Crime Stories with Nancy Grace Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

9 11 Never Forget - 1,100 Victims STILL UNIDENTIFIED

Sep 20, 2026 · 53m

Summary

Host Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the 25th anniversary of 9/11, focusing on the ongoing forensic efforts to identify the 40% of victims still unaccounted for. He details the deployment of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DEMORT) from Atlanta to New York, explaining the immense challenges of recovering remains from the debris field. The episode covers the complex methods used for identification, including forensic odontology, anthropology, and DNA analysis, while highlighting the profound psychological toll on the investigators who processed the mass fatality.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Hers, Airtasker, Fencing, Times Square Introduction: The 'Hollow Eyes' of 9/11 Guest Intro: Joseph Scott Morgan and Body Bags Personal Reflections: Viewing NYC from a Hotel The Unidentified Victims: 40% Still Missing Forensic Teams: Structure and Federalization Ethics of Outsourcing: Why Not Local Teams? Daily Life at the OCME During 9/11 Sponsors: Airtasker, Fencing, Times Square Morgan's Personal Story: The Morning of 9/11 Atlanta Aftermath: Ghost Town and Bus Attacks The Impact on Children Born After 9/11 The Debris Field: Conditions and Hazards Recovery Process: Flagging and Fragmentation Logistics: Boots, Heat, and Operation Gomorrah Identification Methods: Dental Records and Databases Forensic Anthropology and DNA Challenges Current Status: Working for the Families Closing Remarks and Tribute to Workers Outro and Sponsor Reads
Listen ad-free on Castria