True Crime Garage Podcast Summary: Episode "Amber Spradlin, Aliza Sherman, & Amy Hooper // Updates"

Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Nic and The Captain
Podcast: True Crime Garage

Introduction

In this special episode of True Crime Garage, hosts Nic and The Captain break their usual format to deliver significant updates on three notable true crime cases previously covered on the show. This rare episode brings a mix of relief and hope as progress is made in each case, moving closer to justice for the victims. The hosts maintain their signature blend of detailed analysis, engaging banter, and thoughtful insights throughout the discussions.

1. Amber Spradlin Case Update

Background:
Amber Spradlin, a 38-year-old woman, was tragically found dead in June 2023 at the residence of Michael McKinney II, a prominent dentist in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Initial reports indicated she had been stabbed at least 11 times, leading to immediate community outrage and speculation about the circumstances surrounding her death.

Key Updates:

• Arrests Made:
  More than a year after Amber's murder, multiple arrests have been made. Michael McKinney III, the son of the deceased dentist, has been charged with murder and evidence tampering. Additionally, Michael McKinney II and family friend Josh Mullins face charges related to complicity in tampering with evidence.
  Nic (10:01): "Police charged McKinney's son, Michael McKinney III, with murder and multiple counts of evidence tampering."

• Legal Proceedings:
  The trial for the accused has been moved from Floyd County to Pike County to ensure an impartial jury given the widespread media coverage and community involvement. Judge Edie Coleman has tentatively set the trial to begin on December 1, 2025, aiming to conclude by year-end.
  The Captain (18:09): "We don't have a set date for the trial yet, but Judge Coleman is looking at December 1, 2025."

• Evidence and Motives:
  DNA evidence found under Amber's fingernails played a crucial role in linking the suspects to the crime scene. There are allegations of evidence tampering, including the planting of a fake murder weapon, which complicates the investigation and legal process. Prosecutors are pushing to present all gathered evidence, including DNA results, who are still being processed due to signs of tampering.
  Nic (21:20): "Prosecutors have around 25 pieces of evidence submitted for testing, many showing signs of tampering."

• Notable Quotes:

  • Nic (16:52): "The defense wants the opportunity to say, 'Look, we have statements that suggest another person might be involved.'"
  • The Captain (23:55): "Smart play by the defense, but I think smart play by the prosecution to have those charges of tampering."

Insights and Analysis:
Nic and The Captain discuss the complexities introduced by the charges of evidence tampering, emphasizing how these allegations can provide leverage for prosecutors to secure more information or cooperation from the defendants. They highlight the strategic moves by both the defense and prosecution, reflecting on how delays and additional charges may impact the trial's outcome.

2. Aliza Sherman Case Update

Background:
Eliza Sherman, a 53-year-old mother of four and a nurse at the Cleveland Clinic, was brutally murdered in March 2013 in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. She was found stabbed multiple times outside her divorce attorney's office. For years, the case remained unsolved until recent developments shed new light on the investigation.

Key Updates:

• Indictment of Gregory Moore:
  Gregory Dushkanu Moore, Eliza Sherman's former divorce attorney, has been indicted on multiple charges, including aggravated murder and conspiracy. Investigators believe Moore orchestrated the murder to prevent Eliza from proceeding with her divorce case.
  Nic (36:25): "Gregory Moore allegedly disconnected his phone to avoid creating location evidence and later made several calls to Eliza's phone to cover his tracks."

• Technological Breakthroughs:
  Advances in digital forensics played a pivotal role in solving the case. The Bureau of Criminal Identification utilized digital fingerprints and cell phone transmission data to link Moore to the crime scene, despite his attempts to conceal his involvement.
  News 5 Report (40:26): "Analytics on the digital fingerprints from electronic devices gave us the keys."

• Motive and Planning:
  The indictment reveals that Moore had planned the murder months in advance, aiming to lure Eliza under false pretenses for their meeting. His suspicious behavior, including multiple bomb threats and falsifying his whereabouts, further incriminates him.
  Nic (41:38): "The indictment states that Moore allegedly orchestrated the plan to kidnap and murder Eliza to avoid the divorce proceedings."

• Notable Quotes:

  • Nic (33:42): "Gregory Moore was charged with one count of aggravated murder, one count of conspiracy, six counts of murder, and two counts of kidnapping."
  • Nic (37:04): "Moore allegedly disconnected his phone from the cell network for three hours around the time of Sherman's death to avoid location tracking."

Insights and Analysis:
The hosts delve into Moore's criminal history, highlighting his pattern of inducing panic through bomb threats and other fraudulent activities. They question the connection between his professional role and his criminal actions, pondering the extent of his involvement and possible conspirators. The technological advancements that led to Moore's indictment are praised as crucial elements in reigniting progress in a cold case.

3. Amy Hooper Case Update

Background:
Amy Hooper, a young woman residing in Columbus, Ohio, was tragically murdered in her apartment in 1992. The case remained unsolved for decades until a recent DNA match led to a significant breakthrough.

Key Updates:

• Arrest of Bruce Edward Daniels:
  DNA evidence has finally connected Bruce Edward Daniels to the 1992 homicide of Amy Hooper. Daniels, residing in Washington State at the time of his arrest, faces charges related to the cold case.
  Nic (46:25): "The arrest was a result of a DNA hit that connected Daniels to the crime scene, decades after the murder."

• Court Proceedings:
  A court date is scheduled for Daniels, though the hosts note that substantial details about the case and additional evidence remain sparse. The likelihood of a swift trial is uncertain, with expectations of further revelations as the legal process unfolds.
  Nic (50:00): "We're expecting a court date, but not much is known about the specifics of the evidence beyond the DNA match."

• Notable Quotes:

  • The Captain (58:58): "Those are three fascinating cases. Go back and listen to the original episodes to have more questions and hopefully get answers."
  • Nic (59:18): "The Amy Hooper episodes were a two-parter, episodes 294 and 295."

Insights and Analysis:
Nic and The Captain express cautious optimism about the Amy Hooper case, acknowledging the limitations of relying solely on DNA evidence without corroborating details. They emphasize the importance of continued investigation and legal scrutiny to ensure comprehensive justice. The hosts encourage listeners to revisit earlier episodes for a deeper understanding of the case’s complexities.

Closing Thoughts

Nic and The Captain conclude the episode with reflections on the progress made in these cases, expressing hope for future justice and the resolution of other cold cases covered by True Crime Garage. They reaffirm their commitment to uncovering the truth and supporting the victims' families through diligent investigation and reporting.

Key Takeaways:

• Amber Spradlin: Arrests made with ongoing legal battles over evidence tampering; trial date tentatively set for December 2025.
• Aliza Sherman: Longtime cold case solved through digital forensics, leading to the indictment of her former divorce attorney Gregory Moore.
• Amy Hooper: Decades-old case sees closure with a DNA match leading to the arrest of Bruce Edward Daniels.

Final Quote:

• Nick (60:03): "Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world and it does happen. There is evil out there, there are bad people out there, but at least we are making progress in these three cases, which gives me a lot of hope that we will be getting this kind of movement in other cases that we've covered here in the garage."

Recommended Listening

To gain a comprehensive understanding of these cases, listeners are encouraged to revisit the original episodes:

• Amber Spradlin: Episode 687 (July 2023)
• Aliza Sherman: Episodes covering her 2013 Cleveland murder case and recent updates
• Amy Hooper: Episodes 294 and 295 (two-part series)

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Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the podcast's true crime content as per the provided transcript.