The Next Door War

Summary

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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

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Most violent crimes that capture the public's imagination are about serial killers, mass shooters, crimes of passion, or clashes among underworld figures. Yet some of the most shocking and deadly conflicts we encounter are between everyday neighbors in ordinary neighborhoods. Their seemingly minor quibbles escalate until violence erupts and it impacts an entire community. What makes a good neighbor neighbor go bad? We may never truly know, but heed this warning about the terrible things that can happen when even the pettiest disagreements pass the point of no return and good neighbors become worst enemies. How can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door? Today's story takes place in one of the loveliest communities you can imagine, where many veterans come to live out their golden years. You'd think the bond between two neighboring veterans would inspire a good relationship and in the early days this proves true. Yet a tiny mix up sparks a bizarre reaction and from that moment, two aging warriors are locked into battle. This is fear thy neighbor. The next door War. Killeen, Texas is a close knit town with a strong sense of identity. It's known for being a comfortable rest haven where army veterans can step back after a lifetime of service. Here's Detective Sharon Brank.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Killeen is bordered by Fort Hood, so we have a lot of military personnel that stay in the area once they retire.

[Narrator/Host]

At the heart of this prosperous hamlet, Fishpond Lane is a pretty residential street in an older subdivision as described by attorney Zack Morris and resident Paulette Danzi.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

Just your typical American middle class neighborhood. Trees in the yards, well kept lawns.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

We are all looking for just a peaceful, quiet lifestyle to live out the rest of our days.

[Narrator/Host]

Manicured lawns, flourishing gardens and peaceful days are what John Wesley Seth Jr. A decorated 23 year army veteran, lives for. According to his son Michael Coleman.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He was a real outgoing guy, loved to be out working in the yard and I was straight up altogether nine kids and 25 grandkids. A deacon in the church for over 30, 40 years. Best man I would ever know.

[Narrator/Host]

John was always described positively as a God fearing man, as very religious. That's journalist Emily Hilly Sershula weighing in on John's devotion. He and wife Valerie moved to Fishpond Lane recently to be closer to son Michael and enjoy a mellow retirement.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He said all we're gonna do now is just sit back and me and your mom gonna enjoy life.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

My neighborhood is a really good neighborhood.

[Narrator/Host]

Right next door to John is another decorated military man, Santiago Vasquez.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Santiago was a great neighbor. He would stop and talk to everyone.

[Narrator/Host]

Howdy neighbor. Good morning Santiago.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

Santiago Vasquez was just a jovial, joyous.

[Narrator/Host]

Person to be around and criminal defense attorney Paul Harrell agrees.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

Santiago had a Bronze Star, was wounded in combat, worked for the prison system for a while. He's kind of a busy body. To meet him is to fall in love with him.

[Narrator/Host]

Long retired, Santiago and his wife Elodia have lived on Fish Pond Lane for decades, but they're starting to feel the passage of time. Lately Santiago has been using a cane to assist his mobility.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

Santiago enjoyed his neighborhood based on how quiet it was. He spent many days out in his yard. He took A lot of pride in that. In that house.

[Narrator/Host]

The Seths and the Vasquezes aren't close. Elodia Vasquez is particularly private. But they're still good neighbors with everyone, being friendly and respectful. In particular, Santiago and John are always happy to engage in pleasantries, often making small talk at their neighboring mailboxes.

You're up and at em early, just like me. Gotta grease the old joints, and we're not getting any younger.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

At the beginning, when they first moved there, the attitude was very Varies, normal. I mean, he's seeing my dad. Hey, how you doing, Mr. Seth? My dad. How you doing, Mr. Vasquez?

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago is grateful that the Seths have maintained their property to his standards. He takes great pride in curb appeal and felt the tenants that lived next door to him before the Seths were somewhat lacking.

Your place is just looking better and better. I gotta keep up with the Joneses in your beautiful place. The last people in your house, they let the place go to hell in a handbasket. Don't worry.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

I won't let that happen.

[Narrator/Host]

Good. You have a good day. We'll see each other soon. Keep the place beautiful, man.

And so the two families lived side by side in harmony for months. It all started with the package being mistakenly delivered to John that was supposed to be Santiago's. Typically, it wouldn't be a big deal to. To say, hey, neighbor, got your package. Sorry about that. In this neighborhood, the road to tragedy is paved with good intentions.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Santiago Vasquez front door was tinted wild, and you couldn't see in, but you could see out. That's not a good feeling. And he could be looking out the door. We would never know it.

[Narrator/Host]

John takes the package meant for Santiago and brings it to his neighbor's door. And that's when he notices something a little odd.

I believe this is for you. Why do you have it?

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Instead of being happy that he received his package, Santiago instead got angry that John had his package.

[Narrator/Host]

The mailman must have made a mistake. Lester doesn't make mistakes.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

He described that it might be being stolen or taken from him.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

The idea of someone taking Santiago's mail would have infuriated him.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

It has been a point of contention with John and Santiago, but I'm sure that if either one of them got the other's mail, it was a big deal, even if it was an accident.

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago grabs the package and slams the door. It seems like John is being punished for a simple act of neighborly kindness.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

After that day, everything went downhill from that moment forth.

[Narrator/Host]

Neighbors attest to the Fact that there is a shift in the dynamic between the Seths and the Vasquezes. And for whatever reason, things between the two veterans are never the same.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

People describe John as a quiet man who liked to keep his yard very well manicured. Santiago and his wife, they also kept their yard very well manicured.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

As far as I know. Some shrubs were the catalyst for this dispute.

[Narrator/Host]

The next flashpoint for these neighbors centers on the place they love to be the most. Their front gardens. John wants to trim a thick row of shrubs growing along the property line.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Those bushes were already in place when the Seths moved into the home.

[Narrator/Host]

The shrubs belonged to Santiago. But they're encroaching on John's turf. He gets permission from the city to trim them and moves ahead. John just wants a tidy garden. Yet Santiago sees a full on attack, claims John's son, Michael Coleman.

Hey. Hey. What are you doing? Stop. Stop.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Once he trimmed him, the guy just started going like out of his mind, doing all kind of crazy stuff.

[Narrator/Host]

Stop that. Those are my shrubs.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

And so Santiago said, don't touch my shrubs.

[Narrator/Host]

Get away from my shrubs.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

I planted them one foot inside my property line. They are not on your property.

[Narrator/Host]

That's my property you're butchering.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

We can't believe that. If somebody's acting like this, like who is this guy?

[Narrator/Host]

They're on my property, but they're planted on my land.

Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula confirmed Santiago's state of rage. It does appear that Santiago really believed that he was under attack in some.

Way that kicked off all of this.

Animosity that Mr. Vasquez felt. Santiago raises his cane and shakes it at John. John meets him head on.

Back up. You lord us. Back off. That's my property you're butchering.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

They were very heated, very loud.

[Narrator/Host]

Better step away.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He's throwing stuff. He's calling us, saying names.

[Narrator/Host]

But they're planted on my land. Stop.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

My mom came out. She was upset. That was enough for one day.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

You've been caring for and tending to and getting things the way you like them. And then someone comes along and tries to. To upset that. That doesn't go over very well.

[Narrator/Host]

Two tough army veterans, good neighbors to their friends. Now each other's enemy. And neither wants to yield an inch. In fact, the war is just getting started and a slew of counter attacks are about to be set.

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[Narrator/Host]

Gripping mysteries you love, because Forensic Files is back and they're revisiting some of your favorite episodes. Come along as investigators, scientists and experts piece together evidence, clues and data in search of the answers behind violent crimes, unexplainable mysteries, and other strange occurrences. Listen to Forensic Files on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. One night, Elodia Vasquez is awakened by music from outside.

Santiago. Santiago, do you hear that?

Is it coming for next time?

No, you're going to take up this time. That lardos is going to get it.

Santiago calls the police to complain about the noise, claiming the Seth house is the source. Law enforcement responds, but Santiago doesn't get the resolution he wanted.

Officer Good evening, sir. We're just responding to your call and nothing going on next door.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Santiago had called the police and had complained there was no substantiation.

[Narrator/Host]

Well, you took too long to get here we try our best, sir. Best is not good enough.

There's nothing more Santiago can do to except stu in silence and plan his counterattack. It started out with things like honking, but it gradually increased to acts of criminal mischief.

Allegedly. I'll give you noise, loud ass.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Santiago was doing all kind of crazy stuff.

[Narrator/Host]

Get off my property. I'm not on your property.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

And he would grab his private.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

There were many accusations of incidents. I believe one of them was that Santiago believed that John spit on his mailbox at least once.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Never happened. He wouldn't cross the line over that guy.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

Whether or not that was John or not, in his mind, he believed it was John.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

I think each one would give as good as they got. Because that just was the nature of people who had been in war.

[Narrator/Host]

As the clash escalates, the combatants try to rally allies to their side. Santiago complains to neighbor Paulette Danzi, John's.

Been harassing me for months. Loud music at all hours of the night. Woke up Elodie and me the other night.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Are you sure it was him? Santiago would tell me, this is what my neighbor did, and I'm not gonna put up with it.

[Narrator/Host]

Straight up lies. It's all in his head. All I did was give him his package, and he slammed the door in my face.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

The mailman said, I run into John. John complains to me about Santiago. If I run into Santiago, he complains to me about John.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm so angry, so irritated.

According to Santiago, there's a nasty undercurrent to John's vitriol.

What do we expect from these people?

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

And Santiago believed that there was a racial tension between he and John.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Santiago said. John said, yeah, we're gonna get these Mexicans out of this neighborhood. Of course, that just made Santiago mad.

[Narrator/Host]

You go to hell, John. Seth.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

I don't know how well founded any of those accusations are, but he feared that John was trying to run him out of the neighborhood.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Anything Santiago Vasquez claimed that my father did never know. Evidence, never. Nothing.

[Narrator/Host]

When property lines become frontlines, there's always another reason to go to war.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

The trees was leaning over on this side of the yard. And to the point where I was leaning on the fence. And it was really hanging over. Leaves starting to fall over. My dad went to the city to make sure that it was fine for him to have his trees trimmed. The city said, if it's hanging over the fence, it's okay for you to cut them.

[Narrator/Host]

John follows the letter of the law. But that's no consolation to Santiago and Elodia for what they see as their trees being destroyed. My trees.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Santiago did not like that.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

It got to a point where Santiago believed that he was being constantly harassed.

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago's claims just keep on coming, says attorney Zack Morris. The latest being that John fired a gun by his window late at night.

Oh, my God.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

If it was true that that gun was fired outside the window, that would be a absolute direct sign of aggression and dangerous behavior from a neighbor.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

It's very disconcerting because bullets don't have names on them.

[Narrator/Host]

Call the police. We have to call the police now.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

It's not just some petty dispute. He felt in fear for his life, for his safety, and for his wife's safety.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm on it.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

I'm on it.

[Narrator/Host]

Yes, it's an emergency. I want to report gunshots right outside my window.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

To be awakened in the middle of the night because of gunfire, you are always on edge. Because, am I safe? Is it going to come through the window?

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

I believe that that was investigated. There wasn't enough evidence to actually bring charges on there. But if you ask Santiago, it was absolutely John.

[Narrator/Host]

But Michael Coleman is adamant it was not.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Never happened. Never happened. He never shot that gun. I'm not going by here. Say I know for a fact he never shot his gun.

[Narrator/Host]

Despite the tension percolating through the neighborhood, John and Valerie still try to savor their retirement.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

We made such a good choice to move out here.

[Narrator/Host]

I know.

I.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He always told me, I'm finally in the best part of my life. I'm retired now.

[Narrator/Host]

But on this street, there's little chance of enjoying your golden years, especially when Santiago is allegedly hitting back with a sonic assault. There was reports of loud music being directed from Mr. Vasquez's home outward toward Mr. Seth's house. Santiago doesn't stop with music.

How do you like that, eh, fat ass?

To make matters worse, he's also installed an intercom, which he uses to crank up the verbal abuse.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

San Diego. Vasquez kept pushing the button. Pushing, pushing, pushing.

[Narrator/Host]

You wouldn't know good music, dumbass. I can't believe this. How do you like this noise? I can give you some more. You won't get to me. You understand that, dumbass?

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He was calling my father names over the intercom. Get your fat ass out of the yard.

[Narrator/Host]

And there are allegations of much more hateful insults, claims journalist Emily Hilly Sersula and Detective Sharon Brank. There were reports of Mr. Vasquez using the N word toward Mr. Seth.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

John's family had told me that Santiago would call them various Racial epithets and would curse at them when they were out in the yard or in the backyard just enjoying family time.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

I think he wanted my dad to retaliate.

[Narrator/Host]

John calls the police, and they catch Santiago in the actual.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

When police arrived, the music was really loud. There was a speaker that was faced directly toward John's house.

[Narrator/Host]

What neighbor called about the noise? Can you please keep the music down? Here's a citation for your noise violation, sir.

Santiago is fined for disturbing the peace.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

I'm sure Santiago was not pleased when the officer gave him the citation for that.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

He believed that they were out to get him, quite frankly.

[Narrator/Host]

Feeling angry and desperate to lay the argument to bed, Santiago seeks legal counsel from attorneys James stapler and Paul Harrell.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago came to our office to complain about his neighbor.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

He wanted money damages for the harassment that John was doing to him.

[Attorney James Stapler]

We told him to keep a diary of what was going on, and he did some of that.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

So the notebooks, I remember seeing about eight or ten of them, and all the pages were filled.

[Attorney James Stapler]

We filed a civil case against John Seth initially just for encroaching onto Mr. Santiago's property.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

My mom got a letter in the mail and said he had to go to court. And so my dad went up there, you know, the case never went forward because there was no evidence. My dad had to come out at, like, 2,500 bucks. They get a lawyer. My father was out of money for no reason.

[Narrator/Host]

But as James stapler explains, cases like these are seldom straightforward.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Typically, when we have these bad neighbor cases, there's not usually a whole lot legally to be done.

[Narrator/Host]

The retired veterans are stuck living side by side, and with no efforts to resolve their feud, it just gets worse. One night, the Seths hear banging sounds at the back of their house. John goes to investigate, only to find his porch covered in what looks like fresh blood. More from attorney Zack Morris.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

This whole situation just started spiraling out of control.

[Narrator/Host]

It turns out the red liquid is actually pomegranate juice.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

John and Valerie believe that Santiago was throwing pomegranates towards their back porch.

[Narrator/Host]

Hard on the outside, but full of juicy seeds. The pomegranates have made a complete mess of John's porch and the furniture, and have even damaged the air conditioner. Police are summoned. Again, it's a clear case of vandalism, with Santiago as the leading suspect.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

Santa had a pomegranate tree in his yard.

[Narrator/Host]

Mr. Vasquez, hear anything? Remember anything?

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Police get there. They find the fruit. And the only way it could have gotten there is if somebody Deliberately put it over there.

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago denies any involvement. Without concrete evidence, there's nothing law enforcement can do.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

It's a he said, she said type situation where the police really have nothing to go on.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

We couldn't think of nobody else who would do it.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago was fed up. And then I think Mr. Seth was fed up.

[Narrator/Host]

What the hell's wrong with you? I know it was you. You won't get away with this, old man. It's gonna stop.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

We never saw any clear cut proof that Santiago did such.

[Narrator/Host]

John Seth won't give in to the never ending intimidation. Santiago Vasquez will do everything he can to defend his property.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

Next, there was a claim from Santiago that his garage door was vandalized. Of course, the prime suspect in his mind was John.

[Narrator/Host]

There's no way to prove prove it. But the incident is more fuel for Santiago's fire. Faithfully recorded in his notebooks. Yet he realizes handwritten complaints aren't going to be enough to put his neighbor away. So he takes his evidence gathering to the next level. Hey, sweetie. Here you go.

Thank you. Hey, dumbass. I'll catch you next time, John. But look.

As if Santiago's intercom taunts weren't enough, John and his wife Valerie are alarmed to see that their neighbor has put up several surveillance cameras on his house.

[Attorney James Stapler]

We encouraged Santiago to get cameras so we could prove it. All we had was him saying that it happened.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

And right there and over there.

[Narrator/Host]

How you like them pomegranates, huh?

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

They were hooked up so that you could look through at the TV and see what was going on. So he had a pretty extensive view.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

If you have some kind of old feud, it doesn't hurt to have that surveillance out there.

[Narrator/Host]

But to the Seths, the constant feeling of being under surveillance is beginning to get to them.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

You don't know when he's looking out. You don't know when he's on the camera, when he's watching you.

[Narrator/Host]

You stupid old fool.

To the Seths, Santiago is no neutral observer. This is war. And his security system is a weapon.

You rolled, you stupid. And you disgust me.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

My mom, she was really hurt. Everyday base, you have to deal with that.

[Narrator/Host]

But Santiago's attorney, James Stapler, tells a different story.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago always felt like he was in danger. From the day after we filed the civil suit, he felt like he was being threatened by his neighbor. They're both vets, so they probably both kind of dug their heels in on this whole issue. So Santiago was just at his wit's end with the whole deal.

[Narrator/Host]

And even with all this, the worst is yet to come.

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[Narrator/Host]

As John's son Michael explains, the patriarch of the family tries his best to push the ongoing feud with his neighbor out of his mind.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

My dad, he a true believer of God. So he, you know, he wasn't gonna let this affect the way he lived or he wasn't gonna change his ways. He was gonna continue to work in the yard.

[Narrator/Host]

Yet every day, John's faith is sorely tested.

What the hell's he doing?

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

They couldn't live without this guy. Other throwing some at the windows at night, the plumbing, grass in the yard. It's something every day with this guy.

[Narrator/Host]

Hey.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

And I don't walk up on him and say, come on, Santiago, cut it out.

[Narrator/Host]

Shot it, lard ass. Just like your dad. You're disgusting and you're always telling lies about my family.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He called me a Fat ass. He was cursing. What are you gonna do about it, huh?

[Narrator/Host]

What? Get back in the household, man. Get back in the household, man.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He was over there with a cane, pointing, you know, poking.

[Narrator/Host]

What are you gonna do, huh? Get back in the house.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

So it got real bad.

[Narrator/Host]

At that time, police are called to Fishpond lane for the 15th time. Attorneys Paul Harrell and James Stabler recount Santiago telling the officers he was assaulted.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

Santiago said, not only, you know, was there threat of physical violence from John, but his son.

[Narrator/Host]

I was tending to my shrubs, and this young man comes and push me around. Is that true, sir? Nope.

[Attorney James Stapler]

I would never do such a thing. Santiago did complain that Seth's son came and pushed him.

[Narrator/Host]

John and Michael deny the allegation.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

I would never put my hands on anybody like that. Never.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

They have two completely different versions of the incident.

[Narrator/Host]

If an assault did occur, Santiago's cameras didn't catch it. Officers issue warnings on all sides, but no charges are laid. Attorney Zack Morris notes the increasing toxicity of this neighborly stalemate.

Don't make me come back here again.

[Journalist Emily Hilly Sersula]

It's just these little microaggressions. But when you start stacking them all up together, it becomes a bigger deal.

[Narrator/Host]

There appears to be no end in sight. A view confirmed when the Seth family meets someone who went through a similar ordeal with the same neighbors.

Did you say your neighbor's name was Santiago Vasquez? Why? Do you know him?

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

It was the guy that stayed in the house for my mom that moved there.

[Narrator/Host]

He was my neighbor on Fish Pond years ago until he drove me out.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

Drove me out.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

One of the plants died and he accused the neighbor of killing it.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

He harassed them people, too, and they end up moving out of the house.

[Narrator/Host]

Seeing no way forward, John and Valerie make a tough decision. Detective Sharon Brank and journalist Emily Hilly Sersula share that story.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

The Seth's put their property on the market to sell.

[Narrator/Host]

You bought your retirement home. There's really nothing that you can do if you have a neighbor like that except for move. Weeks turn to months, but nobody makes an offer on the house.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

When he couldn't sell it, then he had to stay here.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Trapped. You're trapped in this whole situation.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

It got worse and it got real bad.

[Narrator/Host]

The battle comes to a head on May 30, 2017. Here's neighbor Paulette Danzi to set the scene.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

I wake up reasonably early on Tuesdays because I volunteer at the food pantry. And I walk out my door, I see Santiago. He is sitting there sharpening something. He sees me, but he doesn't say a word. That's very unusual because he always wants to talk. So I thought, you know, whatever.

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago's wife Elodia, is out for the day. So is John's wife, Valerie. But John is home.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

So I get in my car, I go. And I'm gone for a while that day. So I come home, and I'm starving. I make my sandwich, and I'm eating my sandwich in my TV room. I hear three shots.

[Narrator/Host]

Within moments, the emergency switchboard lights up. What follows is actual 911 audio from different neighbors balcony.

91 1, where's your emergency? I heard three shots, and I look outside, and I see a man lying in the street on Fish Pond. Yeah, we just. We just witnessed the murder. We're right here off of Fish Pond Road. Okay.

They're trying to get there as quickly as they can.

Okay?

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

I get up, and I go outside, and the police is walking across my front yard. And he says, ma', am, go back in your house. I'm fine. Until I see the police putting the yellow caution tape around my tree. And I say to the policeman, is anybody hurt? And he says, I can't talk to you about that, ma'. Am. And I'm saying, has anybody been killed? And at that time, I see a female police officer with a white sheet. I can see her putting the white sheet over him, and his hand and his foot is uncovered. And I'm saying, oh, my goodness. I cannot believe that this has happened. Now here we are.

[Narrator/Host]

It all started with the package being delivered to the wrong door and escalated to murder. Sharon Brink is the lead detective on the case.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

When we arrived at the scene, there was a sheet lying over a body in the roadway.

[Narrator/Host]

The person beneath the sheet is John Seth Jr. Dead from three gunshots to the chest.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Officers saw Santiago outside. His clothing matched the the description provided by the 911 caller. They discovered that he had two guns as well as extra ammunition in his pocket and a large knife on him.

[Narrator/Host]

You're under arrest for the murder of John Seth Santiago. No, no. Stay right there, ma'.

Am.

Santiago. No, no, no, no.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

When I heard what happened, my whole mind just went blank. I'm driving over there. I run stop signs and lights. And when I get there, I see his body, and I'm like, I couldn't believe it, Dad. I was lost for words. Everybody's crying.

[Narrator/Host]

As a retired sergeant first class, John Seth Jr. Is buried at the Central Texas State Veterans cemetery. He was 80 years old. Two years after the murder, Santiago Vasquez stands Trial, he claims he acted in self defense triggered by his time in combat. Attorneys Paul Harrell and James Stapler explain.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

If Santiago did something out of character, it might be related to post traumatic stress disorder.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago just said he was out on the sidewalk and Mr. Seth came up to him.

[Narrator/Host]

Santiago, Santiago, time to end this.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago indicated that they had a confrontation. He said John Seth came up to him and was berating him. An argument ensued.

[Narrator/Host]

You've destroyed my house. You've terrorized my wife. Oh, I'm gonna. Give me your. You know what, Give me, give me a gold.

[Attorney James Stapler]

Santiago had a gun in his pocket.

[Narrator/Host]

Stop an animal.

[Attorney James Stapler]

It fell out of his pocket. He indicated that John Seth knocked him to the ground and was striking him with his cane. Santiago reached for the gun and he picked it up and he turned around and shot. Mr.

[Attorney Paul Harrell]

We needed to make a strong self defense argument, so we spent a lot of work on that, stuck to our theme, which was my belief is my belief, right? And that's what I was trying to convince the jury, that how I see a thing, how I perceive it, is my reality. If I believe that John was a threat to me, that he was trying to beat me with my own cane, yeah, I believe I'm justified and it's reasonable to commit an act of self defense.

[Narrator/Host]

Despite Santiago's claims, a neighbor further down the street witnessed the whole thing, and she recounts a much different chain of events.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

She was actually outside smoking a cigarette, unbeknownst to either man.

[Narrator/Host]

Hey, dumbass, I got something for you.

According to the neighbor, John collected his mail from the end of the driveway, where he and Santiago used to chat in friendlier times.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

As John walked back from his mailbox to go into his house, Santiago started yelling at John, leave me alone.

[Narrator/Host]

I am done with you.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

Santiago took his cane and hit John, knocking him to the ground. John was able to get up, but was still unsteady on his feet. Santiago pulled out a gun and fired two quick shots which knocked John to the ground. And while John was on the ground, he fired one more shot. The witness immediately ran inside to call the police.

[Narrator/Host]

Even an eyewitness is no guarantee of conviction in this fraught trial.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

You never know what is going to happen with a jury. You have all the information that supports the events as they occurred by the witness. No injuries on Santiago, even though he claimed John beat him with the cane. None of that was supported, but the witness's story was. But you never know how a defense attorney can get into their heads and twist words. All you can do is pray that justice is done for the victim and the family.

[Narrator/Host]

In July 2019, Santiago Vasquez is found guilty of the murder of John Seth Jr. At 86 years old, he is sentenced to 14 years in prison.

[Detective Sharon Brank]

He deserved more than what he got, but because of his age, the time that he did get was ultimately a life sentence.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

The Santiago Vasquez that I know was always a caring, kind hearted neighbor that was just totally out of character for Santiago.

[Narrator/Host]

In the wake of John's death and Santiago's incarceration, the wives they left behind, Valerie Seth and Elodia Vasquez, have continued living side by side.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Elodie adjusted well. Some days when I cook, I take her food. Days when she cooks, she brings me. She's fine, you know, she's fine.

[Narrator/Host]

Across the property line, Valerie struggles with dementia, says son Michael Coleman. Michael's grief continues to haunt him to this day.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

It's been five years and I'm still kind of lost. He was a good, loving father, a man of God. He had the biggest heart that I would any, any man I would ever know. He was a loving person that he would gave his shirt off his back no matter what the situation was.

[Narrator/Host]

This podcast is produced by Cream Productions in association with Freemantle Media and id. You can check out Fear Thy Neighbor on Max, Discovery plus and id.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

ACAST helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere acast.com.

[Narrator/Host]

Hey, do you want to hear the next big new tech podcast hit? Before anyone else, check out the daily tech news show Experiment Week. We're swapping out our normal shows to try out some new ideas. We've done this before and launched big hits like behind the Data, the Tech John and more. This year we have exclusive Android faithful reactions to the Pixel 9 event. It's all on the DTNS feed starting August 11th. Don't miss it.

[Michael Coleman (John Seth's son)]

ACAST helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts Everywhere acast.

[Neighbor Paulette Danzi]

Com.