Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Detroit Man Learns Missing Mother's Fate Decades Later | Crime Alert 6AM 03.24.26

Episode Date: March 24, 2026

A man who spent more than 30 years searching for his missing mother has finally learned what happened to her. In Alabama, a long-running and deeply emotional murder case involving a college student has reached another milestone. In Utah, a jury has delivered a guilty verdict in a case that prosecutors say involved deception, financial motives, and a fatal dose of poison. And in Arkansas, the Duggar family under more fire, Joseph following in Josh's footsteps. Sydney Sumner reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Crime alert, hourly update. Breaking Crime News now. I'm Sidney Sumner. A decades-long mystery now moving closer to resolution, a case that underscores both the persistence of families and the evolving power of forensic science.

A man who spent more than 30 years searching for his missing mother has finally learned what happened to her. Antonio Wiley was just a teenager in Detroit when his mother, Anita Wiley, disappeared in 1987. She left home one day and never returned. For decades, her case went cold. But investigators say that changed, with advances in DNA technology

in a renewed effort to identify remains long classified as unknown. Through a forensic matching program, authorities were able to link Antonio Wiley's DNA to remains that had been recovered not long after his mother vanished, but never identified. Those remains had been buried

in a cemetery for unidentified victims. Investigators now say Anita Wiley was a victim of homicide, though details about her death, including who may be responsible, remain under investigation. At the time of her disappearance, Detroit was experiencing a surge in violent crime, with hundreds of homicides reported that year alone. Authorities believe her case may have been lost amid that wave of violence. For Antonio Wiley, the discovery is both heartbreaking and meaningful, finally confirming what happened after decades of uncertainty. Law enforcement officials say the case is now active again, and identifying her remains could generate new leads.

For families of the missing, officials say this case highlights a critical message. Even after decades, answers are still possible. In Alabama, a long-running and deeply emotional murder case involving a college student has reached another milestone. Anaya Blanchard, a 19-year-old student, was reported missing in 2019. Her disappearance sparked a multi-state search and drew national attention. Authorities later confirmed she had been abducted and killed. Prosecutors say the suspect, Ibrahim Yazid, was already out on bond at the time,

a detail that intensified scrutiny of the justice system and bail practices. Investigators say Blanchard was last seen at a convenience store in surveillance video, along with forensic evidence, helped connect Yazid to the crime. Her remains were eventually found in a wooded area. The cases moved through the courts over several years, with prosecutors seeking accountability and what they describe as a violent abduction in murder. Blanchard's family has remained vocal throughout the process, advocating for justice and legislative changes aimed at preventing similar cases.

Authorities say the case remains a stark example of how quickly a missing person's investigation can become a homicide and how critical early evidence can be in building a case. More crime and justice news after this. In Utah, a jury has delivered a guilty verdict in a case that prosecutors say involved deception, financial motives, and a fatal dose of poison. Corey Richens was convicted in connection with the death of her husband, Eric Richens. Prosecutors argued that Richens poisoned her husband with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and what they described as a calculated act tied to financial gain.

Investigators testified that Eric Richens died suddenly, and toxicology reports later revealed a lethal amount. of fentanyl in his system. Authorities say the case drew additional attention after Corey Richens went on to publish a children's book about grief following her husband's death, a detail prosecutors highlighted during the trial. The defense challenged the prosecution's timeline and evidence, but jurors ultimately found her guilty. The case underscores the growing role of forensic toxicology in homicide investigations, particularly as fentanyl continues to be involved in both accidental overdoses and alleged intentional poisonings. Sentencing is expected at a later date.

In Arkansas, a member of a well-known family has been charged in a child molestation case that is drawing widespread attention. Joseph Dugger is facing charges related to alleged sexual abuse involving a minor. Authorities say the investigation centers on accusations that the abuse occurred over a period of time. Details about the victim have not been released in accordance with laws protecting minors. Dugger is part of a family that gained national recognition through reality television, though officials stress that the case is being handled strictly within the criminal justice system. TLC's 19 kids in counting aired from 2008 to 2015 when the show was promptly canceled when it came to light older brother Josh Dugger molested several young girls when he was

between the ages of 12 and 16. The victims included his four sisters. Sixthes. Six years later, Dugger was arrested for receiving and possessing child pornography and is still serving a 12-year prison sentence. Law enforcement says Joseph Dugger charges stem from an ongoing investigation and additional evidence may be presented as the case proceeds. Dugger has not been convicted and, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Cases involving crimes against children are often complex and sensitive, requiring specialized investigators and prosecutors. Officials say protecting victims and ensuring due process remains the top priority as the legal process moves forward. For the latest crime and justice breaking news,

be sure to follow the Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcast app. With this crime alert, I'm Sidney Sumner.