Fear Thy Neighbor: Episode Summary - "Gone to the Dogs"

Release Date: December 16, 2024

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Gone to the Dogs," Fear Thy Neighbor delves into a harrowing true story of how seemingly minor disputes between neighbors can spiral into unimaginable tragedy. Set in the picturesque coastal town of Port St. Lucie, Florida, this episode unravels the complex and ultimately devastating conflict between the Handsman family and their new neighbors, the Del Cerros.

The Handsman Family: An Idyllic Life

The Handsman family epitomizes the quintessential American household. Led by parents Guy and Monique Handsman, they have nurtured a close-knit family atmosphere over the years in Port St. Lucie, a community known for its beauty and friendliness.

Zach Handsman reflects on their upbringing:

"Growing up here, it was great, you know, we had a huge family atmosphere. We knew everybody, everybody knew one another and we spent time and saw just about everybody in our community." (03:39)

Guy and Monique raised four children, including their adopted daughter Harper and son Patrick, after their biological sons had moved out. Monique shares a particularly strong bond with Harper:

"Harper and Monique had a very special relationship. They were kind of buddies. They went everywhere." (05:01)

The family's harmony is further exemplified when they welcome a new puppy, Ruka, adding joy and warmth to their already thriving household.

Arrival of the Del Cerros: New Neighbors with a Hidden Agenda

The tranquility of the Handsman household is disrupted when Ron and Sandra Del Cerro, a retired couple with a poodle named Ruka, move in next door. Initially, both families get along well, bonding over their mutual love for poodles. Zach Handsman recounts:

"When the Del Seros first moved in, they had a very cute little fluffy dog that my little brother and sister loved to play with." (06:00)

However, tensions begin to surface when Ron Del Cerro discovers a historical connection between their families. Ron realizes that the Handsman name is connected to his father, Larney Hansman—a respected jockey with a spotless reputation in horse racing.

Ron Del Cerro expresses his resentment:

"The upshot of it is Ronald Del Cerro was left with pretty much the opposite kind of reputation in horse circles that Larry Hansman had. Now, as soon as he found out who his next door neighbor was, that must have kind of burned a hole in his stomach..." (07:56)

This revelation ignites a simmering animosity within Ron, as he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and envy towards the esteemed Handsman legacy.

Early Conflicts: Property Disputes and Code Complaints

The first signs of discord emerge over minor property issues. Zach Handsman shares:

"I like to sail, and that's one of the things that I aspire to be great in... My dad would help me on a lot of our projects, including my own boats to work on." (09:11)

Ron becomes increasingly troubled by the Handsmans' use of their driveway for Zach's boat storage, perceiving it as an eyesore that marred the neighborhood's aesthetics. Determined to enforce his perspective, Ron repeatedly summons city code officers to lodge complaints, despite finding no actual violations.

Zach Handsman describes the ongoing harassment:

"As soon as one case closed, another case would open... Ron Del Cerro was looking for anything and everything that he could find just to make a complaint about our family." (10:11)

Monique eventually reaches her breaking point and confronts Ron and Sandra:

"No, I'm tired of looking at your crap outside all the time. You need to move it." (11:08)

The confrontation escalates with threats of legal action, further straining the relationship between the two families.

The Dog Attack: From Poodles to Peril

Seeking peace, the Handsmans believe their relationship with the Del Cerros is amicable—until tragedy strikes. The Del Cerros replace their poodle, Ruka, with a much larger and aggressive bull mastiff named Roxy.

Monique Handsman warns:

"They went from a harmless poodle to a very large dog that would be intimidating to people. Mastiffs are not meant for protecting the family. They're not family dogs. What they are are fighting dogs." (15:19)

During a routine morning walk, Roxy, initially leashed, is unleashed by Sandra Del Cerro, leading to a vicious attack on Monique and her dog. The severity of Roxy's aggression results in Monique sustaining life-threatening injuries.

Monique Handsman describes the attack:

"Monique threw herself on top of Ruka to protect her. Roxy wasn't particular who she bit, but she was attacking not only Ruka, but she was also attacking Monique in a very vicious way." (16:02)

11-year-old Harper witnesses her mother's ordeal:

"To have my sister watch that, to have my mom being drugged around by this dog and being fighting for her life, I'm sure was panic and chaos." (16:56)

Legal Battle and Escalation: The Fight for Safety

In the aftermath of the attack, the Handsman family demands that Roxy be muzzled or removed from the property to ensure their safety. However, Ron Del Cerro vehemently opposes any restrictions, leading to an intense legal confrontation.

Animal Control initially steps in, placing Roxy under strict quarantine and imposing regulations such as mandatory muzzling and leashing. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocols, these restrictions are temporarily lifted, allowing Roxy back on the streets and reigniting the family's fears.

Zach Handsman expresses the mounting anxiety:

"It definitely felt even more weaponized when the dog came back that, you know, there was going to be consequences for the dog being taken away from them." (21:34)

Despite multiple interventions from Animal Control, Ron's defiance only grows, intensifying the hostility between the two families.

The Final Confrontation: A Tragic Climax

Everything comes to a head during a family birthday party at the Handsman home. Ron Del Cerro escalates his aggression by unleashing Roxy in the yard, causing chaos and fear among the family members and guests.

Zach Handsman recounts the terror:

"The dog was let loose in the yard, and the dog would charge the fence and start barking... Everybody inside now." (23:21)

Fuelled by rage, Ron arms himself with concealed handguns, turning the situation deadly. As tensions reach their peak, Ron enters the Handsman home, leading to a harrowing hostage situation.

11-year-old Harper bravely contacts 911 amidst the chaos. Dispatcher Raven Kelly navigates the crisis with Harper's composed responses:

"Listen, I need you to stay as calm and as quiet as you can, okay? What does the male look like?" (35:51)

Inside the house, a desperate struggle ensues. Ron fires at law enforcement, resulting in a violent shootout that culminates in the tragic loss of Harper and Ron's own demise by suicide after being fatally wounded.

Monique Handsman reflects on her loss:

"I didn't deserve this I should have just let him shoot me. I should have just let him shoot me because he wanted me... I have an 11 year old." (42:37)

Aftermath and Tragedy: Healing Amidst Hurt

The community reels from the tragic events, with the Handsman family grappling with profound loss. Sandra Del Cerro departs the neighborhood, leaving behind a trail of destruction and grief.

In honor of their daughter Harper, the Handsmans establish a foundation to memorialize her life and support others affected by similar tragedies.

Zach Handsman poignantly shares:

"When we lost my dad, he was the strongest person I ever met... my sister, my sister, she was just like a firecracker. She was the brightest, funniest, happiest little girl you've ever seen." (43:39)

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

"Gone to the Dogs" serves as a stark reminder of how unresolved conflicts and unchecked aggression can devastate lives. The Handsman-Del Cerro saga underscores the importance of community, communication, and timely intervention in preventing such tragedies.

Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• Zach Handsman on family atmosphere:

  "Growing up here, it was great, you know, we had a huge family atmosphere..." (03:39)

• Monique Handsman on her bond with Harper:

  "Harper and Monique had a very special relationship..." (05:01)

• Ron Del Cerro on the Handsman legacy:

  "...Ron Del Cerro was left with pretty much the opposite kind of reputation..." (07:56)

• Monique Handsman confronting neighbors:

  "No, I'm tired of looking at your crap outside all the time..." (11:08)

• Zach Handsman on ongoing code complaints:

  "Ron Del Cerro was looking for anything and everything that he could find..." (10:11)

• Monique Handsman after the dog attack:

  "I didn't deserve this I should have just let him shoot me..." (42:37)

• Zach Handsman on losing his sister and father:

  "When we lost my dad, he was the strongest person I ever met..." (43:39)

Reflection

"Gone to the Dogs" is a powerful exploration of how neighborly disputes can escalate beyond control, leading to irreversible consequences. Through personal accounts, real 911 calls, and court audio, Fear Thy Neighbor paints a vivid picture of fear, loss, and the fragility of community bonds.

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode "Gone to the Dogs" for listeners and non-listeners alike, encapsulating the key events, emotional turmoil, and ultimate tragedy that befell the Handsman family.