Fear Thy Neighbor: Episode Summary – "Hillbilly Holler"

Released on June 2, 2025

Introduction to the Story

In this gripping episode of Fear Thy Neighbor, host Jordan Brown delves into a tale of escalating tensions and eventual tragedy in the quiet countryside of rural Appalachia. Unlike the typical narratives of serial killers or high-profile crimes, this story centers around everyday neighbors whose seemingly minor disputes spiral into a living nightmare with devastating consequences.

"How can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door?" ([01:30]), Jordan Brown poses this chilling question as he sets the stage for the unfolding drama on Ridgeview Road.

The Arrival of Jed Elshant

The tranquil setting of Ridgeview Road is introduced through the experiences of the Massengill family—Cody Massengill, his wife Amanda, and their adopted son Cadence. Describing their neighborhood as "a lot of older people, which I love. It's quiet, it's peaceful," (Cody Massengill, [04:14]) Cody paints a picture of a close-knit, serene community.

The arrival of Jed Elshant, an out-of-state truck driver seeking a peaceful rural life, initially appears harmonious. Jed shares a common bond with the area through his past as a truck driver, and his neighbors, including the Hill family—Charlie and Robin Hill—welcome him warmly.

"When I first met my neighbors, the Hills, they were pleasant, offered their help. They were very kind to me, very nice," (Jed Elshant, [05:38]) Jed recounts his initial interactions, highlighting a promising start to his new life on Ridgeview Road.

Property Line Dispute Begins

The peace begins to unravel as Jed's vision of rural living clashes with longstanding community norms, particularly concerning property lines. A seemingly trivial issue ignites the first sparks of conflict.

Jed discovers discrepancies in the property lines, leading him to confront the Hills:

"The survey doesn't say squat," (Jed Elshant, [09:23]) Jed asserts his claim over disputed land, sparking a heated exchange.

Cody and Amanda Massengill support the Hills' perspective, dismissing Jed's claims:

"You're reading that wrong. I own this side of the driveway. You cut down those trees, my family won't have any privacy. He wanted to holler. Oh, I got the deed. I got the deed which clearly stated showed that I had more property on there and it kindly come out on the driveway," (Cody Massengill, [10:47]).

The confrontation over property lines marks the beginning of a downward spiral, as both families become entrenched in their stances.

Escalation of Tensions

Unresolved disputes lead to increasing hostility. Jed's attempts to assert his property rights result in aggressive actions:

"I was looking for some peace," (Jed Elshant, [11:16]) Jed voices his frustration when negotiations fail, pushing him towards measures to control the situation.

To protect his perceived rights, Jed invests in a comprehensive security system, encompassing eight cameras to monitor every angle of his property:

"I had bought a surveillance system that had eight cameras and it covered all angles of the house and the yard," (Jed Elshant, [16:32]) he explains, indicating his deepening obsession with surveillance.

The Massengills, particularly Amanda, begin to experience the oppressive presence of Jed's constant monitoring:

"He would just watch us all. He was some kind of creepy control freak," (Amanda Massengill, [25:50]).

As tensions heighten, both families take retaliatory actions. Cody responds by creating an eyesore on his property:

"I put up this line of blue tarps across my property as if it were a wall," (Cody Massengill, [27:05]) intended to block Jed's view and provoke him.

Jed's retaliation is swift and aggressive:

"I got angry at that point and completely lost character," (Jed Elshant, [27:44]).

Attempts at Resolution

With emotions running high, the families attempt mediation in hopes of restoring peace. Jed proposes:

"I asked for mediation. I said, look, I just feel like this is too much," (Jed Elshant, [33:27]), seeking a neutral ground to resolve the conflicts.

However, the mediation proves ineffective. Cody dismisses the possibility of reconciliation:

"Like, nope, mediation ain't going to work. I'm done. Take it to jail," (Cody Massengill, [34:02]), signaling a breakdown in any hope for amicable resolution.

Final Confrontation and Aftermath

The culmination of mounting tensions leads to a brutal confrontation. On May 18, 2021, Jed's frustration reaches a boiling point when Cody confronts him with a baseball bat:

"So I grabbed a bat and I just ran through the yard because by this time I done flipped manic and I run through the yard and I went to hit him with the bat and he retrieved like a cat with his tail run over," (Cody Massengill, [30:24]).

The altercation is captured on Jed's phone, revealing:

"You got it, bitch," (Cody Massengill, [30:50]).

Cody sustains severe injuries from the attack, including a "hole in the side of [his] cheek" (Amanda Massengill, [37:26]), necessitating hospitalization. Jed is subsequently arrested for attempted murder but maintains his innocence:

"I did not hit Cody with a mattock. That never happened," (Jed Elshant, [38:29]).

In a controversial legal move, the prosecution offers a deal to dismiss the charges in exchange for Jed selling his property and moving away—a solution met with skepticism and disappointment by the Massengills.

Conclusion

The Hillbilly Holler episode of Fear Thy Neighbor serves as a stark reminder of how ordinary neighborhood disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedies. The Massengill and Hill families suffer profound losses, both emotional and physical, highlighting the fragile nature of community harmony.

Amanda Massengill reflects poignantly:

"Every single time I look at Cody's face, I'm reminded of Jed," (Amanda Massengill, [41:00]) underscoring the lasting impact of the feud.

The episode concludes with the community left to grapple with the aftermath, illustrating the enduring scars left by neighborly fear turned fatal.

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Brown: "How can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door?" ([01:30])

• Cody Massengill: "You're reading that wrong. I own this side of the driveway. You cut down those trees, my family won't have any privacy." ([10:47])

• Amanda Massengill: "He would just watch us all. He was some kind of creepy control freak." ([25:50])

• Cody Massengill: "I put up this line of blue tarps across my property as if it were a wall." ([27:05])

• Jed Elshant: "I did not hit Cody with a mattock. That never happened." ([38:29])

• Amanda Massengill: "Every single time I look at Cody's face, I'm reminded of Jed." ([41:00])

Reflections and Insights

"Hillbilly Holler" poignantly explores the psychological and social dynamics of neighborly disputes. It underscores how miscommunication, perceived threats, and pride can transform ordinary disagreements into catastrophic conflicts. The episode also touches on themes of isolation, trust, and the importance of community support in preventing such tragedies.

Listeners are left contemplating the fine line between maintaining personal boundaries and fostering community harmony, and the dire consequences that can ensue when that balance is disrupted.

Fear Thy Neighbor continues to unravel bizarre and horrifying real-life stories, reminding us that danger often lurks close to home.