Top Story with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Episode Date: February 23, 2023

A member of a news crew shot dead in Orlando, toxic spill in Ohio becomes political showdown, 29 states under winter weather alerts, Alex Murdaugh "considering" taking the stand, signs of the possible housing market cool down, and the neo-Nazi group targeting a Broadway show.

Tonight, crisis in Ohio, a toxic train disaster, now fueling a political showdown. Former President Trump on the ground in East Palestine, the sight of that fiery derailment that leaked dangerous chemicals into the soil. Trump bringing pallets of his own bottled water, even stopping at a local McDonald's to pass out MAGA hats, the harsh words he had for President Biden, who has yet to visit the area and the top cabinet official now planning to make a visit after weeks of mounting criticism. This just in, the new image of that Chinese spy balloon just before it was shot down with the never-before-seen view from inside an Air Force cockpit shows. Snow emergency, a massive winter storm on the move, creating treacherous conditions on the road, delaying or canceling thousands of flights across the country.

Heavy winds knocking out power and L.A. County issued its first ever blizzard warning. Could the famous Hollywood sign be covered in snow? We'll ask Al Roker, who joins Top Story tonight. The suspense building in the Alec Murdoch murder trial, sources telling NBC news that Murdoch himself is considering taking the stand tomorrow, with that testimony could mean for the defense. The shocking escape caught on camera in New Jersey, a woman seen running into a gas station after getting away from the man she says held her captive for nearly a year,

what we're now learning about her alleged kidnapper and a second possible victim. Plus, boom and bust a new report suggesting the red-hot, housing market could be cooling off what you need to know if you're looking to buy, sell, or just stay put. And neo-Nazis target Broadway? Why these anti-Semitic protesters are furious about a new production of the musical parade and how the star Ben Platt is responding tonight. Top story starts right now. Tonight, the most unsuspecting of small towns has become the center of the political universe, East Palestine, Ohio, a community trying to pick up the pieces after a toxic

disaster, now the scene of a growing political circus. You'll remember these unbelievable images we've been showing you for weeks now, right? A fiery train derailment, sending massive flames into the air and leaking dangerous chemicals into the ground. Four weeks later, many residents still afraid to drink the water. Former President Trump touching down in Ohio today in that county that voted overwhelmingly in his favor in the 2020 election. Ever the businessman, Trump bringing pallets of his own brand of bottled water with him assuring residents there, quote, you are not forgotten. The 2024 candidate even stopping at a McDonald's to hand out MAGA hats to the staff. The trip, a clear effort to draw contrast with President

Biden, who just wrapped up an important trip to Ukraine and Poland. President Biden tweeting out this photo last night saying he's been in close contact with the governor of Ohio and the EPA administrator on the ground. But even those two officials leaning into the political showmanship, drinking straight from a tap in East Palestine right here, insisting it is safe. And facing mounting pressure transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg now planning a trip to the disaster zone as well. He's expected to land there tomorrow. NBC's Ron Allen has been covering this from the start and is on the ground in Ohio again for us tonight.

In the heart of East Palestine, Mike McKim worries how business will be, when he opens his new winery next month. The fiery derailment happened just a few blocks away, and he fears may have ruined his dream. We have a stigma here that we're dirty, and it hurts everybody here. Like many in this rural community of 4,700 people, he's grateful for the national attention,

though doubtful it will last. Today, former President Trump, running for president again, visited and slammed the Biden administration's response to the disaster in a county that gave Mr. Trump more than 70% of its votes in 2020. We have told you loud and clear, you are not forgotten. You are not forgotten.

East Palestine now a political hotspot. Tomorrow, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, criticized for not traveling here yet, expected to visit, with the NTSB set to release its preliminary report on the cause of the derailment. Investigators have said they're analyzing security camera footage of the train before the derailment and looking closely at whether there was a mechanical problem with an axle.

Meanwhile, Jan Douglas keeps her focus on her family farm. And it's my job to take care of it, and I'm doing the best I can. Douglas fled to escape the smoke from the controlled burnoff of hazardous chemicals, and now awaits more test results on her soil and water and hopes to plant her soybeans and corn soon. I trust science. I know some science, and so we'll see where that takes us, and then we'll make decisions accordingly. Meanwhile, despite all the emotion and anxiety, officials here continue to emphasize that constant testing shows the air and water are safe.

Tom? OK, Ron Allen, leading us off tonight for more on the political fallout from the toxic spill in East Palestine, Ohio. We have two very special guests tonight. I want to bring in Dan Cannon in. He's a partner and CEO at the Democratic firm, ARC initiatives, but he also served as the Obama White House liaison

to the EPA during the BP oil spill. And Republican strategists and NBC News political analyst and a friend at Top Story, Susan Del Perseo. Guys, thank you both for joining us. tonight. Susan, I want to start for you, from a political standpoint, right? This was sort of a no-brainer for former President Trump. We can put up how he did in 2020 in the election. I think we have a graphic there that we want to show, basically. You see how he did this here. 71 percent of voters in the county where East Palestine is located, went for Donald Trump. And then, of course,

he shows up with J.D. Vance, who's the new senator of Ohio. So this made perfect political sense. Almost perfect political sense. And I'll tell you why. Because you know what? They had to close down the school today because Donald Trump was coming to town. Donald Trump could have done everything he did and delivered those supplies, including, of course, Trump water, and he could have had it delivered. He did not have to go to the site. I look at those people behind the scenes, and they didn't, they couldn't do the job they needed to do. And also, the thing that really irked me is that he never acknowledged Governor DeWine. And that just is because he doesn't But Susan, he's going to get all the media attention there, right? He's got the MAGA hats being passed. He's got the Trump water. He's going to grab those headlines. And they're going to do the split screen, right? I'm sure we even did it. You have former President Trump in Ohio. You have the current president, obviously, dealing with very important matters overseas. And we'll get to that as well. But this sort of works in Trump's favor.

Oh, absolutely. It definitely works in his favor. I see why he did it. But it was completely, I just want to make sure. It was completely self-serving. Well, that's what I want to ask Dan about now. do anything to help. Dan, as I mentioned, you were the EPA liaison for the Obama White House during the BP oil spill. So you have a really unique perspective on this issue. Is it frustrating to see the former president turn this into a political circus down there in East Palestine? I'd be frustrated if I was surprised by it, Tom. I think Susan's right.

This was a no-brainer for him politically. But that's just it. It's politics. And what I will say from the time at EPA to working for Governor Doyle in Wisconsin when I was there, to working on presidential campaigns, I've been through different. environmental and other catastrophes and crises in communities. And if you're talking about having the principal go there for political reasons, you've missed the boat entirely.

There is a response happening. There needs to be chemical and air and water and soil quality testing going on, testing in homes, community meetings and liaising with the company, getting to work on a plan that EPA is administering, I think, quite effectively in using the authority undercircle to hold the company accountable and taxpayers held harmless as a result. That's important work that happens that is nothing to do with politics. But when you inject the politics into this, you're taking the effort and the attention away from what's got to happen now.

And by the way, this is not going to be overdone in a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. There's weeks and months and maybe years of continued work in the community that EPA will be there for for quite a long time. When I was working on the BP oil spill, we had a task force looking at the effects in communities along the Gulf Coast for several years after that spill. That work is important. That's the real response work. That's where the administration's focus should be, and not on the politics. Dan, how hard is it? Because, I mean, you think back on the BP oil spill, and I'll never forget seeing that pipe, just shoot those gallons and gallons of oil into the Gulf. I mean, how is it when all of the TV cameras from around the world are now trained on your area and just putting so much pressure on you? And on top of that now, you have all these politicians coming and going. It's really hard. And in that instance, there were several states, you know, Alabama, Mississippi.

Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, et cetera, that were all part of the area that was affected by that spill. So you had a multi-jurisdictional, multi-state and local government response, many agencies from FEMA to the EPA, et cetera. The same applies here with Pennsylvania, Ohio, the Ohio EPA, the EPA, the National Health and Translation Safety Board, et cetera. They're all trying to coordinate and communicate effectively to citizens. It doesn't help that Trump is mudding the water and whether the water itself is safe to drink.

People need clear and effective communication right now, not people drumming up the crisis for political purposes. It is not the time for politics. Stand down. Let them do the work, whether it's 100 to zero Trump County or the other way, get in there and help people now when they need it. Some will say, you know, listen, all the cameras are there, all the TV news crews are there. It'll keep pressure on administrators to make sure the cleanup is happening. I want to turn back to the politics, because I've noticed a couple things with what Republicans have been doing. Starting back last week, they started putting pressure on Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary. Last night, we had President Biden tweeting from Poland about this issue.

We now know that Pete Buttigieg is going to show up tomorrow. So clearly the Republicans are getting to the Democrats on this issue. Absolutely. The administration, while they gave the necessary resources at the time, they didn't necessarily show their faces to the community. And that is what was critical. Plus, the Republicans made it in stark contrast. Joe Biden will go take care of Ukraine, but he won't take care of Ohio. It is an ugly political mess, although I will say when Pete Buttigieg shows up tomorrow,

I have a feeling we're going to hear a lot about how railroad regulations were rolled back under the Trump administration. Well, I'm going to get to that, but Dan, I want, if you could advise Pete Buttigieg tonight, what's some advice you'd give him because he's walking into a very difficult situation? He is getting there late, to be fair, but he's also walking right into a red county, a county that clearly loves former President Trump, and they're going to have a lot to say to him. Yeah, look, I think that's right. I will say, to be fair to the Secretary, the National Transfer and Safety Board is going to investigate the cause of the crash. That's their role. The state of Ohio is lead on the response, and EPA is lead on the cleanup.

So it's kind of happened in the sequence. It should happen. And I think the secretary got attention because he is a political figure who has aspirations for higher office. So on the left and the right, he was the target, not DeWine, and maybe not even the EPA, right? So I think that's why the focus was on him. But to your point about the advice I'd give him, go there, listen, be on the ground, explain what you are going to do to hold these companies accountable now and in the future, and then explain that you will stay there with your agency, with the authorities you have, to work with the EPA in the state of Ohio, to make sure this is right. It never happens again, and that we can prevent this catastrophe

and rectify the wrong done of the folks in East Palestine. And Dan, Susan alluded to this, but I want to bring it up with you. We have this article and political. I want to put it up on the screen for our viewers there. You could see it here, the headline. Trump's visit to Ohio derailment gives Biden's team some breathing movement. Basically, the article talks about what Susan was talking about, the regulations and some of the rollbacks here. Can Democrats work that into any of their messaging? Will they work that? Or is it just too sensitive at this time? Well, Tom, I think they could if they want to, but I would focus on the response itself.

Again, I don't think it's a time for messaging or politics. It's a time to get this right in Ohio. Again, regardless of the electoral makeup of the county or the city or the state, get there and do the job well, stay there, be effective, be in that place. There's then later a time to talk about the kind of politics around the rulemaking. And I will say when I was at EPA, we spent three or four years undoing George W. Bush rules before we can get to. to a proactive agenda. So I'm sympathetic with how long it takes to fix stuff that happened in the Trump years. Maybe there's an opportunity to shift to that as this evolves. But for now, it's about helping people on the ground in that community. I think that's what the EPA and the DOT are doing.

I think you're 100% right, but I think the genie is out of the bottle when it comes to politics. Susan, my last question is for you. Things don't seem to be getting better really fast in East Palestine right now. Do you think this has lingering effects if they don't get control of the situation to affect the 2024 race? I don't know if it'll affect the 2024 race as much as it will be a symbol kind of of what Trump happened under if it's a Trump Biden race,

it may be something that is used as a distinction. Okay. Susan, Dan, thank you so much for joining the top story tonight. We do appreciate it. We turn out of the forecast in the dangerous cross-country storm on the move. Nearly 70 million Americans in its path. The massive system dropping feet of snow,

inches of ice and even tornadoes. Winter weather alert stretching all the way from Los Angeles County under its first ever blizzard warning to Burlington, Maine. But first, Gabe Gutierrez is in Minneapolis where we can see that snow coming down. Gabe. Hi there, Tom. Good evening. So, yes, that second wave of snow started just a few hours ago. The wind is picking up.

Temperatures here are in the teens, but with a windshield, it feels like it's in the single digits. and the National Weather Service is now warning that travel throughout much of Minnesota will be nearly impossible through tomorrow morning. Tonight, that massive winter storm is engulfing much of the country. Across Minnesota, hundreds of crashes, cars sliding off freeways. Travel snarled coast to coast. More than 1,500 U.S. flights cancel, thousands more delayed. It looked like there are like 90% of the flights are going to cancel, and it's just really eerie. In Arizona, nearly 300 miles of I-40 closed, stranded semis in Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. Unless you legitimately have a need to be out traveling to stay home and bunker there if you can.

State police in Wyoming warning of dangerous conditions like this. Newly released video showing a trooper narrowly escaping an out-of-control 18-wheeler. In California, high winds knocked out power to more than 100,000 people. A one-year-old critically injured in Santa Cruz when a tree fell on its home. It was a big team effort and everyone did the best they could. Remarkably, a rare blizzard warning issued for the mountains near L.A. While other states from the mid-Atlantic down to Florida are seeing record high temperatures. Still, 29 states are under winter weather alerts.

We are preparing for what will likely be an historic snowman. event. Even in the Twin Cities, a region used to wicked weather, this snowfall could be among the top 10 largest ever. I wasn't expecting this. I mean, it's been snowing all winter, but not this crazy. Today, volunteers with meals on wheels delivered extra food to those in need because they expect traveling tomorrow will be too dangerous. Some people wouldn't have, be able to eat unless we brought them food. Recipient, 76-year-old Linda Brosec, grateful. They're very important, I think, because they're the main meals of the day. A lifeline, as tonight the second wave of this storm is underway.

All right, Gabe Gutierrez joins us, and Gabe, we have a bit of news tonight. I understand the National Weather Service is revising their forecast for that area? Yeah, that's right, Tom. Just a short time ago, the National Weather Service now says that there will be slightly less snow and wind than initially thought. Forecasters stressed this is still going to be a huge storm with huge, impacts, not just here in Minnesota, but as he saw in that report, really across the country, 29 states still under winter weather alerts tonight, Tom. Gabe Gutierrez on that snow emergency for us tonight.

For more on this historic snowfall, I want to bring in Al Roker once again. He joins us in studio. So, Al, walk us through the latest on the track. Okay, so here we go, Tom, and this is really kind of incredible when you think about it. We've got 69 million people under winter weather advisory, winter storm watch, winter storm warnings, blizzard warnings, even ice warnings, stretching from New England. You've got those winter, those ice warnings throughout parts of Michigan, Illinois, also into Wisconsin, Iowa, and then blizzard warnings in the Dakotas, Minnesota, into Wyoming.

And here's the amazing thing, Tom. Take a look at this. Now, we're used to blizzard warnings along the Cascade Mountain Range. But just 10 miles north of Los Angeles, blizzard warning, stretching just to the north of Santa Barbara for late Friday on into Saturday. they could see some snow by the Hollywood sign, the levels that they could see snow at 2,000 feet. Hollywood signs at 1,500 feet, I should say. So we'll see what happens there.

You can already see rain and snow now making its way out west. We're looking more for that snow as we push to the east, especially from the Dakotas through Minnesota. Gabe Gutier is being in that snow up there. Green Bay, Wisconsin, Buffalo, on into Boston, some stronger storms to the south. This system will be pushing through. blizzard conditions through Thursday for the upper Midwest with wind and snow. Another round of snow moves into New England. We're not so much worried about rain, but the icing going to be a big problem. Anywhere from a tenth to a quarter of an inch from Boston across to Buffalo, central

Michigan and on into Wisconsin, power outages and difficult travel going to be a problem. Snowfall amounts on top of what's already fallen. We could see another four to six inches in parts of New England. Upwards of six or more in Minneapolis. And heavy amounts. out through the cascades. And we're not quite done yet. How about another day of record-breaking temperatures along the mid-Atlantic and on into the southeast? We could see 85 degrees in Saffana tomorrow.

That would set a record. 82 in Raleigh, D.C. 81, setting a record. Montgomery, 84. New Orleans setting a record at 84 degrees. And in Orlando, home to the greatest theme park in America. Universal Studios, Orlando. Could hit a record there. Sorry, Tom, couldn't resist.

But of course. Al Roker, quite the company man. Al, thanks for that. This just is in tonight, an inside look at the operation to take down the suspected Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina earlier this month. Late today, the Department of Defense releasing this photo, take a close look. It's of the balloon as it crossed the continental U.S. at an estimated 60,000 feet on February 3rd. The photo was taken by an Air Force pilot inside the cockpit of a U-2 spy plane. Large solar panels attached to that flying object are visible. A day later, that balloon, was moved over the Atlantic Ocean when it was shot down by an F-22 fighter jet.

Recovery efforts of the debris concluded last week. Okay. And the U.S. retaliation with China, a relation, I should say, with China further strained today as Beijing's top diplomat met with Russia's Vladimir Putin. That meeting coming, as Russia said, it will pull out of its last remaining arms control treaty with the U.S. President Biden now reiterating his full support to NATO allies as he returns from his high-stakes trip from Ukraine. Chief White House correspondent Kristen Welkers in Warsaw, again for us tonight. Tonight, wrapping up his whirlwind trip in Ukraine and Poland, President Biden responding

forcefully to Russian President Vladimir Putin's dramatic announcement. Russia will suspend participation in its last remaining arms control treaty with the U.S. The pushback coming as President Biden held critical talks with key NATO allies from Eastern Europe who see Russia's aggression as a potential threat to their own security. The president pledging full support. We will defend literally every inch of NATO, every inch of NATO. Meanwhile in Moscow today, President Putin rallying Russians around his war in Ukraine about to enter its second year, with thousands chanting Russia.

Putin saying, when we are together, we have no equal. Hours earlier top Putin official Dmitri Medvedev escalating tensions, saying if the U.S. wants to defeat Russia, we have the right to defend ourselves with any weapon, including of the nuclear kind. The White House in a statement to NBC News, calling the comment as unwarranted as it is irresponsible.

And tonight, the focus turning to China. Putin meeting with Beijing's top diplomat who pledged relations between the countries will get even stronger. China already provides critical economic support to Russia. The White House warning, China may now be considering giving weapons, all of it following those three days of high-stakes American diplomacy. President Biden now traveling back to Washington after losing his footing briefly while boarding Air Force One tonight, leaving behind a powerful message on the world stage.

Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia. Never. The president's challenge now, convincing an increasingly skeptical American public to stay with Ukraine. Kristen Welker joins us now from Warsaw tonight. Kristen, with Russia suspending that nuclear treaty we've been reporting on and now possibly getting weapons from China. Is there any concern in Washington that all of this could trigger an arms race again between the U.S. and Russia? That is a worst-case scenario, Tom, and there's no doubt that that is a deep concern. But at this point in time, they say, look, this was not completely a surprise that Russia has not been in compliance with this treaty for quite some time. Their larger immediate concern, Tom, is the fact that this will mean fewer inspections and decreased communication, which is so critical right now.

Bottom line, this underscores the incredibly tense backdrop here, Tom. And Christian, I do want to switch gears a little bit as President Biden has been overseas dealing with Ukraine, dealing with Russia, those very important matters overseas. Here at home, obviously, Ohio has sort of become the center of attention in this country. We know that Pete Buttigieg is going to make a trip over to Ohio. Former President Trump was there. Do we think we'll see President Biden at some point in East Palestine? At this point, Tom, it's still an open question. We are not aware of any plans at this point in time for the president to track.

there. What I can tell you is that he's been in touch with state and local officials. He has spoken to the governor of Ohio as well as the governor of Pennsylvania. And as you say, Secretary Buttigieg will be on the ground tomorrow. Tom. All right, Kristen, welcome from Poland again for us tonight. Kristen, we appreciate that. Now to the front line of the war in Ukraine, after a year of intense fighting, Ukrainian troops are once again manning the trenches on the eastern front,

hoping to slow down that Russian assault. NBC's chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel, is there with them. Ukrainian troops are digging in to stop a new Russian offensive in the east. Back to the trenches. Conditions are atrocious. After a heavy snow last week, temperatures are warming up. The only consolation is all the mud slows Russia's advance. Lieutenant Bogdan is in charge.

We met Bogdan a year ago, right before Russian troops invaded. We won't lose our country. We'll fight them with our bare hands. them with our bare hands if we have to, he said. Since then, Bogdan has been at the front. A Russian mortar tore through his left side. But after two months in the hospital, it was back to battle. Nearly all of his 150 soldiers were killed or injured over the past year.

And now the soldiers say Russian troops are 800 yards away. And they're just up there? Yeah. And do they have similar trenches to this? Yes. Yes. It looks like this. But now there's a problem.

A Russian drone is overhead. Yes, yes, he says. The soldiers fire a rocket-propelled grenade. Lieutenant Bogdan tells us it's like this every day or worse. Why does this war matter to Americans, do you think? Because it's a war for democracy. democracy. Ukrainian-Russian war is war of democracy versus Russia dictatorship. So it's important. A fight Ukrainians say they will take to the end. The head of Ukrainian intelligence tonight

said that Russia's new offensive is of such low quality that some frontline commanders barely even know it's happening. But he warned that things could get worse as Russia is now redoubling its efforts to produce ammunition. Tom? Richard, we thank you for that. Back here at home, we want to turn now to some breaking news out of Florida. We've just learned a news reporter and a news photographer were shot at while covering a homicide just outside of Orlando in the Pine Hills neighborhood. One of those victims has died. Authorities there just holding a news conference and Dana Griffin has been monitoring it for us. She has the late breaking details. Dana, what more have you learned? Well, Tom, we learned that around 405 this afternoon, local time, two men were shot.

officers just confirmed that they were News 13 reporter and photographer. That's the Spectrum News station there in Orlando. They were there covering a homicide investigation from a shooting that happened earlier in the day when a woman in her 20s was shot and killed. Police say they have detained a 19-year-old for that shooting and have charged him with murder for not only this morning shooting, but also for the shooting that resulted in the injuries and death of those two spectrum news journalists. Investigators are still holding that press conference as we speak, and they last said that they, it's unclear exactly why the news crew was targeted, but they're going to be

investigating and looking further into that. And, Dana, just to be clear, do we, we understand they were both shot at, but one of those members of that news crew is a photographer and reporter, one of them has not survived? One of the crew members has died. They have not confirmed whether this was the reporter or the photographer. We know that they were two men, the reporter and photographer, both from News 13. So we'll be following the story, Tom, to see what else we can confirm. And one of my producers is telling me we've also just learned that the other surviving victim is now in critical condition.

Okay, our thoughts and prayers with that news organization is just sad story. Okay, Dana, we thank you for that. Still ahead tonight. Could Murdoch take the stand? We head back to the Carolina. The source is telling NBC News, the former attorney now on trial for killing his wife and son is considering testifying. in his own defense tomorrow, what that could mean for his case. Plus, dramatic escape will show you the moment a woman broke free

after being held captive for nearly a year. And the major update from the makers of the movie Rust, why the cast and crew will not be returning to the site of that deadly shooting where they're headed. Top stories just setting started on this Wednesday night. We're back with Alex Murdoch's murder trial in South Carolina, where the defense is calling new witnesses to the sand, seeking to change the narrative,

all while preparing for a potential star witness tomorrow. Alex Murdoch himself. Katie Beck has this one. Day 22 of Alec Murdoch's double homicide trial has wrapped up. The defense called one of their key witnesses to the stand, Alec Murdoch's former law partner Mark Ball, who visited the crime scene and believed there were problems with how authorities handled the evidence.

The fact that you observed water, dripping off the roof on to Paul's body, did that concern you? It did. It did. Why? Well, one, I didn't think that, you know, it's a crime scene. But Ball seemed to further the state's case as well by confirming it was Alec Murdoch's voice in a video taken by his son just before the murders.

You've known Alec for 30 plus years? Yes, sir. You recognize his voice? Yes, sir. And I think at one point in time where you asked to identify, his voice on a video of down the kennel? Yes, sir. Alec and his attorneys have firmly denied he was ever at the kennels the night of the murders,

something their own witness seemed to contradict. And do you determine it was Alex's voice? Alec, Maggie, and Paul. And you told that to sled? Yes, sir. Prosecutors also seem to be successful in damaging Murdoch's character when they cross-examined Ball. I think you just said that what you know now about this man had been your partner and friend for 34 years. causes you to question everything you thought you knew about him. Isn't that right?

It does. But all eyes are on Alec Murdoch himself, as his defense team tells NBC News they're considering calling him to the stand tomorrow. That anticipation teeing up perhaps today's most dramatic moment, which happened even before the jury entered the room. His attorneys asking Judge Clifton Newman for an order preventing the prosecution from cross-examining Alec on his alleged financial crimes if he testifies. He's not charged with financial crimes. He's charged with murder.

Judge Newman sided with the state refusing to issue an order ahead of the testimony. For the court to issue some blanket order limiting the scope of cross-examination, that's unheard of to me. So now the big decision for the defense, whether or not to put Murdoch on the stand. One legal analyst we spoke with says it's high risk, high reward. So any time that a defendant takes the stand, it's risky. I mean, Alec Murdoch is not my client, and I get chills when I think about the decision of putting him up. But I think 99% the defense will put him up. If he was my client, 200%, I would put him up.

This is a case where Alec Murdoch has everything to gain and not much to lose. While it's extremely uncommon for defense attorneys to put their clients on the stand, Merdoch's defense team has not been able to explain why so many witnesses identified his voice in the background of that kennel video. Perhaps the only person who can refute or explain that is Alex Murdoch himself. The defense team says they plan to rest by Friday. Tom? Okay, Katie, thank you for that. And now we turn to a disturbing cross-country kidnapping case. The alleged victim narrowly escaped the suspect after almost a year of being unable to leave. Investigators now looking across the country for other possible victims.

Steve Patterson has the incredible video and the story. This security camera video capturing the moment a woman breaks free from her alleged kidnapper. Tonight, investigators searching for other potential victims of this suspect. The fact that she was able to escape and make it to safety, her actions are really the reason why Mr. Perillo has been apprehended as well as being charged. You can see Perillo chasing the woman, running down. barefoot into a gas station and in the cross-country kidnapping case. I heard people screaming, so I looked over, and then the lady came running barefoot, and she was like, he kidnapped me.

So we ran inside, and she locked the door. The New Jersey Attorney General's office says the alleged victim met Perillo in February of last year, when she picked him up at a New Mexico gas station and gave him a ride to Arizona. They entered a voluntary relationship for about a month until she told them, the suspect physically assaulted her, confiscated her phone, and isolated her from family. Almost a year later, and across the country, she desperately ran for help from a home in South Jersey to that gas station. He was like, you don't want to do this, you don't want to do this. And then she came in

and slamed the door. Perilla was arrested earlier this month and now faces kidnapping and aggravated assault charges, according to the New Jersey AG. NBC Philadelphia found other people who say they have crossed pass with Perilla. In California's Pacific Crest Trail Association, Facebook group. A 2018 flyer for a missing hiker, Kira Moon, shows that she was last with a man resembling Perillo. The New Jersey AG's office has not been able to confirm any other alleged crimes, but police are asking the public for any more information about Perillo. We're just asking those individuals that may have had contact with him in other states to come forward. So police say they do believe there are other people that have had encounters with Perillo,

but importantly, the victim in this case says he went by a different name throughout this whole ordeal. So the Attorney General believes he may have been operating under different identities. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the suspect, members of his family, or his attorney for comment. Tom? Okay, Steve Patterson, when we come back, a small plane, going down in Arkansas, multiple fatalities reported what we're learning tonight about who was on the plane. That's next. We're back now with Top Stories Newsfeiting. We begin with the former Georgia police officer charged with the murder of a teenage girl. Miles Bryant is now facing felony murder and kidnapping charges in connection to the death of a 16-year-old.

Her name was Susanna Morales. Authorities revealing late today, his gun was found near her skeletal remains. Bryant was fired and previously charged in connection to her disappearance after Morales' body was found in a wooded area earlier this month. The FAA is investigating a deadly plane crash in Little Rock. Authorities say the twin-engine plane went down near Clinton National Airport. Five people were on board at the time, and officials say they are no survivors. A local science consulting firm confirmed that all the victims, including the pilot, were employees of their company. The makers of Rust have officially announced plans to resume filming nearly a year and a half after the film cinematographer was killed on set.

The producers of the film revealing they will move production from New Mexico to yellow. Stone Ranch in Montana. Alec Baldwin is still set to star despite facing a manslaughter charge for the deadly shooting. No working weapons will be used this time, so the armor who is also facing charges will no longer be involved. And a potential rock and roll co-lab decades in the making. Multiple sources reporting Beatles Paul McCartney will be featured on a new Rolling Stone song. Beatles drummer Ringo Starr also rumored to join.

The album will also feature the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who recorded his parts before his death in 2021. Okay, check your pocketbooks because it's time for money talks. What consumers and investors need to know from the business world and beyond, the red hot housing market may be showing some signs of serious cooling. A new report says existing home sales are down for the 12th month in a row. Zinclair Essemwa has the latest. The once white hot housing market is continuing to cool.

Sales in January were down more than 36% compared to last. year. The 12th straight month, sales of existing homes declined. Sorry. I think the doorbells been broken for a while. Kate Fox bought her first home in March 2021. Now she's feeling buyer's remorse. Fox amended an offer on the bungalow in Santa Rosa, California the same day she saw it. She says she chose to waive the home inspection because she was comfortable with a recent inspection provided by the sellers. But when she moved in, the hot water and the shower kept cutting out. The first big rain, the paint on the mantel started bubbling because there's a water leak.

During the pandemic's ultra competitive market, some home buyers felt they had no choice but to wave inspection. The high competition, the rising prices, the low inventory and this extreme time pressure, you just had a lot of home buyers who ended up in a home that may have been less than ideal. One survey found 75% of people who bought houses in the last two years, now have at least one regret about their new homes. Today, with the market potentially bottoming out, homebuyers may be regaining bargaining power, but that won't help Fox. Do you regret buying this house?

I regret feeling the pressure of having to buy the house, and then also I regret not knowing what I didn't know. She doesn't know if an inspection would have caught the issues, but she's now budgeting to renovate, committed to making her new house a home. Zinclaes-Mois NBC News, Santa Rosa. California. All right, we thank you, In Clay, for that report. We want to dive a little deeper into this housing news. As I mentioned, as Zinclay mentioned in her story, the number of existing

home sales is down almost 37 percent across the country from last year. Let's take a look at this chart. You can see it right here. Home sales consistently dropping every month from January 2022 to 2022 to 2023. So what does this mean for homeowners, homebuyers, and the economy overall to answer those questions? I want to bring in New York realtor Louise Phillips Forbes. And, Los Angeles Realtor, Ken and Earl, thank you both for being here so much. Guys, look, I do these segments with realtors all the time, and every time I have them on, they always tell me the same thing. They say, the market is still red hot.

But I want to start out west first, because we saw some of those numbers out west were hurting a little bit. What are you seeing there in L.A.? It's been a hot market for a long time, even before the pandemic. But are you seeing sort of prices come down? Are you seeing people not putting up their houses for sales or less inventory? Give us sort of, pay us a picture there. Well, you know, there's no reason to sell your house unless you have a life-changing or altering moment happening. So the inventory is down.

And we've still got buyers that are very qualified, a lot of cash out there, high down payments. So those properties that are well-priced and are good homes are going for more than asking. The last five houses that I've represented since January 1st have had seven to nine offers on. all of them. They've gone five to 20 percent over asking price. And that's just because there's no other great inventory available. So Louise, and that's the issue where you work in Manhattan as well. You were just telling me, you're still getting full ask. Business is still red-hot for you. But it's not the story all over the country. So talk to me about what's different in the other parts of the country, not necessarily L.A. or New York maybe, but in places like Austin, places

like Phoenix, places that were red-hop that are now cooling. What's going on? Well, I think you have to remember a couple of things. First of all, everybody's response to what happened in the pandemic is not all apples to apples. You know, we're a vertical city. So when everyone was scattering, you know, to the tri-states or Florida or a greener grass than New York City, those markets had a huge run, 2020 and 2021. We only had our response in 2021, and then interest rates kind of put that sideways. But that brings me to my next question. I want to talk about mortgage rates. Kenan, what are you seeing out there and what advice are you giving buyers? Because the mortgage rates have gone up really high. I mean, they were at historic lows. Probably lows we'll never

ever see again in our lifetime. I can't imagine we'll see mortgage rates at around 2%. But look at that 3.29. We're at 6.88 right now, Kenan. You're still seeing people come in and they don't, I guess if they have all cash, they don't need mortgage rates. But what about the people that do need mortgages, it's got to hurt a little bit. Yeah, it does, I think, but you also have to work backwards from your goals. You can't focus on the interest rate. You have to focus on what it is that you want to spend a month. And if you approach it from that perspective and go talk to a mortgage broker or a lender prior to looking for properties, then you're, and work it into your budget, then it's going to make sense. So Kenon, I think that's a great point. I want to

sort of stay on that. Explain that again. So saying if you only want to spend 2,000, 3,000 month. Whatever your price point may be, you want to start with that number and then go to your mortgage broker and say, what can I afford? Correct. Yeah, it's, I think a lot of people assume they can afford something or have an idea or a dream of what they can afford from the price perspective. But that's about, that's not the right way to work it. They might be surprised either way that they can't afford as much as they want to or that they can actually afford them by something more expensive based on the rate that they're able to get. And that's a whole, the qualification process for a loan is a very complicated situation because the factors are based on so many different

things of how you get paid, if you're self-employed, if you're an employee of a company, and the interest rates can slide from one or even as much as 2% based on your qualification. So you really want to have a long conversation with somebody that is qualified and is a great lender or a mortgage broker to figure that out. And also, you want to get underwritten, meaning that you personally want to get underwritten as a buyer because you're going to go up against a lot of cash offers where people have cash. And if you are personally underwritten,

that means that the lender is saying, this person is qualified. We've taken into consideration all of their, everything that we need to based on their credit report, how much money they make, et cetera, et cetera. And they are qualified. The only thing we need to do now is make sure that the home they are buying is worth it. Now, Louise, I want to ask you,

With the mortgage rate so high, are banks giving more concessions? Are they making it a little easier, or is it still very difficult? I think there's a lot of creative opportunities that buyers are seeking today. Give me an example. The ability to buy down your rate. Your private banker, you may not have enough assets to qualify for some bank, but paying $24,000 to buy down your rate. You've got to also remember, since November, you know, the interest rates have pulled back 1%.

therefore that's $83,000 more purchase power for a buyer and that is one of the things that we have seen people running to take advantage of. Just that incremental change they want to run to it because it's some type of break. There's also a confidence like there's only so long people are going to put their lives on hold. Real quick, because we're running out of time. I'm going to ask you both this question. First, for you, Louise, do people have confidence in the economy?

Are they still saying, listen, I'm going to go in and buy this house, I'm going to spend all this money because I have confidence. I'm going to keep my job. I have confidence that the economy may not hit a recession. I think that with the demonstration of what we've experienced of late in the stock market, having a user asset as an asset class will always give people that security that's different than maybe understanding the stock market. Right. Kenan, what about you?

What are you seen out in L.A.? 100% agree. And I think the key to this is we're not looking at – the buyers are not investors. They're not flippers. These are not the people that are buying right now. People who are buying are buying long-term. These are properties that they're going to own for five, ten years. And so when you're talking to people from that perspective, it's a long-term investment

that's going to ride the wave. And history tells us that real estate ends up gaining value, so it's in that time frame. And it is a lot easier to sell them on that point and get them comfortable knowing that the value of their property is going to increase over the years. Kenan and Louise, we thank you so much for joining Top Story tonight. We really do appreciate it. Coming up next, we head overseas, violence escalating in the West Bank, at least 10 people killed, how a daytime raid exploded into a gun battle. That's next. Now at Top Stories Global Watch and the deadly raid in the West Bank. New body camp footage shows Israeli forces storming the city of Nablus.

Israel says the operation was targeting militants, the rare daytime raid, then triggering violent clashes. between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, including a gun battle. At least 10 Palestinians killed and dozens more were hurt. The Honduran government is extending a state of emergency for a second time as it continues a major crackdown on gangs. The measure, which has been in place since December 6th, suspends some constitutional rights and allow security forces to detain anyone they believe committed crimes or were associated with a criminal gang.

The country's police chief says between December 6th and February 20th, have been nearly 400 fewer homicides than in the same period last year. And Mexico's former public security chief has been convicted on drug charges in the U.S. Hennaro Garcia-Luna was found guilty of taking millions of dollars in bribes from the violent drug cartels he was supposed to be stopping. He is the highest-ranking current or former Mexican official to be tried in the U.S. He continues to deny the allegations against him. All right, coming up, the neo-Nazi protests on Broadway.

Star Ben Platt is speaking out against those protesters and asking people to see what he is calling and it's especially important show. That's next. We're back with the controversy on Broadway after a group of neo-Nazi protesters began yelling at theater goers, seeing the show, Parade. The musical centers on the real-life story

of Leo Frank, a Jewish man, wrongfully accused of raping and killing a teenager in 1913. NBC's Maya Eaglin has more on the incident and poignant response from the show star, Ben Platt. You're paying 300 bucks to go, worship of a pedophile. You might as well know what you're talking about. Tonight, actor Ben Platt,

speaking out after a group of neo-Nazis gathered outside the opening preview production of the Broadway revival of Parade, a story about high anti-Semitic tensions in the early 1900s. I encourage you to look up the story and most importantly encourage you to come see the show. Starring in the lead role of Leo Frank,

a Jewish man lynched in Georgia, Platt took to Instagram, calling out the group promoting hate groups, including the National Socialist Movement, self-proclaimed as America's Nazi Party. Those who don't know, there were a few neo-Nazi protesters from a really disgusting group outside of the theater, bothering some of our patrons on their way in, and saying anti-Semitic things about Leo Frank, who the show is about, and just spreading anti-Semitic rhetoric that led to this whole story in the first place. Romanticizing pedophiles. Wow. The group gathered largely to protest Frank, the protagonist of the show. I wish I could say I'm not surprised, but with the rise of anti-Semitic attacks went on to the country, I shouldn't be surprised. I know they have the right to protest, but I can still be bothered by it.

In 1913, Frank was wrongfully accused of raping and killing a 13-year-old girl and was later convicted for her murder. Parade focuses on the trial, imprisonment, kidnapping from prison, and a thing. eventual lynching of Frank. Leo Frank was the first recorded lynching of a Jewish person in America. And it all happened just a few miles from where I'm speaking to you today. He was posthumously pardoned in 1986 by the Georgia State Board of Partons and Paroles. I think it's a story that signifies that if we don't catch hate in its moment, if we don't address the kind of climate of anti-Semitism and hatred and discrimination, hate crimes happen. Now more than a century after the death of Leo Frank, anti-Semitic incidents have restored.

surged, reaching a record high in 2021, the most the Anti-Defamation League has found since they began tracking in 1979. It's really important to not fall prey to the kind of false information and disinformation being spread by individuals like these protesters and really kind of lean into the truth. With parade back on Broadway at this critical time, Blatt says he's especially grateful to be carrying on the legacy of Leo Frank. It was definitely very ugly and scary, but a wonderful reminder. of why we're telling this particular story

and how special and powerful art and particularly theater can be. All right, Maya joins us tonight from outside the Jacobs Theater, where Parade is having another preview tonight on Broadway. Maya, we heard from one of the stars of the show. Has the production said anything about these protests? Hey, Tom, yeah, we actually received a statement

from the producers. They said if there's any remaining doubt out there about the urgency of telling the story in this moment in history, The vileness on display earlier this week should put it to rest. We stand by the valiant Broadway cast that brings this vital story to life each night, really echoing what Ben Platt also said, hoping that this whole incident just starts as a reminder that this is still a very real issue for so many people.

And Maya, obviously a lot of people come to Broadway to have a great time for audience members that are going to see this musical. Do we know if anybody was hurt or injured by the protesters, the neo-Nazis yesterday? So far, no reports of any physical injuries. We're going to stay on top of it for sure. But as of now, everyone seemed to be pretty safe. Okay, Maya Eagland for us tonight here on Top Story. We thank you, Maya, for that report.

And we thank you for watching Top Story tonight. I'm Tom Yamerson, New York. Stay right there. There's more news on the way.