Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Crime Alert 08.06.24 | Toddler Escapes Parents' Cage

Episode Date: August 6, 2024

Feces-covered 4-year-old boy kept in make shift cage 24/7. 'Protect and Serve' takes on a whole new meaning! For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You're listening to an iHeart Podcast. Crime Alert, I'm Nancy Grace, breaking crime news now. Iowa police called when Hamburg residents noticed a tiny boy covered in filth, wandering the streets all alone. This little boy, a developmentally disabled four-year-old, is covered in both human and animal feces. The boy leads police to his home. Inside, cops find a makeshift cage in a walk-in closet where this little boy was allegedly kept 24-7. Nancy, the parents left the child and a sibling with relatives with explicit instructions not to remove them from the cage.

The four-year-old managed to escape the cage and leave the home without waking any adults. Both children were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Parents, if you can call them that, Dustin Perry and Lindsey Hamilton, both 26, now charged with child neglect. A Florida deputy has a career change for a day. When a power line goes down and blocks the entrance to a Lutz neighborhood, Healdsboro County sheriffs respond to controlled traffic. Deputy Campbell notices a food delivery driver stopped on the shoulder of the road for a pretty long time. He asked if he can help with anything and the driver points out

his customer walking down the street to meet him. Campbell gallantly offers to deliver the food himself and hilarious video captures the exchange with the grateful customer. And that gives a whole new meaning to protect and serve. More crime and justice news after this. Now with the latest crime and justice breaking news, here's Crime Online's John Limley. We begin with a significant development in a decades-old cold case involving the murder and sexual assault of Dana Ireland, a Virginia woman visiting Hawaii in 1991. Let's bring in Sydney Sumner of Crime Online for more. The Hawaii Police Department recently identified 57-year-old Albert Laro Jr. of Hawaiian Paradise Park on the Big Island as a potential suspect after DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene.

Laro then took his own life shortly after police obtained a DNA sample from him. The investigation intensified when police, observing Laro during lunch, discreetly collected a discarded fork for DNA analysis. The subsequent tests matched DNA found on Ireland's body. However, before authorities could pursue further action, Laro died by suicide. This event followed a visit by police to obtain a direct DNA sample, which was confirmed by Police Chief Ben Moskowitz. This revelation is particularly significant as it coincides with the ongoing efforts to exonerate Albert Ian Schweitzer, who was released from prison last year after serving over 20 years for Ireland's murder. Schweitzer, along with two other men, had been convicted in connection with

the crime, though he has consistently maintained his innocence. A judge is now set to rule on a motion to officially clear Schweitzer's name. While the DNA evidence provided probable cause to consider rape charges against Laro, the statute of limitations for such charges had expired. However, the murder charge remains viable, although police currently lack sufficient evidence to proceed. Authorities are now examining Laro's cell phone and seeking information from those who knew him in 1991 and more recently to piece together the events surrounding Ireland's death. Schweitzer's legal team has criticized the police handling of the case, suggesting that they failed to prevent Laro from fleeing or harming himself after the DNA

collection. They argue that Laro's death could hinder the discovery of the full truth about Ireland's murder and have called for a federal investigation into the matter. Police Chief Moskowitz defended the department's actions, stating that any arrest of Laro without sufficient evidence would have been legally untenable. He refuted claims of sabotaging the investigation. Former prosecutor Mitch Rath, who was involved in the case's reinvestigation, supported the police's actions, noting that the DNA results confirming Laro's involvement arrived posthumously. This case has gained renewed attention following

Schweitzer's release in January 2023, which came after Innocence Project lawyers demonstrated that DNA evidence did not implicate him. While Schweitzer's release marked a pivotal moment, debates continue regarding his complete exoneration and the possibility of compensation for his wrongful imprisonment. Thanks, John. Lauren Spear, just 20, enjoys nights out with her friends at Indiana University. Around 12.30 a.m., Lauren, David Round, Jay Rosenbaum, and Corey Rossman head to Kilroy Sports Bar in Bloomington, Indiana. Two hours later, Lauren is heavily intoxicated and is missing her shoes and cell phone. Corey Rossman walks her back to her apartment at the Smallwood Plaza. A group of four other men notice Lauren's state and confront

Rossman. A fight breaks out. Rossman is beaten badly. Lauren then helps Rossman back to his apartment, arriving at 5 North around 3 a.m. His roommate, Mike Beth, tries to persuade Lauren to spend the night. She refuses. He tries to find her a sober ride, but no one answers his call. 4.30 a.m., Lauren Spear decides to walk home. She's last seen on College Avenue. The next day, Lauren's boyfriend reports her missing, this after an employee at Kilroy's Bar picks up the boyfriend's call to her cell phone. The only sign of Lauren are her purse and keys, both found on the walk between 5 North and Smallwood Plaza. Lauren Spear, 5'11", 90 pounds, blonde hair, blue eyes. If you have info on Lauren Spear, now missing 13 years, call Bloomington, Indiana, PD, 812-339-4477.

For the latest crime and justice news, go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories. With this crime alert, I'm Nancy Grace. You're listening to an iHeart Podcast.