Fear Thy Neighbor – "Get Off My Property"

Podcast: Fear Thy Neighbor
Host/Narrator: Amanda Emery
Episode Air Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Fear Thy Neighbor, titled "Get Off My Property," explores a true and tragic tale of neighborly conflict gone violently wrong. Set in Flint, Michigan, it follows the escalating feud between two families—the Perrymans and the Bretts—whose cultural differences and misunderstandings devolve into hostility, vandalism, and eventually a deadly confrontation. Through firsthand accounts, altered-voice interviews, and actual 911 calls, the episode unflinchingly examines how small grievances can spiral tragically, impacting not just the feuding parties, but the entire community.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

1. Setting the Stage: The Move to Starkweather Street

(03:41 – 05:49)

• Background of Flint, MI: Once an industrial powerhouse, now struggling but community-oriented.
• Introduction of the Families:
  • Perrymans: Kim and Amber move for a fresh start with their two daughters, Amber’s mother Tammy, and family friend Joseph (who has a learning disability).
  • Bretts: Kenneth and Christina are factory workers with daughters CeCe and Paige.
• Quote:
  • Amanda Emery: “Flint is one of those cities that has a bad rap, but it has a lot of heart. The people want to make their city better and the community always comes together.” (03:41)

2. Tensions Arise: Clashing Lifestyles & Petty Grievances

(05:49 – 12:00)

• Initial Complaints:
  • Perrymans’ cluttered yard and frequent gatherings contrast with Bretts’ neat habits.
  • Loud music and the Perryman girls’ playful noise irritate the Bretts.
• The Music Confrontation:
  • Initial neighborly “hey” turns to hostility after repeated noise/clutter complaints.
  • Amber senses class and cultural judgment:
    • Amber Perryman: “I felt like Kenneth was uptight...thought he was better than us.” (07:19)
• Social Conflicts:
  • Car crowding, blocked driveways, and a mess from frequent family get-togethers frustrate the neighborhood (Neighbor “Becky”: 09:27).

3. Personal Ties Complicate the Feud

(09:57 – 11:07)

• Twist: Emmanuel, Amber’s cousin and CeCe’s ex, is living with the Perrymans—intensifying resentment.
• Quote:
  • Amber Perryman: “It definitely was a messy, petty breakup for Kenneth.” (10:11)

4. Escalation: Incidents, Confrontations, and Retaliation

(12:00 – 27:04)

• Recurring Conflicts:
  • Joseph’s hobbies branded as “eyesores.”
  • Hostile exchanges lead to thrown rocks, gravel, and eventually spitting (21:23).
• Lemonade Stand vs. Yard Sale:
  • Accusations of hypocrisy and increased drama with Amber’s emotional outburst:
    • Amber kicks over Christina’s yard sale tables in retaliation for complaints about her daughters’ lemonade stand (14:20–14:46).
    • Kim attempts to apologize and mediate, but the rift deepens.
• Vandalism:
  • The Perryman children’s new inflatable pool is shredded, believed by Kim and Amber to be retaliation from the Bretts (19:57).
  • Amber responds with gravel-throwing and – in a now infamous incident – by spitting on Christina, prompting a police call and further escalation.

5. The Point of No Return: Explosive Confrontations

(27:04 – 43:15)

• Accusations Cross the Line:
  • Perryman children allege Kenneth made inappropriate comments (disputed by neighbor “Becky” and the Bretts) (24:00–26:02).
  • Amber, in a fit of rage, publicly defecates in the Bretts’ driveway in protest (25:31).
    • Kenneth Brett: “She proceeds to take a shit in his driveway.” (25:52)
• Police Involvement Intensifies:
  • Dozens of calls from both sides—officers are unable to resolve the root issues.
• The Fatal Night:
  • A lost dog triggers a violent encounter.
    • Joseph tries to shoo the Bretts off the property.
    • Accounts differ, but in the melee, Joseph is struck with a bat (allegedly by Kenneth, though both sides shift blame)—leading to his fatal injury.
    • Amber Perryman: “The first hit. I literally seen the life drain out of Joey's eyes. His eyes changed.” (39:20)

6. Aftermath & Reflections

(43:15 – End)

• Legal Consequences:
  • Kenneth Brett is arrested for homicide, pleads no contest to voluntary manslaughter, and is sentenced to five years in prison.
  • Both families eventually move away, haunted by the incident.
• Community Impact:
  • Neighbor Becky reflects: “I feel for both sides of the family because both families lost.” (43:15)
• Lessons Learned:
  • Kenneth Brett: “Life’s too short to let another person's decisions alter yours.” (43:32)
  • Amber Perryman: “It definitely makes me think before I react. I beat myself up feeling like it was maybe my fault.” (43:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:41 | Amanda Emery | “Flint is one of those cities that has a bad rap, but it has a lot of heart.” | | 07:19 | Amber Perryman | “I felt like Kenneth was uptight. I did. I felt like Kenneth thought he was better than us.” | | 09:27 | Neighbor Becky | “They would always have the driveway full of cars... it became an inconvenience.” | | 14:20 | Amber Perryman | (On lemonade stand/yard sale hypocrisy) “The girls can’t have a lemonade stand, but you can hawk all this junk. You’re a hypocrite.” | | 21:23 | Amber Perryman | “Yes, I did. I threw gravel at her car. Dirt and rocks.” | | 25:52 | Kenneth Brett | "She proceeds to take a shit in his driveway." | | 39:20 | Amber Perryman | "The first hit. I literally seen the life drain out of Joey's eyes. His eyes changed." | | 43:32 | Kenneth Brett | “Life’s too short to let another person's decisions alter yours.” | | 43:46 | Amber Perryman | “It definitely makes me think before I react. I beat myself up feeling like it was maybe my fault.” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:41: Overview of Flint, MI, and the community’s desire for improvement.
• 05:49: Introduction of the two families and first impressions.
• 09:57: The Emmanuel revelation and additional tension.
• 13:18: Lemonade stand incident sparks further discord.
• 14:20–14:46: Amber disrupts Christina’s yard sale.
• 19:57: Pool destroyed, escalation of vandalism.
• 21:31: Amber spits on Christina—police become involved.
• 25:31: Amber defecates in Brett's driveway after incendiary accusations.
• 35:38: The climactic night—dog triggers brawl ending in fatality.
• 39:20–41:46: Aftermath—medical updates and divergent family accounts.
• 43:32–43:46: Final reflections and lessons from the tragedy.

Tone and Style

Throughout, the tone is tense, raw, and rooted in the language and emotions of the participants. The episode uses direct, sometimes coarse statements to convey the gravity and authenticity of events.

• Amanda Emery’s narration sets the factual, somber background.
• Amber Perryman’s and Kenneth Brett’s voices are candid, emotionally charged, and at times defensive.
• Neighbor Becky’s contributions provide external perspective amid the chaos.
• The inclusion of real 911 audio adds to the sense of reality and immediacy.

Conclusion

"Get Off My Property" is a harrowing example of how minor disputes, fueled by cultural misunderstandings and pride, can unravel into community-wide tragedies. The episode urges listeners to reflect before reacting, reminding us of the irreversible consequences that can arise from unresolved conflict and unchecked anger. Both families lose something irreplaceable, and the entire neighborhood is indelibly scarred—a sobering warning about the dangers lurking next door.

For more episodes and related true crime content, visit the Fear Thy Neighbor page or listen wherever you get your podcasts.