Podcast Summary: Introducing "Blood and Water" (Bridge of Lies, ABC News)
Date: April 28, 2026
Host: Stephanie Ramos (ABC News Correspondent)
Episode Title: Episode One: Looking for Leslie
Episode Overview
This episode kicks off the six-part true crime podcast "Blood and Water," led by ABC’s Stephanie Ramos. The focus is on the 2001 murder of Leslie Preyer, a beloved wife and mother found dead in her home in an upscale Maryland suburb. The series promises to unpack the decades-long investigation, exploring themes of loss, loyalty, family suspicion, and new forensic breakthroughs that ultimately solved the cold case. Episode One, “Looking for Leslie,” chronicles the hours leading up to and just after Leslie’s shocking death — as experienced by her boss, her family, and investigators.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Life and Disappearance of Leslie Preyer
- Leslie Preyer worked part-time for an advertising firm; described as graceful, quiet, and elegant.
- On May 2, 2001, she failed to show up for work, raising concerns.
- “It was a beautiful, beautiful May day. The sun was shining… But Leslie was not at work as scheduled.” (Linda Lyle, 01:10)
2. Early Office Anxiety
- Brett Reedy, Leslie’s boss, recalls Leslie being late and recent discussions about her punctuality.
- As the morning advanced with no word, office concern shifted to alarm, leading Brett to call Leslie’s husband, Sandy.
- “It was odd that she wasn’t there only because she was kind of on probation, if you will… you gotta make it by 10.” (Brett Reedy, 03:41)
3. Discovery at the Preyer House
- Brett went to Leslie’s home after failed phone attempts.
- On arrival, he and Sandy entered a serene, suburban home—masking a violent crime scene inside.
- “As soon as I walk in, I look to my right and there’s a large pool of blood… Maybe about a 3-foot diameter.” (Brett Reedy, 12:21)
4. The Crime Scene
- Blood was spread throughout the foyer, on stairs, walls, appliances, and the kitchen, partially wiped in places. Furniture was knocked over and a back door left ajar.
- “Blood everywhere, blood on the appliances, blood on the back door…” (Reedy, 16:47)
- A pool of water was found, and a basement door creaked open, revealing only the family dog.
5. 911 Call and Police Response
- Brett called 911 at 11:46 AM after searching the house.
- Police arrived soon after; their demeanor struck Brett as significant.
- “They pulled their guns. And Sandy goes, ‘Whoa, you guys mean business’ — kind of in a joking way.” (Reedy, 18:31)
6. Discovery of Leslie’s Body
- Initially, Sandy had not checked the bathroom; police found Leslie deceased in the upstairs shower.
- “Sir, your wife is dead.” (Officer to Sandy, 19:46)
- Leslie had suffered blunt force trauma and strangulation, placed in a scalding shower — an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
- “It was not an accident. It’s a homicide.” (Detective to Lauren, 27:59)
7. Family Impact and Reactions
- Leslie’s only daughter, Lauren, described a close, happy upbringing and shared poignant memories.
- Lauren’s heartbreak and disbelief were profound; she details her last communication attempts and how she learned of her mother’s death.
- “My mom and I were best friends. She was everything to me. Everything. And I just couldn’t believe it.” (Lauren, 24:55)
- “He said, ‘She’s no longer with us anymore…’ I screamed like you hear in the horror movies.” (Lauren, 25:47)
8. Immediate Investigation and Suspicion
- Evidence pointed to a deliberate killing. There were no signs of forced entry. Police began to suspect someone in Leslie’s circle.
- Sandy, Leslie’s husband, became a prime suspect due to marital tensions and his odd demeanor, though Lauren staunchly defended her dad.
- “They tried to put it on my father. I said, no. My dad loved my mom. Loved, adored her.” (Lauren, 29:37)
- The case quickly became complex, with family secrets and red herrings adding to the mystery.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I noticed a lot of blood on the steps leading upstairs. Splattered blood all over the steps. Oh, God. Something. Something’s happened here.” (Brett Reedy, 13:23)
- “Sandy’s reaction was, ‘She must have fallen down.’ He kept going that route.” (Reedy, 15:45)
- “The first thing I thought of was Lauren, the daughter. This was going to be tough. The only daughter. And that’s all Leslie talked about.” (Brett Reedy, 20:49)
- “It makes you paranoid in a way to think that there’s somebody that could commit this brutal crime and then just be walking free.” (Stephanie Ramos, 30:10)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 – 02:00: Introduction of “Blood and Water,” background on host Stephanie Ramos, podcast premise
- 02:00 – 05:42: Leslie’s work life, troubling absence, Brett’s growing concern
- 05:42 – 12:12: Brett’s neighborhood journey, entering the Preyer home, initial shocking discoveries
- 12:12 – 14:55: Description of the crime scene, unexpected details
- 15:28 – 17:32: House search, failed explanations, call to 911
- 18:16 – 20:15: Police arrival, search outcome, discovery of Leslie's body
- 22:51 – 26:56: Lauren Preyer’s childhood memories, learning of her mother's death
- 27:59 – 30:36: Autopsy, shifting to homicide investigation, suspicion and family reactions
Tone and Storytelling Style
Stephanie Ramos and her interviewees maintain a compassionate but investigative tone, blending emotional personal storytelling with meticulous crime details. The narrative is vivid and grounded in memory, featuring direct recollections from coworkers, family, and witnesses. The mood grows increasingly somber and tense as the investigation ramps up, anchored by Lauren’s raw grief and Brett’s shock.
Takeaways
- The Preyer homicide investigation quickly escalates from a missing person’s case to a suspected homicide, shocking an affluent, seemingly placid community.
- Family dynamics, forensic uncertainty, and neighborly intrigue intertwine, promising new revelations as the series progresses.
- Episode one leaves listeners with many unanswered questions, setting the stage for further investigation into family secrets, police missteps, and breakthroughs in DNA technology.
For full story development and the ultimate resolution, listeners are encouraged to follow the series, with new episodes released every Tuesday.
