Podcast Summary: Fear Thy Neighbor – "The Next Door War"

Date: August 18, 2025
Host: ID
Episode Theme:
This episode of Fear Thy Neighbor explores how an initially friendly relationship between two veteran neighbors in Killeen, Texas spirals into a tragic and deadly feud. Through interviews, real 911 calls, and firsthand accounts, it examines the escalation from minor misunderstandings to sustained harassment, psychological warfare, court disputes, and fatal violence on a seemingly peaceful street.

Episode Overview

On a quiet street in Killeen, Texas—a town known as a haven for retired Army veterans—a small act of neighborly kindness leads to a chain of misunderstandings and mounting animosity between John Wesley Seth Jr., a retired veteran and pillar of his community, and his neighbor, Santiago Vasquez, also a decorated veteran. Their petty quarrels over mail and shrubs escalate into mutual accusations, police interventions, and ultimately, murder. This episode provides a blow-by-blow of their feud through witness testimony, family memories, and legal perspectives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Setting & The Neighbors (02:05 – 06:56)

• Killeen, Texas is presented as an idyllic community for veterans, with Fishpond Lane described as a “pretty residential street” known for peaceful living.
• John Seth Jr. is introduced by his son Michael as outgoing, religious, and family-centric:
  • "He was a real outgoing guy, loved to be out working in the yard...Best man I would ever know." (04:39)
• Santiago Vasquez is a well-liked, chatty Bronze Star recipient who takes pride in his yard and property.

2. The Initial Conflict: A Misdelivered Package (07:28 – 09:08)

• The Seths and Vasquezes share friendly relations but a misdelivered package triggers suspicion.
• Instead of gratitude, Santiago becomes aggressive when John brings over his mail.
  • "Instead of being happy that he received his package, Santiago instead got angry..." – Detective Sharon Brank (08:17)
• This minor incident marks a turning point: "After that day, everything went downhill..." – Michael Coleman (09:04)

3. Escalating Tensions: Shrubs, Noise, and Accusations (09:19 – 16:14)

• Shrub Dispute: John trims encroaching shrubs after city approval, infuriating Santiago who claims:
  • "Get away from my shrubs...They are not on your property." – Santiago via neighbor Paulette Danzi (10:35)
• The feud escalates with shouting matches, property line arguments, and both men claiming harassment.
• Noise Complaints: Santiago calls police over alleged loud music, but officers find no evidence (14:47–15:10).
• Alleged retaliatory acts like honking, rude gestures, and accusations of spitting or vandalism begin.

4. Racial and Personal Undertones (16:14 – 18:13)

• Both sides attempt to rally allies, with Santiago suggesting racial animosity from John:
  • "Santiago believed that there was a racial tension between he and John." – Paul Harrell, attorney (17:04)
• Both families deny wrongdoing, with others remarking on how former tenants also clashed with Santiago.

5. Vandalism, Surveillance, and Court Battles (20:05 – 27:00)

• Incidents include loud music, verbal abuse over an intercom (including racial slurs), and pomegranates allegedly being thrown onto property, leading to police calls and fines.
  • "He was calling my father names over the intercom. Get your fat ass out of the yard." – Michael Coleman (20:57)
• Santiago installs surveillance cameras; both sides feel constantly watched and on edge.
• Santiago files a civil lawsuit which goes nowhere but leaves the Seths with legal expenses.
  • "My dad had to come out at, like, 2,500 bucks...for no reason." – Michael Coleman (22:46)

6. No Escape: Failed Attempts to Move, Ongoing Harassment (31:02 – 32:22)

• The Seths try to sell their home but cannot; feeling “trapped”, the situation deteriorates further.
• Other neighbors testify to similar experiences with Santiago, revealing a pattern.

7. The Fatal Climax (32:50 – 39:13)

• On May 30, 2017, with both wives away, Santiago and John’s long-simmering conflict explodes.
• 911 calls report gunshots and John lying dead in the street; Santiago is arrested with multiple weapons. (32:58–34:54)
• Family and neighbors express shock, noting how a trivial incident spiraled into homicide.
• At trial, Santiago claims PTSD-fed self-defense, while eyewitness accounts contradict this, asserting Santiago was the aggressor.
  • "Santiago took his cane and hit John, knocking him to the ground... Santiago pulled out a gun and fired two quick shots..." – Detective Sharon Brank (37:51)

8. Aftermath: Sentencing and Community Fallout (39:13 – End)

• Santiago is convicted of murder at age 86 and sentenced to 14 years (essentially a life sentence).
  • "He deserved more than what he got, but because of his age...it was ultimately a life sentence." – Detective Sharon Brank (39:13)
• Both families are deeply affected. John’s widow suffers from dementia, Santiago’s wife continues living next door with community support.
• Michael Coleman mourns his father:
  • "It's been five years and I'm still kind of lost. He was a good, loving father, a man of God." (40:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the initial breakdown:
  • "After that day, everything went downhill from that moment forth." – Michael Coleman (09:04)
• On the nature of veteran conflicts:
  • "I think each one would give as good as they got. Because that just was the nature of people who had been in war." – Paulette Danzi (16:01)
• On escalation and emotional toll:
  • "It's just these little microaggressions, but when you start stacking them all up together, it becomes a bigger deal." – Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula (30:37)
• On the shooting as witnessed:
  • "As John walked back from his mailbox... Santiago started yelling at John... Santiago took his cane and hit John, knocking him to the ground... Santiago pulled out a gun and fired two quick shots..." – Detective Sharon Brank (37:49–37:51)
• On grief:
  • "It's been five years and I'm still kind of lost. He was a good, loving father, a man of God." – Michael Coleman (40:07)

Important Timestamps

• 02:05: Introduction to Killeen and the neighbors’ backgrounds
• 07:28: The misdelivered package that starts it all
• 10:13: The shrub-trimming confrontation
• 14:47: Noise complaint and police response
• 20:28–21:55: Retaliatory noise and verbal abuse escalation
• 22:16–22:46: Santiago attempts legal action
• 23:35–24:25: Pomegranate vandalism and police investigation
• 32:50: The fatal shooting and 911 response
• 34:14–39:13: The police investigation, trial, and verdict
• 40:07: Family and community aftermath

Tone & Language

The episode uses a dramatic, storytelling tone with firsthand narration, direct quotes, and interspersed expert/legal commentary. Family members’ testimonies convey heartbreak, while legal perspectives provide clarity on the escalation and its consequences. The 911 audio and police reenactment add urgency.

Final Thoughts

The Next Door War is a cautionary tale about how minor misunderstandings between neighbors, left unchecked, can escalate into lifelong grudges and eventually tragedy. The episode highlights the human cost of stubbornness, miscommunication, and the inability to de-escalate. It’s a striking reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts before they cross the line of no return.