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By Real Life Real Crime Productions
Twisted, gruesome, sometimes funny, but always true: Real Life Real Crime is a multi-award-winning weekly true crime podcast hosted by Woody Overton. Known for his appearances on Dateline, Woody ta
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The podcast currently has 1,259 episodes available.
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On today’s episode of True Crime Time, Woody opens with the message that continues to drive Real Life Real Crime: justice for everybody. He urges listeners to keep supporting What Happened to Madison, Justice for Hailey, Barbara Blount, and the many other families still fighting for answers. Woody also reflects on why some high-profile cases receive years of national attention while countless other victims and families struggle to get anyone to notice their cases at all. Today’s stories include a disturbing investigation at a Chicago elementary school, where two custodians were found with gunshot wounds to the head inside the building while no students were present; and a Washington State Costco employee charged with murder after police say jealousy led him to deliberately ram a coworker’s motorcycle with his vehicle, killing the 20-year-old rider. Woody then shares an extraordinary cold-case development nearly 38 years in the making. In 1987, 20-year-old Melissa “Missy” Taylor Ellison was found murdered in her Jacksonville bedroom while her 13-month-old daughter was left alive in the home. Decades later, a 70-year-old man walked into law enforcement and allegedly confessed that he struck Melissa with a log during a burglary. Woody discusses the generations of pain left behind by an unsolved homicide and the family members—including Melissa’s daughter—who waited almost four decades for an arrest. In F’d Up Professionals, a New Jersey mother demands answers after her nine-year-old son fell asleep on a school bus, was never noticed by the driver, and later woke up alone inside a hot bus parked at the depot. The child managed to get himself out and find an adult for help. The episode then turns to an especially horrific child abuse case in Cincinnati, where three women face murder and child-endangering charges following the death of a seven-year-old boy. A detective testified that investigators found evidence consistent with repeated beatings, burns, prolonged submersion in water, and other abuse before the child was discovered dead after reportedly being duct-taped and placed inside a closet. Woody also discusses an Indiana man convicted of murdering his 11-month-old stepdaughter who was released early after serving just over 20 years of a 55-year sentence—only to be returned to prison months later for alleged parole violations. Finally, Woody ends with a wildlife crime out of Texas, where game wardens are offering a reward for information about the illegal shooting of alligators at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. His message is simple: if you hunt, respect the animal and follow the law. True Crime Time, Woody Overton, Real Life Real Crime, What Happened to Madison, Justice for Hailey, Barbara Blount, Melissa Missy Taylor Ellison, cold case confession, Jacksonville cold case, Costco murder, Chicago school shooting, school bus child left behind, child torture, Cincinnati child murder, Jonathan Richardson, Indiana parole violation, Texas Game Wardens, true crime podcastWhat Happened to MadisonJustice for HaileyJustice for Barbara BlountUnequal media attention in true crimeMenendez brothers discussionChicago elementary school deathsCostco coworker murderMelissa “Missy” Taylor Ellison cold case38-year-old murder confessionSchool bus safety failureCincinnati child torture investigationChild murder chargesEarly prison release and parole violationsTexas alligator poaching investigationOperation Game ThiefUnsolved cases can still break decades later, sometimes because one person finally chooses to tell what they know. Families often carry the consequences of an unsolved homicide for generations, even when public attention has long since disappeared.Basic safety procedures—such as checking an empty school bus—can be the difference between a frightening mistake and a tragedy. Children are among society’s most vulnerable victims, and allegations of prolonged torture and abuse demand serious accountability. Woody’s larger message remains the same: justice should not depend on whether a victim is wealthy, famous, or able to attract national headlines. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/real-life-real-crime/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s episode of True Crime Time For, Woody opens with another message for everyone following What Happened to Madison: hang on. Because the episode was recorded a day early, he still can’t reveal what he believes is coming, but promises the Lifers will hear about any break in the case as soon as he can share it. For On This Day in Crime, Woody looks back at Edmund “Ed” Kemper, the infamous Co-Ed Killer, who committed his first murders in 1964 when he killed his grandparents, Edmund Emil Kemper Sr. and Maude Matilda Kemper. Kemper would later murder six more women, including his mother and her friend, before surrendering to authorities. Then it’s F’d Up Professionals, and Woody turns to the arrest of San Francisco 49ers principal owner Jed York in East Palestine, Ohio. York was arrested after allegedly responding to an undercover prostitution advertisement. He later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. Court records show the original prostitution-related charge was amended, and York was fined $1,150. The episode then moves into a case that hits several familiar RLRC themes at once. Jeremy Perrin, a Missouri fire chief, reserve deputy sheriff, and assistant coroner, has been charged in connection with the 2025 shooting death of his wife, Shelby Kessler Perrin. Her death was initially reported as a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound after Jeremy allegedly told investigators she pulled a gun from the center console and shot herself while he was driving on Interstate 55. But investigators kept digging. According to the case described in the episode, they discovered video hidden on Shelby’s phone that allegedly showed Jeremy striking, choking, and threatening her. Investigators also recovered an earlier message in which Jeremy allegedly warned that his escalating rage could ultimately leave Shelby needing a “body bag.” Because of Jeremy’s positions within local public-safety agencies, the investigation was turned over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He now faces charges including second-degree murder, domestic assault, harassment, and tampering with physical evidence. Next, Woody stays close to home with a domestic violence case in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana involving two people connected to the local criminal justice system. Shelby Nelson, who works for the 20th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and her husband, David Nelson, a Slaughter police officer and part-time Jackson marshal, were both arrested following a domestic dispute. Video recorded by their son allegedly captured part of the altercation, while Shelby told investigators that the video did not show the full context and alleged that her husband had also assaulted and choked her. Both were booked on misdemeanor domestic-abuse charges. Then it’s Planes, Trains and Automobiles in San Antonio, where 25-year-old Brandon Christopher Figueroa allegedly fled a Texas Department of Public Safety traffic stop, led troopers on a high-speed pursuit, crashed through a gate, and ended up on a runway at San Antonio International Airport. Troopers took him into custody at gunpoint and allegedly discovered a firearm in the vehicle. The final portion of the episode takes a much more serious turn as Woody examines the case of Tyrone Noling, who has spent roughly three decades on Ohio’s death row while maintaining that he did not murder elderly couple Bearnhardt and Cora Hartig in 1990. Noling was convicted after other young men implicated him, but those witnesses later recanted. No physical evidence tied Noling to the murders, the murder weapon was never recovered, and evidence developed since his conviction has pointed toward other potential suspects. The Ohio Innocence Project has been assisting him, and former Portage County Sheriff Ken Howe has publicly said he now believes Noling is innocent. Noling appeared before the Ohio Parole Board on August 18 seeking a full pardon from Governor Mike DeWine. The case sends Woody into a larger discussion about the death penalty and one of its most difficult questions: what happens when the justice system gets it wrong? He discusses wrongful death sentences, recanted testimony, DNA evidence, aging prisoners, failed executions, mental competency, and the reality that some people sentenced to death have later been exonerated. Woody closes by reminding listeners why investigations—even frustratingly slow ones—have to be done correctly. Every new tip creates another lead that investigators may need to follow, and that takes time. His message remains the same: get it one time and get it right, because justice is justice. True Crime Time For, Real Life Real Crime, Woody Overton, What Happened to Madison, Ed Kemper, Co-Ed Killer, Jed York, San Francisco 49ers, Jeremy Perrin, Shelby Kessler Perrin, Missouri murder, staged suicide, domestic violence, Shelby Nelson, David Nelson, East Feliciana Parish, Slaughter Louisiana, Brandon Christopher Figueroa, San Antonio International Airport, Tyrone Noling, Bearnhardt Hartig, Cora Hartig, Ohio Innocence Project, death row, wrongful conviction, death penalty, true crime podcast What Happened to MadisonEd Kemper and his first murdersJed York arrestNFL Personal Conduct PolicyJeremy PerrinShelby Kessler PerrinDeath initially reported as suicideDomestic violence evidenceHidden video evidenceMissouri State Highway Patrol investigationShelby and David NelsonEast Feliciana Parish domestic violence arrestsSan Antonio airport pursuitBrandon Christopher FigueroaTyrone NolingBearnhardt and Cora Hartig murdersOhio Innocence ProjectRecanted witness testimonyDeath-row clemencyWrongful convictionsProblems surrounding executionsImportance of thoroughly investigating tips This episode has a strong recurring theme: the first explanation for a death is not necessarily the correct one. In Shelby Kessler Perrin’s case, investigators continued working after her death was initially presented as possibly self-inflicted and uncovered evidence that ultimately led to her husband being charged. The episode also reinforces that professional status does not place anyone above the law. Several of today’s stories involve people connected to professional sports, law enforcement, prosecution, fire service, or the coroner system. Tyrone Noling’s case presents the opposite side of justice—the danger of convicting and potentially executing an innocent person. His effort for a full pardon is supported by recanted witness statements, the absence of physical evidence tying him to the murders, and concerns raised by a former county sheriff. And Woody closes with an important point for everyone waiting impatiently for movement in RLRC’s cases: tips can make an investigation take longer because every credible lead has to be investigated—and that is exactly what should happen. Get it once. Get it right. Name check completed: I verified Jed York, Jeremy Perrin, Shelby Kessler Perrin, Tyrone Noling, and Bearnhardt and Cora Hartig rather than carrying over the transcript’s phonetic/misspelled versions. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/real-life-real-crime/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s episode of True Crime Time, Woody opens with a message the Lifers have been waiting to hear: justice is coming. While he cannot yet reveal which case or exactly what is happening, Woody says he has received confirmation that a major step forward is coming in one of the cases the Real Life Real Crime community has helped fight for. He asks listeners to continue calling 313-RLRC-TIP, reminding everyone that there is no such thing as too much information when pursuing justice. Woody also celebrates the release of A Mother’s Fight for Justice, written by Stephanie Belgard, Courtney Coco’s mother. The book tells Courtney’s story and Stephanie’s decade-long fight for answers and accountability from her own perspective. Woody credits Stephanie’s refusal to give up as one of the reasons Real Life Real Crime continues taking on difficult Justice For cases today. Signed copies are available directly, while Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions are available through Amazon. For On This Day in Crime, Woody remembers 13-year-old Mary Catherine Olchuck, whose decomposed body was discovered beneath hay on a Maine property in 1970 after she had been missing for nearly two weeks. More than five decades later, no one has been charged with her murder—another reminder that every unsolved case represents a family still waiting for justice. Woody then gives a personal shout-out to former special prosecutor Hugo Holland, who prosecuted David Anthony Burns for Courtney Coco’s murder. Woody reflects on their early differences during the case, Holland’s courtroom performance, and why he considers him one of the strongest prosecutors he has ever watched work. Holland is now running for district judge in Louisiana’s First Judicial District. In F’d Up Professionals, a Tennessee pastor who spent years traveling the country through his ministry is convicted of multiple counts of aggravated rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. His wife was also convicted of facilitating sexual abuse and child neglect. Investigators say the case began with allegations involving a five-year-old child and eventually expanded to additional victims. Woody discusses how positions of trust, religious authority, language barriers, and vulnerable communities can all be exploited by predators. Next, Woody covers the case of 16-year-old Howl Rafael Hernandez Castro, whose death was initially reported as a suicide. Investigators became suspicious when the witness’s story repeatedly changed. Detectives later found evidence inconsistent with suicide—including the distance of the shot, trajectory, and lack of gunshot residue—and the victim’s 21-year-old roommate was ultimately charged with murder. Woody connects the case directly to Justice for Hailey, where scientific evidence has likewise challenged an original suicide narrative. In Minneapolis, police are investigating three bodies discovered in three days, all found in or near bodies of water. Authorities have not publicly said the deaths are connected, but Woody discusses why the geographical clustering immediately catches his investigative attention and why victimology and forensic findings will be critical in determining whether the cases share a connection. The episode also covers a disturbing Florida murder case involving 16-year-old Miranda Corsett, who prosecutors say was held captive, tortured, killed, and dismembered. Defendant Stephen Gress has pleaded guilty and has taken the unusual step of asking that the judge—not a jury—decide whether he receives the death penalty. Woody compares the situation to another defendant he encountered who voluntarily sought execution rather than spend decades appealing his sentence. Woody closes with several announcements, including plans for Real Life Real Crime to potentially host and moderate a public candidate forum in his local community. Most importantly, he again tells listeners that a major development is coming in one of the Justice For cases and asks the Lifers to hold on just a little longer. True Crime Time, Real Life Real Crime, Woody Overton, Justice for Hailey, What Happened to Madison, Courtney Coco, Stephanie Belgard, A Mother’s Fight for Justice, Hugo Holland, Tennessee pastor, child sexual abuse, Howl Rafael Hernandez Castro, staged suicide, homicide investigation, Minneapolis bodies, possible serial killer, Miranda Corsett, Stephen Gress, death penalty, true crime podcastMajor Justice For case development313-RLRC-TIPStephanie Belgard’s A Mother’s Fight for JusticeCourtney CocoMary Catherine Olchuck cold caseHugo HollandCourtney Coco prosecutionTennessee pastor convicted of child rapeAbuse of positions of trustTeen death staged as suicideJustice for Hailey comparisonThree bodies found in MinneapolisPossible connection between deathsMiranda Corsett murderStephen Gress guilty pleaDefendant requesting death penaltyUpcoming RLRC candidate forumWoody says he has confirmed information that a significant justice-related development is coming, though he cannot yet reveal the case or details. Stephanie Belgard’s book represents more than Courtney Coco’s case—it documents what a family endured while refusing to give up on justice. Positions of trust, including religious leadership, can make vulnerable victims easier for predators to access and harder for victims to report.A death initially presented as suicide should still be investigated against the physical evidence; when the evidence does not fit the story, investigators must keep digging. Three deaths in a tight geographical area and short time period do not automatically establish a serial offender, but the pattern warrants careful comparison of victimology, locations, timelines, and forensic evidence. The recurring message throughout the episode is simple: justice often takes time, but never giving up can change the outcome. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/real-life-real-crime/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s episode of True Crime Time, Woody opens with anticipation that a major development may finally be breaking in one of the cases the Real Life Real Crime community has been fighting for. Because this episode was recorded two days early, he can’t say exactly what has happened yet—but he tells the Lifers he hopes they’ve already heard the news by the time this episode drops. Woody also continues the call for What Happened to Madison, Justice for Hailey, Justice for Barbara Blount, and justice for every family still searching for answers. For On This Day in Crime, Woody goes back to August 26, 1980, and the incredible bombing of Harvey’s Resort Hotel, where men posing as delivery workers rolled what appeared to be a copy machine into the hotel. Inside was an elaborate bomb containing approximately 1,000 pounds of dynamite and a ransom demand for $3 million. Attempts to disarm the device triggered an explosion that destroyed five stories of the hotel. Then Woody shares a reminder that law enforcement’s responsibility doesn’t end when a suspect runs. In Texas, deputies pursued a 53-year-old theft suspect who fled from a Walmart, crashed his vehicle, and became trapped as the car burst into flames. The same deputies he had just run from risked their own lives to pull him from the burning vehicle before it exploded. Next, one of Tennessee’s Most Wanted fugitives is captured in Georgia. Kenneth Spruell, wanted in connection with an alleged violent home invasion and attempted murder, was taken into custody after cooperation among Tennessee authorities, Fulton County deputies, federal task forces, and other agencies. Woody then turns to a controversial juvenile murder sentence out of Washington. Caleb Prince Tramble, who was 15 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after video allegedly showed him and another teenager confronting Messiah Washington inside an apartment elevator. The other teen opened fire, and prosecutors say Tramble then pulled his own gun and pointed it at the already-wounded victim. Woody questions the decision to keep Tramble in the juvenile system until age 25 and whether the sentence adequately recognizes the young man who lost his life. In Family Matters, a Connecticut father faces criminal charges after his one-year-old son died after being left inside a pickup truck at the family’s strawberry farm. The father told police the baby had fallen asleep, that he left the air conditioning running, and that he was working when he later returned to find his child blue and unresponsive. Woody discusses the tragedy while questioning the $1 million bond and distinguishing the circumstances from other hot-car deaths the show has covered. Then comes a case Woody simply cannot understand. A Virginia man who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in a murder case was housed at a state mental-health facility—but was later permitted a 48-hour unsupervised community release. Instead of returning, authorities say he boarded an international flight and fled the United States. Woody walks through the decisions that allowed the man to obtain a passport, leave the facility unsupervised, and ultimately escape overseas. Finally, Woody examines the death of 37-year-old Lindsay Barnett in Colorado. Her husband, Patrick Theodore “Ted” Barnett, reportedly called 911 and claimed he found Lindsay dead in the shower with her throat cut and a knife nearby, suggesting she had taken her own life. But investigators say the physical evidence told a very different story. Police reportedly found substantial blood in the bedroom, a trail of blood leading toward the bathroom, numerous injuries on Lindsay’s body, and what appeared to be a defensive wound. Investigators also learned Ted had been involved with another woman despite initially denying infidelity. During questioning, detectives documented inconsistencies in his account and blood on his face, neck, beard, and behind his ear that he allegedly could not explain. Ted Barnett was arrested for first-degree murder and is being held without bond. The case leads Woody back to a theme that has become especially important to Justice for Hailey: when someone claims a death was suicide, investigators still have to follow the physical evidence. If the scene doesn’t fit the story, keep investigating. True Crime Time, Real Life Real Crime, Woody Overton, What Happened to Madison, Justice for Hailey, Barbara Blount, Harvey’s Resort bombing, police pursuit, burning car rescue, Kenneth Spruell, Tennessee Most Wanted, Caleb Prince Tramble, Messiah Washington, juvenile murder, hot car death, child death, insanity defense, mental hospital escape, Lindsay Barnett, Ted Barnett, staged suicide, forensic evidence, Colorado murder, true crime podcastWhat Happened to MadisonJustice for HaileyJustice for Barbara BlountHarvey’s Resort Hotel bombingDeputies rescue fleeing suspectPolice pursuits and officer responsibilityTennessee Most Wanted captureKenneth SpruellCaleb Prince TrambleMessiah Washington murderJuvenile sentencingChild left in vehicleConnecticut strawberry farm tragedyNot guilty by reason of insanityUnsupervised mental-health releaseInternational escapeLindsay Barnett homicideAlleged staged suicideBlood evidence and defensive injuriesInconsistent statementsInfidelity uncovered during investigationLaw enforcement’s responsibility changes instantly from pursuit to rescue when a suspect’s life is in danger. The Texas deputies went from chasing a fleeing theft suspect to risking their own safety to pull him from a burning vehicle. Juvenile sentencing requires balancing rehabilitation with accountability—and Woody questions whether the victim can become lost in that discussion. The Virginia case raises serious questions about how someone found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, and still considered in need of inpatient hospitalization, was permitted an unsupervised release that allowed him to leave the country. Crime scenes have to speak louder than stories. Investigators in Lindsay Barnett’s death reportedly found physical evidence inconsistent with the claim that she took her own life. Woody begins this episode hoping the Lifers may finally be hearing the news they’ve been waiting for in one of RLRC’s Justice For cases: keep fighting, keep sharing information, and never give up. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/real-life-real-crime/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today’s episode of True Crime Time, Woody takes a deep dive into one of the most disturbing serial killer cases in American history: Robert Hansen, the so-called Butcher Baker of Alaska. Hansen abducted, raped, and murdered women in and around Anchorage, often flying victims into remote wilderness areas where he hunted them after releasing them into the open. He ultimately confessed to 17 murders and more than 30 rapes and was sentenced to 461 years in prison without parole. Woody traces Hansen’s early life, criminal history, repeated brushes with the justice system, and the warning signs that were missed long before he became known as one of Alaska’s most notorious killers. Hansen had already been arrested for sexual violence and other crimes before the murder spree fully emerged, yet short sentences and plea deals repeatedly returned him to the community. The episode also examines Hansen’s pattern of targeting vulnerable women, including sex workers and teenagers, and the terrifying methods he used to control, assault, and kill them. Woody recounts the escape of Cindy Paulson, a 17-year-old victim whose survival became a major turning point in the investigation. Paulson escaped from Hansen while he was preparing his airplane and later gave police critical information about her attacker. From there, Woody explores how investigators connected Hansen to multiple bodies found across Alaska. Detective Glenn Flothe sought help from legendary FBI profiler John Douglas, whose offender profile closely matched Hansen. Armed with Paulson’s account and the profile, authorities secured search warrants and found jewelry belonging to missing women, firearms, and an aviation map marked with dozens of X’s corresponding to known and suspected burial sites. Woody then walks listeners through the known and suspected victims, including Eklutna Annie, Cia Van Zanten, Megan Emrick, Mary Catherine Thill, Joanna Messina, Roxanne Easland, Lisa Futrell, Mali Larsen, Sherry Morrow, Andrea Mona, Sue Luna, Tammy Peterson, Angela Fetterin, DeLynn “Sugar” Frey, Teresa Watson, Paula Golding, Cindy Paulson, and Robin Pelkey. He highlights how many of the women disappeared without immediate public attention because they were considered high-risk victims, and how some remained unidentified for decades. The episode closes with Hansen’s eventual plea agreement, his cooperation in identifying some burial sites, and the disturbing fact that several marks on his map remained unexplained. Authorities believe the true number of victims may have been higher than the murders he admitted to. Hansen died in prison in 2014 at age 75, but the questions surrounding every unknown victim have never fully disappeared. True Crime Time, Real Life Real Crime, Woody Overton, Robert Hansen, Butcher Baker of Alaska, Alaska serial killer, Cindy Paulson, John Douglas, FBI profiler, Anchorage murders, Eklutna Annie, Sherry Morrow, Joanna Messina, Paula Golding, cold cases, missing women, serial murder, true crime podcast Robert HansenButcher Baker of AlaskaSerial murder in AnchorageVictim hunting in the wildernessHansen’s criminal historyRepeated justice system failuresCindy Paulson escapeFBI profilingJohn DouglasGlenn FlotheAviation map with burial sitesConfirmed and suspected victimsHigh-risk victimsUnidentified victimsPlea agreement and sentencingHansen’s case shows how repeated failures to take earlier violence seriously can allow offenders to escalate. Cindy Paulson’s survival and testimony were critical to exposing Hansen and connecting him to a much larger pattern of violence. FBI behavioral profiling helped investigators narrow their focus and obtain the search warrants that uncovered crucial evidence. Victims living high-risk lifestyles are still victims and deserve the same investigative urgency, attention, and dignity as anyone else.The marked map and unknown burial sites suggest that some of Hansen’s victims may still remain unidentified or undiscovered. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/real-life-real-crime/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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