

• Case Recap:

  • 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead in her cruise ship cabin during a family vacation, wrapped in a blanket and life preservers, under the mattress.
  • Anna was sharing the cabin with her younger stepbrother (16, referenced as "TH" in court) and her biological brother.
  • Autopsy: Cause of death was mechanical asphyxiation by "bar hold."

• Suspect & Arrest:

  • Early speculation centered on her minor stepbrother — the only person entering and leaving the cabin on security footage.
  • Stepbrother was arrested and charged as a juvenile in Anna’s death, but details remain sealed due to his age.
  • Possible future trial as an adult, given the crime’s severity.
    • "He has appeared in federal court with his attorney...there just aren't many details because he's a minor, so the case is sealed." (Amy, 13:34)

• Family Dynamics & Motives Scrutinized:

  • Conflicting reports: Some family claimed Anna and her stepbrother were close (“two peas in a pod”), others cited Anna feared him.
  • Allegations the stepbrother was obsessed with Anna, including inappropriate behavior seen by her ex-boyfriend.
  • He reportedly had a "psychotic break" after Anna's death, followed by a stint living with relatives and being kicked out.

• Justice Concerns:

  • Annie and Amy discuss whether the trial will be as an adult, referencing Florida law that minors can't be held past 21 without adult charges.
    • "If you’re convicted—even if it’s something as terrible as murder—they can’t hold you past the age of 21. That’s a compelling reason to try him as an adult.” (Amy, 23:27)

3. Tepe (Tempe) Double Murder: New Footage & Details

[26:00 – 41:44]

• Background:

  • Monique (39) and Spencer Tempe (37) were found shot dead in their Columbus, Ohio home on December 30, 2025. Their 1- and 4-year-old children, and family dog, were unharmed.
  • Monique’s ex-husband, Michael McKee—a vascular surgeon—was arrested after a 10-day, multi-state manhunt. He's charged with four counts of aggravated murder and one of aggravated burglary; pleaded not guilty.

• Premeditation & Evidence:

  • Surveillance allegedly shows Michael entering the home weeks prior (possibly for reconnaissance).
  • His car, with swapped plates, was seen multiple times near the house.
  • Cell phone data indicates he left his phone at his Illinois workplace during the window of the murders, suggesting an attempt to cover his tracks.
    • “This wasn’t some sort of casual drive...it was something that would have required planning, adrenaline, stamina, and a commitment to executing this plan, all without being detected.” (Annie, 30:33)

• Autopsy Revelations:

  • Early police reports understated the violence:
    • Monique was shot 9 times (wounds suggesting defensive injuries); Spencer was shot 7 times.
    • Both deaths ruled homicides.
    • “Monique was shot nine times, including once directly to her face...she also suffered abrasions...as though she was trying to block things.” (Annie, 33:14)
  • A suppressor (silencer) was used, indicating an intent to go undetected with children in the house.

• Domestic Violence Context:

  • Monique and Michael’s divorce was in 2017, but friends report long-term abuse and threats, including “I could kill her at any time,” and stalking.
    • “It’s terrifying to think about that someone is just lying in wait, stewing on this for a decade.” (Annie, 36:55)
  • Family reportedly “breathing a sigh of relief” over Michael’s arrest.

• Arrest Footage Analysis:

  • Newly released video shows Michael calm, even yawning, during booking—chilling hosts and viewers alike.
    • “He just appears pretty much expressionless, just very calm, cool, collected. And at one point, he even appears to yawn...it’s fucking unhinged.” (Annie, 38:55)
  • Annie and Amy compare the case’s premeditation with infamous cases like Betty Broderick.

4. Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case: Ongoing Twists

[41:46 – 49:36]

• Current Developments:

  • Multiple searches at Annie and Nancy Guthrie’s houses, including septic tanks and water storage.
  • Brief detainment and release of a person of interest—turned out to be a false lead.
  • A new note demanding bitcoin sent to TMZ, asking for $65,000 in exchange for “suspect's name”—believed to be unrelated opportunism.

• Ransom Demands & Skepticism:

  • Annie questions motives: If abduction was for money, why not contact the family/feds directly? Why communicate through media?
    • “If this was a real abduction...and they’re demanding millions of dollars, and the family says, ‘we will pay’—yet you’re ghosting the family?” (Annie, 46:27)
  • She leans toward the theory that it involves someone close to the family, likely due to financial motives, but the situation is spiraling and “out of their control.”
  • No proof of life, leading Annie to pessimism about Nancy’s fate.

• Suspicious Social Media Behavior:

  • Annie notes that two siblings, Savannah and Cameron, have been public and vocal, while Annie Guthrie has gone silent on social media, leading to speculation. She stresses this isn’t proof of guilt, but it “doesn't rub [her] the right way.”
    • “If my mom had been abducted, even if people thought I was suspect #1, I’d be posting on social... that’s the way to spread the word.” (Annie, 48:10)
  • Annie encourages listeners to follow her Instagram and YouTube for real-time updates, referencing her ultra-frequent posting as this case develops.

5. Mike King’s New Cult Podcast: Shoutout

[49:36 – 52:07]

• Annie and Amy fangirl over Mike King, former criminal investigator and host of Profiling Evil.
• Mike King has launched a new 7-part series, “Gardens of Evil: Inside the Zion Cult Society,” covering a disturbing cult in Utah he helped dismantle.
• Proceeds support children's advocacy and criminal justice scholarships.
• Audio trailer for the new podcast is played.
  • “It’s so good. He gets in there. It talks all about the raid...He was a part of...Unbelievable.” (Annie, 50:15)
  • Both hosts highly recommend checking it out.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nathan Smith:
  “He left on foot...he ran out of his home. No phone, no ride...it does give a pretty good idea of what his mental state might have been.” (Annie, 05:02)
  “Nathan was the kindest human...We loved Nathan with all our hearts and we are incredibly proud of him.” (Lil Jon statement read by Annie, 09:40)

• On Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother:
  “A lawyer for Anna’s stepmom announced that Anna’s 16 year old stepbrother...was looked into as a suspect by the FBI...he has actually been arrested and charged as a juvenile in connection to Anna’s case.” (Amy, 13:12)
  “You never know what conflict is happening...when you’re younger, you don’t vocalize that that much.” (Annie, 20:52)

• On Tepe Murders:
  “Monique was shot nine times, including once directly to her face...To me, that appears to be defensive, as though she was trying to block things.” (Annie, 33:14)
  “He just appears pretty much expressionless, just very calm, cool, collected...it's fucking unhinged.” (Annie, 38:55)

• On Nancy Guthrie:
  “I do think it is somebody close to the family...potentially something going on with money and financial issues...now it’s just spinning constantly.” (Annie, 46:40)
  “There is something about that [Annie Guthrie going silent] that just doesn’t rub me the right way.” (Annie, 48:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | End |---------------------------------|-------------|----------- | Lil Jon's missing son | 03:31 | 11:36 | Anna Kepner stepbrother arrested| 11:52 | 24:12 | Tepe (Tempe) double murder | 26:00 | 41:44 | Nancy Guthrie case | 41:46 | 49:36 | Mike King's cult podcast shoutout| 49:36 | 52:07

Tone & Structure

• Annie’s narration is engaging, empathetic, and direct—frequently referencing deep research, court docs, and family statements.
• Co-host Amy interjects with thoughtful questions, emotional responses, and expands discussion to family dynamics and systemic issues.
• They are candid about speculation vs. fact, always clarifying what's confirmed.
• The show includes some on-air banter and emotional asides, sustaining an atmosphere of “true crime besties.”

Final Notes

• For more frequent updates, Annie urges listeners to follow her on social and check bonus episodes, especially for the evolving Nancy Guthrie case.
• They end with recommendations for more true crime podcast content and a friendly, offbeat signoff.

("Be nice. Don’t kill people. Don’t join any cults. Stay safe. Don’t go on any cruises.")

This summary conveys the detailed discussion of each case and captures the original energy, compassion, and attentiveness to detail Annie Elise brings to true crime storytelling.