EX-STEPMOM CHANGES STORY: 'I SAW WHAT HAPPENED' THE NIGHT HALEIGH, 5, DISAPPEARED
Digest
This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace delves into the perplexing disappearance of five-year-old Haley Cummings. The focus is on the inconsistencies in the statements of Misty Croslin, Haley's stepmother, who initially claimed to have woken up to find Haley missing and the back door propped open with a brick. However, her story changes, and she later claims to have witnessed Haley being taken by her cousin, Joe Overstreet, who was looking for a machine gun owned by Haley's father, Ronald Cummings. The episode features interviews with law enforcement officials, including John Merchant, the lead detective in the case, and Rob Hardwick, the St. John's County Sheriff, who both express their belief that Misty Croslin is lying and that Haley is likely dead. They highlight the inconsistencies in her story and the evidence from bloodhounds that suggests Haley's last track led towards the water. The episode also includes insights from Terry Schumacher, Ronald Cummings' lawyer, and Dr. Sherry Schwartz, a forensic psychologist, who analyze Misty Croslin's behavior and the implications of her changing narratives. The episode concludes with a plea for information from the public, emphasizing the ongoing search for Haley and the reward offered for any information leading to her whereabouts.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the case of five-year-old Haley Cummings' disappearance and the podcast host, Nancy Grace, who will be leading the discussion.
Misty Croslin's 911 Call
This Chapter focuses on the analysis of Misty Croslin's 911 call, highlighting inconsistencies in her story and the confusion expressed by the dispatcher. The episode features interviews with law enforcement officials who discuss their concerns about Croslin's credibility.
The 911 Call and the Investigation
This Chapter delves deeper into the details of Misty Croslin's 911 call, including her initial account of finding Haley missing and the back door propped open with a brick. The episode also discusses the immediate response of law enforcement, including the deployment of bloodhounds.
The Bloodhound Evidence
This Chapter focuses on the evidence gathered from the bloodhounds used in the investigation. The episode features interviews with law enforcement officials who discuss the bloodhounds' tracks and their implications for Haley's whereabouts.
Expert Analysis of Misty Croslin's Behavior
This Chapter features interviews with Dr. Sherry Schwartz, a forensic psychologist, who analyzes Misty Croslin's behavior and the inconsistencies in her statements. Dr. Schwartz suggests that Croslin's high levels of psychopathy and narcissism may explain her lack of remorse and her tendency to lie.
The Search for Truth and the Importance of Why
This Chapter explores the emotional toll of the case on the investigators and the importance of seeking the truth, even when the answers are painful. The episode features a discussion about the possibility of Haley's death and the reasons behind her disappearance.
Keywords
Haley Cummings
Haley Cummings was a five-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in Putnam County, Florida, in 2009. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and her stepmother, Misty Croslin, is a person of interest in the case. Haley's case has received national attention and has been the subject of numerous documentaries and news reports.
Misty Croslin
Misty Croslin was the stepmother of Haley Cummings and was living with Haley's father, Ronald Cummings, at the time of Haley's disappearance. Croslin has been a person of interest in the case due to inconsistencies in her statements and her changing narratives about what happened the night Haley went missing. She has been convicted of drug-related charges and is currently serving a prison sentence.
Ronald Cummings
Ronald Cummings is the biological father of Haley Cummings. He was at work the night Haley disappeared and has maintained his innocence in her disappearance. He has been a vocal advocate for finding Haley and has expressed frustration with the inconsistencies in Misty Croslin's story. He has since divorced Croslin.
Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds are a breed of dog known for their exceptional sense of smell and their ability to track human scents. They were used in the investigation of Haley Cummings' disappearance to try and locate her whereabouts. The bloodhounds' tracks provided evidence that suggested Haley's last track led towards the water.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is a branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to legal issues. Forensic psychologists often provide expert testimony in court cases, analyze criminal behavior, and assess the mental state of defendants. In the Haley Cummings case, Dr. Sherry Schwartz, a forensic psychologist, provided insights into Misty Croslin's behavior and the implications of her changing narratives.
Psychopathy
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt. Individuals with psychopathy often exhibit antisocial behavior, manipulative tendencies, and a disregard for rules and social norms. Dr. Sherry Schwartz suggested that Misty Croslin's high levels of psychopathy may explain her lack of remorse and her tendency to lie.
Narcissism
Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have a grandiose view of themselves and their abilities and are preoccupied with their own success and achievements. Dr. Sherry Schwartz suggested that Misty Croslin's high levels of narcissism may explain her self-centered behavior and her lack of concern for Haley's well-being.
Missing Child Case
Missing child cases are investigations into the disappearance of children. These cases often involve complex investigations, multiple suspects, and a high level of public interest. The Haley Cummings case is a high-profile missing child case that has received national attention and has been the subject of numerous documentaries and news reports.
911 Call
A 911 call is a telephone call made to emergency services to report an emergency situation. In the Haley Cummings case, Misty Croslin made a 911 call to report Haley missing. The 911 call has been a key piece of evidence in the investigation, as it provides an initial account of what happened the night Haley disappeared.
False Path
A false path is a misleading or deceptive course of action. In the Haley Cummings case, Misty Croslin's changing narratives and inconsistencies in her statements have led investigators down false paths, hindering the search for Haley and delaying the pursuit of justice.
Q&A
What are the inconsistencies in Misty Croslin's story about Haley Cummings' disappearance?
Misty Croslin initially claimed to have woken up to find Haley missing and the back door propped open with a brick. However, she later changed her story, claiming to have witnessed Haley being taken by her cousin, Joe Overstreet, who was looking for a machine gun owned by Haley's father. These conflicting narratives raise serious concerns about her credibility and have led investigators to believe she is not being truthful.
What evidence suggests that Haley Cummings may be dead?
The bloodhounds used in the investigation tracked Haley's scent towards the water, suggesting that her last track led towards a body of water. This evidence, combined with the inconsistencies in Misty Croslin's story and the lack of any other credible leads, has led investigators to believe that Haley is likely dead.
Why is Misty Croslin's behavior so concerning to investigators?
Misty Croslin's behavior is concerning because she has consistently lied and changed her story about what happened the night Haley disappeared. Her lack of remorse, her self-centered behavior, and her tendency to manipulate investigators have made it difficult to determine the truth and find Haley.
What is the significance of Ronald Cummings' reaction to Misty Croslin's story?
Ronald Cummings' reaction to Misty Croslin's story is significant because it highlights his disbelief in her account and his frustration with her lack of cooperation. His anger and concern for his daughter are evident in his interactions with law enforcement and his decision to divorce Croslin.
What is the role of forensic psychology in the Haley Cummings case?
Forensic psychology plays a crucial role in the Haley Cummings case by providing insights into the behavior of Misty Croslin and the implications of her changing narratives. Forensic psychologists can analyze her statements, assess her mental state, and provide expert testimony in court cases.
What is the importance of seeking the truth in the Haley Cummings case?
Seeking the truth in the Haley Cummings case is crucial because it is the only way to find Haley and bring justice to her family. The investigators are determined to uncover the truth, even if it is painful, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
What is the impact of Misty Croslin's lies on the investigation?
Misty Croslin's lies have had a significant impact on the investigation, leading investigators down false paths, hindering the search for Haley, and delaying the pursuit of justice. Her manipulative behavior has made it difficult to determine the truth and find Haley.
What is the significance of the bloodhounds' tracks in the Haley Cummings case?
The bloodhounds' tracks are significant because they provide evidence that suggests Haley's last track led towards the water. This evidence, combined with the inconsistencies in Misty Croslin's story, has led investigators to believe that Haley is likely dead.
What is the role of the public in the Haley Cummings case?
The public plays a crucial role in the Haley Cummings case by providing information that could lead to her whereabouts. The investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward, as even the smallest detail could be crucial in solving the case.
Show Notes
Ronald Cummings leaves his two children in the care of his live-in girlfriend while he works into the early morning hours.
Arriving home just after 3 AM, Misty Croslin tells him she awoke to use the restroom and can't find Haleigh, 5, anywhere in the house. Croslin points to a backdoor propped open with a brick and tells Ronald the back door was shut and locked when they went to bed.
Ronald Cummings tells Misty Croslin to call 911. She tells 911 dispatch when she awoke around 3 am to go to the bathroom, she realizes Haleigh is gone and the back door of the trailer is open, and a brick is placed to keep the door propped open. Haleigh is described as a curly headed girl between 40 and 60 pounds wearing pajamas. The dispatcher instructs Misty Croslin and Ronald Cummings not to touch the back door anymore, as K9s are on the way to see if they can pick up Haleigh's scent.
Investigators begin interviewing Misty Croslin as a search team begins looking around the trailer and surrounding areas, including a nearby pond. Ronald Cummings is at work when Haleigh disappears, and he is quickly eliminated as a suspect, but his live-in girlfriend, 17-year-old Misty Croslin, claims she is sleeping in the same room with Haleigh and her little brother when the girl disappears.
Investigators believe Misty Croslin is not giving them the full story.
JOINING NANCY GRACE TODAY:
- John Merchant - Forner Lead Detective in Haleigh Cummings Case
- Ron Cummings - Father
- Terry Shoemaker - Lawyer for Ron Cummings
- Robert Hardwick - St. Johns County Sheriff, Former Assistant Chief Investigator for State Attorney Office that investigated Haleigh Cummings case
- Dr. Shari Schwartz – Forensic Psychologist (Specializing in Capital Mitigation and Victim Advocacy); Author: “Criminal Behavior” and “Where Law and Psychology Intersect: Issues in Legal Psychology;” X: @TrialDoc”
- Dave Mack - Reporter, Crime Online
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