10 to Life
10 to Life
January 22, 2026

Feds Looking Into Ellen Greenberg, Man Stabs Wife, Calls Son to Confess & Barry Morphew News

Quick Read

Federal authorities are reviewing the suspicious death of Ellen Greenberg, while updates emerge in the Barry Morphew murder case and new details surface in two horrific family-on-family crimes.
Barry Morphew reindicted for Suzanne's murder, trial set for Oct 2026, with tranquilizers found in her remains.
Federal authorities are reviewing Ellen Greenberg's death, previously ruled suicide despite 20+ stab wounds.
A protective order for Jerry Mains was unprocessed during a holiday, leading to her murder by her husband.

Summary

This episode provides critical updates on several high-profile true crime cases. Barry Morphew has been reindicted for his wife Suzanne's murder, with her remains found to contain animal tranquilizers and a trial date set for October 2026. Federal authorities are now reviewing the handling of Ellen Greenberg's death, initially ruled a suicide despite over 20 stab wounds, raising questions about potential mishandling or cover-ups. The podcast also covers the tragic death of 8-year-old Malikica Boone, found deceased on Navajo Nation land, highlighting jurisdictional complexities. Finally, two harrowing family-on-family crimes are detailed: Malayang Akbari, who stabbed his wife and called his son to confess, and Cecil Mains, who shot his wife in front of their children just days after she filed for a protective order that was not yet processed.
These cases underscore systemic failures in the justice system, from initial investigations of suspicious deaths to the delayed processing of protective orders. They highlight the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and children, the complexities of jurisdiction on tribal lands, and the persistent fight for justice for victims, even years after their deaths.

Takeaways

  • Barry Morphew pleaded not guilty again to the first-degree murder of Suzanne Morphew; her remains contained animal tranquilizers.
  • Federal authorities are investigating the handling of Ellen Greenberg's death, which was controversially ruled a suicide despite multiple stab wounds.
  • Eight-year-old Malikica Boone was found deceased on Navajo Nation land, with authorities releasing limited information due to jurisdictional complexities.
  • Malayang Akbari stabbed his wife, called his adult son to confess, and is claiming PTSD as a defense.
  • Jerry Mains was shot and killed by her husband Cecil just three days after filing a protective order that was not processed due to the Christmas holiday.
  • The 'Turquoise Alert' system is used in certain states to locate missing indigenous or Native American people, addressing disproportionate crime rates.

Insights

1Barry Morphew Reindicted and Trial Set

Barry Morphew was reindicted on first-degree murder charges for the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, who went missing on Mother's Day 2020. Her remains, found in September 2023, contained a 'cocktail of tranquilizers' typically used only in animals, for which Barry had a unique prescription. His trial is scheduled for October 12, 2026.

Suzanne's remains found in September 2023; forensic testing revealed three animal tranquilizers in her bone marrow; a tranquilizer dart piece was found in the washing machine at their home; Barry pleaded not guilty on January 12, 2026.

2Federal Review of Ellen Greenberg's Death

Federal authorities are now reviewing the investigation into Ellen Greenberg's death, which was controversially ruled a suicide despite her suffering over 20 stab wounds, including several to the back of her head and neck. Multiple agencies, including the Philadelphia Police Department and the Medical Examiner's Office, have been asked to turn over documents, suggesting a potential mishandling or cover-up of the original investigation.

Ellen Greenberg's death ruled a suicide despite 20+ stab wounds; federal authorities are requesting documents from various agencies; public speculation about her fiance's family connections and alleged influence.

3Tragic Death of Malikica Boone on Navajo Nation

Eight-year-old Malikica Boone went missing from the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona and was found deceased less than 24 hours later. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have released minimal details regarding the cause of death, location, or suspects, which is attributed to the complexities of jurisdiction involving tribal, state, and federal agencies.

Malikica Boone, 8, last seen January 15, 2026, around 6 PM; found deceased less than 24 hours later; a 'Turquoise Alert' was issued for missing indigenous people; FBI and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation are involved.

4Malayang Akbari Stabs Wife, Calls Son to Confess

Malayang Akbari, 46, is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing his wife to death in their kitchen, then calmly calling his adult son to confess. Akbari claimed his wife was cheating and tampering with his food. He then sat with her as she bled out. His attorney is citing PTSD from his time in the Afghan military as a defense, conflicting with his initial claims.

Malayang Akbari stabbed his wife; called his son to say, 'I killed your mom'; allegedly told investigators he believed she was cheating and tampering with his food; placed a pillow under her head and watched her bleed out; attorney claims mental disease or defect (PTSD).

5Jerry Mains Murdered After Unprocessed Protective Order

Jerry Mains was shot and killed by her husband, Cecil Mains, in front of their four children on December 28, 2025. Just three days prior, on Christmas Day, Jerry had filed for a protective order against Cecil, detailing physical violence and threats. However, due to the courthouse being closed for the holiday, a judge never had the opportunity to review or sign the order before her murder.

Jerry Mains filed a protective order against Cecil Mains on Christmas Day 2025; order was not processed due to holiday closure; children called 911 reporting their father shooting their mother; Jerry died from gunshot wounds.

Bottom Line

The 'Turquoise Alert' system, similar to an Amber Alert but specific to indigenous people, highlights the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered indigenous individuals, prompting the creation of a specialized alert system.

So What?

This system acknowledges a critical, often overlooked crisis within indigenous communities, but also implicitly points to the systemic issues that led to such high numbers requiring a dedicated alert.

Impact

Further research and advocacy into the effectiveness and reach of such specialized alert systems, and addressing the root causes of violence against indigenous populations.

The delay in processing a protective order due to a holiday closure directly preceded a fatal domestic violence incident, demonstrating a critical flaw in the legal system's ability to provide immediate protection.

So What?

This incident exposes a vulnerability where administrative delays can have lethal consequences, emphasizing the need for continuous, accessible legal protections, especially in urgent domestic violence cases.

Impact

Advocate for legislative changes or procedural reforms to ensure protective orders can be issued or temporarily enforced outside of standard court hours, particularly during holidays.

Lessons

  • Understand the limitations of protective orders and the importance of having a safety plan in place, as legal documents may not always deter an abuser.
  • Be aware of the jurisdictional complexities in cases on tribal lands, as information sharing can be slower and investigations involve multiple agencies.
  • Recognize that mental health defenses, such as PTSD, can be introduced in murder cases, potentially altering the legal narrative and outcomes.

Notable Moments

Discussion of the hosts' personal investment in the Barry Morphew case, with a commitment to attend his trial.

Illustrates the emotional impact true crime cases have on those who follow them, and the desire for justice beyond just reporting the facts.

The hosts' strong reaction to Malayang Akbari sitting with his wife as she bled out after stabbing her, and then showing care by placing a pillow under her head.

Highlights the disturbing psychological disconnect often seen in domestic violence murders, where perpetrators exhibit both extreme violence and a twisted form of care.

The hosts' outrage over Cecil Mains' children witnessing their mother's murder and calling 911, emphasizing the profound trauma inflicted.

Underscores the devastating long-term psychological impact of domestic violence on children, who are often overlooked victims in these crimes.

Quotes

"

"We hate Barry. We hate his name. We hate everything about him."

Annie Elise
"

"I don't know why people think the washing machine is going to like wash away physical property, but..."

Annie Elise
"

"I sacrificed everything for her. I made a mistake and I do regret this. There was no other option for me."

Malayang Akbari (quoted by host)
"

"It just get a divorce, doesn't mean she deserves to be murdered."

Amy Colette

Q&A

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