Vendetta in Vegas

Summary

Fear Thy Neighbor: Vendetta in Vegas
Episode Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: ID

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Introduction to the Story

In the serene suburbs of Las Vegas, far from the vibrant chaos of the Strip, an idyllic neighborhood becomes the battleground for a horrifying feud between two seemingly ordinary neighbors. Hosted by reporter Jerry Lam, "Vendetta in Vegas" delves into the tragic unraveling of a once-peaceful community, showcasing how minor disagreements can escalate into deadly consequences.

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Meet the Neighbors

Mildred Olivo
A 60-year-old retired grandmother, Mildred is beloved in her community for her generosity and volunteer work. As her daughter, Lisette Botello, describes, Mildred was "her own organization" (04:41), always ready to help those in need.

Andrew Coat
A young Baptist preacher, Andrew moves into the neighborhood with his wife Brissa and their nine-year-old daughter. With aspirations to expand his congregation, Andrew sees Las Vegas as a community ripe for his message. He shares, "I think that a pastor would see moving to a city like Las Vegas as an opportunity" (05:16).

Initial Encounter
Their first meeting sets the tone for the ensuing conflict. Mildred, embodying warmth and friendliness, welcomes the Coats with homemade treats. However, Andrew perceives her overt friendliness as intrusive, remarking, "I mean, this was their first meeting... just seemed to be a little off-putting" (06:35).

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The Growing Tension

Clashing Personalities
Mildred's vibrant social life clashes with Andrew's conservative and reserved nature. As Lisette Botello notes, "It didn't sit well with him. That's when the attitude came" (08:29). Andrew begins to feel that Mildred's lifestyle conflicts with his spiritual values, leading him to distance his family from her.

Disruptions and Conflicts
Mildred's frequent gatherings disrupt Andrew's attempts to maintain a peaceful home environment. Andrew confronts Mildred about the noise: "Could you keep it down please?" (09:54). Mildred, feeling unjustly targeted, responds aggressively, "You have a problem, mind your own business" (10:53).

Surveillance and Control
Andrew's discomfort grows as he starts monitoring Mildred's activities. He installs security cameras pointing at her property, which Mildred perceives as an invasion of privacy: "Millie was upset with the surveillance cameras... it was an invasion of her privacy" (19:00).

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Escalation of Conflict

Mutual Distrust
Both neighbors begin to view each other as threats. Andrew accuses Mildred of being a drug dealer, despite marijuana use being legal in Nevada: "He said that the police didn't do anything about it" (17:30). In retaliation, Mildred perceives Andrew's actions as unjust persecution.

Restraining Orders and Retaliation
Andrew successfully obtains a restraining order against Mildred, preventing her from entering his property (25:55). In response, Mildred beefs up her security measures, including installing bars around her home. The animosity intensifies, with both parties throwing garbage over the fence and escalating verbal assaults.

Involvement of Friends
Mildred's friend, Bob, an ex-Marine, becomes involved to protect her. When Bob confronts Andrew about filming, tensions spike: "Before I shove it down your throat?" (22:23). This confrontation further entrenches the hostility between the neighbors.

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The Final Confrontation

Breaking Point on June 25, 2020
The tension reaches its peak on a warm, sunny morning. Mildred senses impending trouble and cautiously tends to her garden while Andrew watches her suspiciously (30:26). A minor altercation ensues when Mildred sprays Andrew with a hose after feeling provoked (31:17).

Involvement of the Daughter
Tragically, Andrew's nine-year-old daughter witnesses the escalating violence. As he confronts Mildred and Bob, fear and desperation drive him to take lethal action. In a chilling sequence captured by his own security cameras, Andrew fires his shotgun, killing Bob and then Mildred (35:27).

911 Call and Arrest
After the murders, Andrew calls 911, reporting the incident with a detached demeanor: "I got two down in the backyard... They both have GSWs to the head" (37:23). Police arrive to find the gruesome scene, and Andrew is promptly arrested.

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Aftermath and Reflection

Community Impact
The once-peaceful neighborhood is left in shock and mourning. Lisette Botello shares her devastation upon learning of her mother's death: "I just mentally, emotionally, I was broke me" (37:45). Friends and neighbors grapple with the loss and the betrayal of trust.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In the aftermath, Andrew is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. During his police interview, he claims his actions were in self-defense, citing his belief that he was protecting his family (39:05). However, the evidence overwhelmingly points to premeditated violence. Andrew is sentenced to life in prison, leaving the community to heal from the scars of this tragic vendetta.

Reflections from Survivors
Mildred's daughter, Lisette, recounts seeing fear in her mother's eyes for the first time (26:14). Friends like Brenda Mashoff lament the loss of a beloved community member, emphasizing Mildred's positive impact: "Millie was a very bright, vibrant, uplifting soul... she was there for everyone" (40:28).

Moral Lessons
The episode serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of neighborly relations and the potential for ordinary conflicts to spiral into unimaginable violence. As Jerry Lam poignantly states, "It's ironic that a man of God strayed so far from his teachings... Fear Thy Neighbor is produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media for ID" (41:12).

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Conclusion

"Vendetta in Vegas" is a haunting exploration of how fear, misunderstanding, and unresolved conflicts can devastate lives and communities. Through detailed storytelling and firsthand accounts, the episode underscores the importance of communication, empathy, and vigilance in maintaining harmonious neighborhood relationships.

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Notable Quotes:

• "My mom was her own organization. Like she would buy bottles of water in the summer and drive to where the shelters are and just hand out water." — Lisette Botello (04:41)

• "Could you keep it down please?" — Andrew Coat (09:54)

• "You have a problem, mind your own business." — Mildred Olivo (10:53)

• "I grabbed my shotgun... I saw him standing there like this, and so I just shot him in the head." — Andrew Coat (39:05)

• "Millie was a very bright, vibrant, uplifting soul... she was there for everyone." — Mildred Olivo’s Friend, Brenda Mashoff (40:28)

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Produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media for ID. Subscribe and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Watch Fear Thy Neighbor on ID and Max.

Transcript

[Mildred Olivo]

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[Jerry Lam]

Me, it looks delicious.

[Mildred Olivo]

New McCrispy strips now at McDonald's.

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Coat]

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[Jerry Lam]

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. These stories about people like you and me who just happen to move in beside each other and fall out over often minor and likely resolvable issues, are stranger than fiction. Their seemingly minor quibbles escalate until violence erupts and it impacts an entire community. What makes a good 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. Because how can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door? Welcome to Las Vegas. While the neon signs of the Vegas Strip are known around the world, it's not all glitz and glamour. Just outside the Strip, past the whirl of slot machines and blackjack tables, there sits a quiet, idyllic suburb. It's long been the home to a 60 year old retired grandmother and soon to be the new home of a young preacher and his family. You'd think a kind and open hearted woman and a man of God would become fast friends. But it's not so simple. It's not long before judgment, accusations and suspicion lead to a bloody night of terror and two bodies lying dead in the yard. This is fear thy neighbor vendetta. In Vegas.

[Brenda Mashoff]

It seemed to be a quiet neighborhood, family orientated. It just to me was a nice neighborhood. There was neighbors walking their dogs. People were out.

[Jerry Lam]

Brenda Mashoff is a Las Vegas resident and comes to this street often to visit her best friend, Mildred Olivo.

[Brenda Mashoff]

She was a spunky, strong, Puerto Rican, beautiful woman. She had a giving heart.

[Jerry Lam]

60 year old Mildred Olivo moved to this neighborhood 20 years ago after raising her children and retiring. She's renting one of the many small homes that sit side by side just a few feet apart on this sunny street. It's close quarters, but it never seemed to bother Mildred, who maintains a friendly relationship with just about everyone. As a caring and giving woman, Mildred spends most of her free time volunteering with charities and working within her small community. As her daughter Lisette Botello attests to.

[Lisette Botello]

My mom was her own organization. Like she would buy bottles of water in the summer and drive to where the shelters are and just hand out water.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred is thriving in this little nook of Vegas. To many, she's a saint in a city known for vice. But she's not the only good Samaritan in this town. Sin City is about to welcome a savior. Andrew Coat is a Baptist preacher who leads a local congregation. He and his wife Brissa have found a new place to raise their family and expand their flock.

[Andrew Coat]

I think that a pastor would see moving to a city like Las Vegas as an opportunity.

[Jerry Lam]

That's reporter Jerry Lam. He's covered the news in Vegas for many years.

[Andrew Coat]

You know, given its reputation as being such a salacious town, I think that that would probably be seen as good fodder for being able to help the community.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew and Brissa are moving into the house next door to Mildred's along with their nine year old daughter. The two homes are only a few feet apart and their front doors face each other. So when the coats leave their front door open as they move in, Mildred sees it as an invitation. You know, we should have this room.

[Andrew Coat]

Done by the end of the day.

[Bob]

Hello.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred takes the opportunity to welcome the coats to the neighborhood.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Mildred brought fruits and stuff to him and his family.

[Bob]

I thought you might be hungry.

[Lisette Botello]

It's baking Cupcakes. Baking a cake, a fruit basket. Putting something together and just walking up to the new neighbors. And welcome to the neighborhood. If you need anything, I'm here.

[Jerry Lam]

While it's a well intended gesture, it lands on the wrong side of Andrew. Oh, that is so kind of you. Guess we forgot to close the front door.

[Bob]

It's only me.

[Andrew Coat]

I mean, this was their first meeting. And he thought it was strange how she would just walk right in like that. From his perspective, just seemed to be a little off putting.

[Bob]

Now, you have to come over on Saturday. You'll meet people and you and I have to go shopping. I'll show you where all the deals are. And bring the kids, okay? Absolutely.

[Jerry Lam]

Goodbye.

[Bob]

She seems nice.

[Jerry Lam]

While Mildred's gregarious personality might usually win people over, it leaves Andrew with a bad feeling about his new neighbor. And it's only going to get worse come Saturday evening. Mildred's backyard gathering lights up the neighborhood. All her friends are over, including her daughter, Lisette, Brenda. And her close friend Bob, who's an ex Marine. You make the best dips. Oh, you're so sweet. I love you.

[Bob]

I love you.

[Jerry Lam]

When Mildred sees her neighbors over the little fence that separates their yards, she extends the hand of friendship once more.

[Bob]

Hey, come on over, guys. Come on over.

[Jerry Lam]

We should be going inside now, but thank you, really. Mildred's daughter Lisette recalls meeting her mom's new neighbors for the first time.

[Lisette Botello]

The first impression to me, they were quiet, timid.

[Jerry Lam]

I have a sermon to prepare. Of course you're all welcome to come. 9am Always room for more.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew saw this as an opportunity to try and recruit Mildred into the church.

[Bob]

That's nice, but I could never wake up for that.

[Jerry Lam]

That's the truth.

[Andrew Coat]

Didn't seem to enjoy how she allegedly had a patronizing tone when she kind of brushed him off.

[Jerry Lam]

Well, it's an open invitation, I guess.

[Lisette Botello]

It didn't sit well with him. That's when the attitude came.

[Andrew Coat]

It just seemed like they had diametrically opposing personalities. He seemed very, you know, conservative. She was, you know, someone who was. Seemed a lot more. A lot freer, looser, more fun, loving.

[Jerry Lam]

And the difference in personalities is more obvious as evening turns to night. Mildred is all about good times with good friends. But the coats are early to go to bed. I wish they would keep it down. It's only 9:30, Andrew. Not everyone sleeps so early. Not only do Mildred's gatherings interfere with Andrew's peace and quiet during the day, when they begin to interrupt his spiritual life, something he fiercely Guards. Betty is another one of Mildred's close friends. She's asked us to conceal her identity.

[Mildred Olivo]

Andrew would hold services at his house and Bible studies with his wife and children and about 15 to 20 people.

[Jerry Lam]

Now, when you meditate on it carefully, you'll see what the Bible is trying to do. The noise coming from next door interrupts his lectures.

[Bob]

Good looking burgers, Bob.

[Brenda Mashoff]

In the summertime. And we would sit back there, have some wine and talk.

[Lisette Botello]

My mom is loud. They were having a good time. They were eating, barbecuing. That type of atmosphere in my mom's.

[Jerry Lam]

Yard, it's all about too disruptive for the preacher. So he calls over the fence to ask Mildred. Excuse me. Hey there. Could you keep it down please?

[Brenda Mashoff]

Seriously. And he would be annoying her. Oh, this guy. Just stupid things like, you're making too much noise. How are we making too much noise?

[Jerry Lam]

And it's not just the racket that bothers Andrew. Since their front doors face each other, Andrew can see everyone who comes in and out of Mildred's house. And he doesn't seem impressed by the company she keeps.

[Mildred Olivo]

She had a lot of male friends, but when she would have them come over, I think he was thinking the worst of Millie. Her opinion was that Andrew was judging her.

[Jerry Lam]

That's Mildred's friend Betty again.

[Mildred Olivo]

I would imagine he probably thought that she didn't believe or have any Christian beliefs and that that would upset him as a pastor.

[Jerry Lam]

While she's kind and caring, Mildred isn't one to be pushed around. And when she feels Andrew is judging her, she isn't going to put up with it.

[Bob]

You have a problem, mind your own business.

[Lisette Botello]

My mom was rough around the edges. If she's triggered, my mom is very aggressive.

[Narrator]

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't talk.

[Jerry Lam]

To me like that.

[Bob]

And I'd appreciate it if you screw off.

[Lisette Botello]

Did my mom think that Andrew was judgmental and judging her? Yes. I truly believe that.

[Jerry Lam]

Whether Mildred thinks he had it coming or not, Andrew is shocked by her language and her behavior. He decides it's best to keep his family away from his neighbor's influence.

[Mildred Olivo]

Andrew stopped him from interacting anymore with Millie.

[Andrew Coat]

He instructed his kids to very specifically not ever go in the backyard. And when asked what that meant, he said it was protection from Mildred.

[Jerry Lam]

Instead of loving thy neighbor as the Bible preaches, Andrew believes he has to guard his family from the sinner next door.

[Andrew Coat]

I think he might have seen it as his moral duty to protect his family from the behavior that was happening next door.

[Jerry Lam]

Yet Mildred has been here Too long to be judged by Andrew or anyone.

[Mildred Olivo]

Millie wouldn't change the way she was for anybody, no matter who they were. Millie was Millie.

[Jerry Lam]

But Andrew can't stop himself from seeing Mildred as a bad influence and begins keeping a close eye on her. And one day, he sees a little too much. Mildred has a hot tub in her backyard, and she enjoys sitting back there in a bikini and relaxing.

[Lisette Botello]

My mama's free spirit. It's her body. It was her yard.

[Jerry Lam]

But for the modest preacher, the view of a scantily clad Mildred is an unholy sight to behold. What are you doing? What are you doing?

[Bob]

How dare you?

[Jerry Lam]

Have you no shame? Put some clothes on.

[Mildred Olivo]

He got upset and sold her shit. She couldn't be using her hot tub in her own backyard.

[Bob]

Go back inside your house and mind your own business.

[Brenda Mashoff]

That's my business. Go back in the house and stop watching.

[Mildred Olivo]

She got very upset and kind of angry with him.

[Brenda Mashoff]

If you're a pastor, you know, why are you watching my friend Mildred anyhow?

[Bob]

This is my yard, and I do whatever I want. Just keep your eyes to yourself, you filthy pervert. You creep.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Mildred felt very uncomfortable about the whole situation.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew is living in his own personal hell. We live in Gomorrah. God help us all. It seems the neighbors are a little too close for comfort. And with the houses only a few feet apart, there's no way to escape the growing tension.

[Lisette Botello]

They were quick, ridiculously close. So when they became neighbors, they became like not neighbors, but neighbors.

[Jerry Lam]

And if walking around her yard in a bikini is a problem for Andrew, he considers what Mildred does next an even greater sin.

[Narrator]

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[Jerry Lam]

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[Narrator]

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[Jerry Lam]

On a warm, sunny day, Mildred relaxes in her yard and lights a joint.

[Mildred Olivo]

Mildred smoked marijuana because she had pain, spinal pain. And it was always inside the house or in her backyard.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred refuses to end this or any other behavior. But Mildred's growing defiance under Andrew's surveillance only aggravates him further. Eventually, Andrew intends to have Mildred brought before the law for what he perceives as wrongdoings.

[Andrew Coat]

He called the police at one point. I think he accused her of being a drug dealer.

[Jerry Lam]

But Mildred isn't doing anything illegal. In fact, medical marijuana is legal in Nevada.

[Brenda Mashoff]

I believe that was just another excuse for him to look at Mildred or create a problem for Mildred. Because Mildred was not following his rules and his beliefs.

[Jerry Lam]

Legal or not, Andrew is convinced he's living next door to a den of vice. So he continues to call the police on Mildred constantly, especially when she has people over.

[Brenda Mashoff]

If Mildred would have friends over to her house, Andrew would just call the police for no reason.

[Jerry Lam]

The fact that the authorities don't take his side angers the preacher to no end.

[Andrew Coat]

He said that the police didn't do anything about it.

[Jerry Lam]

So he continues calling again and again until one day, she finally has enough.

[Brenda Mashoff]

If Andrew kept messing with her, she's gonna speak up. She's a tough woman. Nothing could hold her back.

[Bob]

Do you mind leaving me the hell alone? Don't you have a life of your own?

[Jerry Lam]

Excuse me. Excuse me. Get off my property and stay away from my family.

[Bob]

What? What the hell do I want with your family? You're an idiot. You know what? I'm done.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew has picked a family with the wrong lady. Brenda Mashoff and the rest of Mildred's friends and the entire Neighborhood Watch helplessly as the feud continues to escalate.

[Brenda Mashoff]

This was like a child's play game going on is I'm going to win or you're going to win? One of us is going to win.

[Jerry Lam]

Things are only getting worse between these neighbors. And their close proximity makes the tension unbearable.

[Mildred Olivo]

They're only separated by about 15 to 20ft. Their front door is met, which is, to me, a little too close to being a neighbor to. Because you really have no privacy.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew decides that if the police won't defend his family, then he will. Reporter Jerry Lam tells us what Andrew does next.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew had four security cameras installed.

[Jerry Lam]

To Mildred, who already feels as though her every move is being monitored. The cameras are yet another gross violation of her privacy.

[Mildred Olivo]

Millie was upset with the surveillance cameras all pointing at her home because it was an invasion of her privacy.

[Jerry Lam]

Now it's Mildred's turn to call the police.

[Bob]

He's looking at me day and night. Yeah. It's like he's spying on me. Like every time I turn around, he's watching me. Now it's like having him inside the house.

[Andrew Coat]

From Andrew's perspective, he considered what he was doing just protecting his family.

[Lisette Botello]

He had one particular camera that looked into my mom's. That looked into her bedroom. I want an answer for that.

[Jerry Lam]

And just like all of Andrew's phone calls to law enforcement, Mildred, too, is left disappointed by the lack of response from police.

[Bob]

What do you mean it's not against the law? How can I live like this?

[Mildred Olivo]

And when she reported it to the police, they didn't do anything. But I felt the justice system failed her.

[Jerry Lam]

But Andrew scores a small victory. He's granted a stay away order to keep her at a distance. She is not allowed to step foot on the Coats property.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew put up a no trespassing sign. I believe he said that Mildred was coming over without permission.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred is not impressed.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew said that she threw coffee on it and tore it up.

[Jerry Lam]

And a stronger message lands on Mildred's doorstep. A call for her to repent.

[Mildred Olivo]

There were religious materials put on her doorstep or her front door. Millie would tear it up.

[Jerry Lam]

There's no proof it was Andrew. But the animosity between the neighbors is growing deeper. And neither is willing to relent. Both neighbors accused the other of throwing their garbage over the fence.

[Mildred Olivo]

They would throw their garbage over the fence and she would throw it back over to them. I would have done the same thing.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Mildred refused to move. Mildred said, there's no one that's going to take me down. This is my home and I'M not moving nowhere. So I believe it was like, I'm not moving. Andrew's not moving. So we're both going to stay here and be miserable.

[Jerry Lam]

But Andrew wants her out. He thinks the best way to get rid of her is to catch her violating the stay away order. For that, he needs proof of her actions. So he begins filming Mildred on his phone, hoping to catch her violating the order.

[Bob]

Won't you just leave me alone?

[Andrew Coat]

He started filming Mildred on his cell phone quite a bit. And again, he says it was for the protection of him and his family.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Just being nosy. She could never go in her backyard without Andrew coming in his backyard.

[Mildred Olivo]

All of a sudden, he became, like, almost obsessed with every little thing she did.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew's behavior is relentless. It's wearing her down. And her friends not only notice, they're quick to come to her aid. Remember her friend Bob, the ex Marine? When he catches Andrew filming him coming out of Mildred's house one day, he snaps. Hey. What the hell do you think you're doing?

[Mildred Olivo]

He wasn't afraid to stand up to Andrew. He was very protective.

[Andrew Coat]

Why don't you put that camera away.

[Jerry Lam]

Before I shove it down your throat? Andrew is terrified at the sight of the muscular ex Marine screaming at him in front of his family.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew said that he was yelling out in front of the house.

[Jerry Lam]

Now you leave Millie alone before I.

[Andrew Coat]

Make you leave her alone.

[Jerry Lam]

Stupid creep.

[Lisette Botello]

My mom was a tiny woman, so, yeah, he. He was going to protect my mom.

[Andrew Coat]

Gotta be kidding me.

[Jerry Lam]

It's ridiculous. Andrew may think he and his family are under moral threat from Mildred, but Bob is another matter altogether. Andrew sees him as a physical threat, even a mortal one.

[Andrew Coat]

Was ex military, yet he perceived that person to be more a. More dangerous individual than just the average person.

[Jerry Lam]

The longer their neighborly dispute drags on, the more Andrew interprets Mildred as a legitimate threat to his safety. So out of fear and desperation, he tries a different approach. He attempts to get Mildred evicted.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew complains, telling the owner of the house that this is a tenant that shouldn't be here.

[Lisette Botello]

For him to go out of his way to send certified letters. It just doesn't make sense.

[Jerry Lam]

But the landlord declines to get involved in what he perceives to be a petty neighborly dispute. And Andrew has only made things worse by threatening to have her kicked out of the home she loves. Andrew has crossed a line, and Mildred lets him know it. And since his wife Barissa is there as well, she lands in the line of fire, too.

[Bob]

Are you crazy? Are you trying to get me Thrown out. Now, just a minute. Don't talk to me, both of you. I'm tired of you. You better watch out or else.

[Jerry Lam]

According to Andrew, Mildred's heated verbal takedown crosses the line into a legitimate threat.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew said that Mildred threatened to shoot his wife. He said that Mildred also threatened to shoot him.

[Bob]

I'm not gonna put up with this anymore.

[Andrew Coat]

He said that Mildred said, oh, I'll kill that motherfucker. He said that he was afraid for his life.

[Jerry Lam]

It's a threat that Andrew takes deadly serious and one that will kick the neighborly dispute up to the next level.

[Andrew Coat]

And things just continued to get worse and worse from there. It really set the groundwork for what became, eventually, a violent feud.

[Jerry Lam]

Over the past few months, tensions have slowly been rising between neighbors Andrew and Mildred. But now they've come to a boil. Andrew lives in fear for his life and the lives of his wife and daughter. But there's something the neighborhood doesn't know. The holy man is armed. Andrew has a shotgun, and he fears the time is coming for him to use it.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Andrew, to me, was like a devil in disguise.

[Jerry Lam]

The neighborhood is not what it used to be. This peaceful oasis of calm a few miles from the Las Vegas to Strip has become a hotbed of animosity. And the whole community knows it.

[Andrew Coat]

People just knew that there was this feud going on. There were constantly police being called.

[Jerry Lam]

Once again, that's Las Vegas resident and reporter Jerry Lam.

[Andrew Coat]

It seemed like both sides had gotten pretty petty.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew succeeds in getting a restraining order against Mildred. But when Mildred applies for one against Andrew, she is denied. Her friend Betty sees how much it distresses her.

[Mildred Olivo]

Millie was upset and angry that Andrew got the restraining order, but she couldn't when she was under surveillance by Andrew.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred finds being under Andrew's constant gaze unnerving, even frightening. It's difficult for her daughter Lisette, to witness. She's used to seeing her mother as a pillar of strength. Now she watches as she crumbles under the stress. In fact, for the first time in her life, Lisette sees fear in her mother's eyes.

[Lisette Botello]

I've never seen my mom be fearful of anything or anyone. I've never seen my mom scared. But to see my mom live that way is. It scared me a little bit.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred is afraid of what Andrew will do next. Without any help from law enforcement, she decides to fight fire with fire and begins lining her house with her own set of security cameras pointed at Andrew's property.

[Mildred Olivo]

It was just kind of like, if you videotape me, I'M gonna videotape you type thing. But you know, he'd had the cameras up long before, before she thought about doing it.

[Jerry Lam]

She even goes one step further. Mildred's friend Brenda notices another security precaution Mildred takes.

[Brenda Mashoff]

She had bars all around her home. She had her home well protected, but.

[Jerry Lam]

It'S not protected for long.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Somebody took a BB gun and shot Mildred's cameras out. Mildred said that Andrew did it.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred is more terrified than ever. And the tension and animosity is only increasing.

[Andrew Coat]

No one was able to intervene. No one prevented it from continuing to snowball and get worse and worse. There was clearly more just waiting to bubble up.

[Jerry Lam]

And one day the pressure finally boils over.

[Narrator]

Hey, it's Marc Maron from WTF here to let you know that this podcast is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. And I'm sure the reason you're listening to this podcast right now is because you chose it well. Choose Progressives Name your price tool and you could find insurance options that fit your budget. So you can pick the best one for your situation. Who doesn't like choice? Try [e-mail] and now some legal info. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states.

[Marc Maron]

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[Narrator]

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[Jerry Lam]

On the morning of June 25, 2020, Mildred can sense something in the air.

[Lisette Botello]

My mom was feeling uneasy.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred is even afraid to step outside and water her garden. But she's determined to not let that fear defeat her. She goes into her yard, turns on her hose and cautiously begins to care for her plants, stealing looks back towards Andrew's house as he always does. Andrew has close eyes on Mildred and grows immediately concerned by her suspicious behavior.

[Andrew Coat]

He claimed to think that she always had some kind of ulterior motive when she was out there doing things. So, you know, he took out his phone and started filming her.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew marches outside and records everything Mildred does. It's too much for her. So, hose in hand, she turns on Andrew.

[Bob]

Would you leave me alone? Screw off.

[Andrew Coat]

Mildred sprayed Andrew with the hose.

[Jerry Lam]

What are you doing?

[Andrew Coat]

She then said, you know, yes, I sprayed you with water. What are you going to do about it, motherfucker?

[Jerry Lam]

But Andrew is not alone in the yard. The preacher's nine year old daughter has followed him outside and she gets caught in the crossfire. His protective instincts shift into gear.

[Andrew Coat]

Are you crazy?

[Lisette Botello]

Okay, that was maybe probably wrong.

[Andrew Coat]

You'll pay for this. You hear me?

[Jerry Lam]

You'll pay for this. This is the last straw for Andrew. As far as the preacher is concerned. His family is now under siege. What happened? We've been attacked, that's what.

[Marc Maron]

Are you okay?

[Jerry Lam]

Once again, Andrew calls the police and demands action.

[Andrew Coat]

Hello, police.

[Jerry Lam]

I want someone here now.

[Narrator]

We've just been attacked by my neighbor.

[Jerry Lam]

My daughter and I. Inside her home, Mildred can hear the rage in Andrew's voice through the open windows. She senses that this time something is different. She calls her friends and confides her terror in them.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Mildred said, I don't know what I'm going to do. She said, I don't know what I could do anymore. I really think he's really upset now.

[Jerry Lam]

But yet again, the police brush off Andrew's complaints.

[Andrew Coat]

He called the police, but they basically just told him it's water. Get over it.

[Jerry Lam]

When Andrew glares out the window at Mildred, she can see the fury in his eyes.

[Brenda Mashoff]

And I knew right then and there that something bad was going to happen.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred decides to call another friend, and not just any friend. Bob, the ex marine who is at the ready to protect her.

[Bob]

Bob, can you come over?

[Jerry Lam]

But Bob can't come over right away. So Mildred sits and waits, feeling like a captive in her own home she's cherished for decades. As the day goes on, the Tension and fear continue to fester. And by the time night falls, it's palpable.

[Andrew Coat]

The family was preparing to sit down for dinner. That's when things took a turn for the worse.

[Jerry Lam]

Bob's arrival throws fuel on an already volatile fire. The sight of his terrified friend is too much for him. As she stands in the back doorway of the house. Bob marches outside and calls out, Andrew. Hey Andrew.

[Andrew Coat]

Holy man.

[Jerry Lam]

Holy man, get your butt out here. I'm talking to you. And as Bob's rage grows, Andrew's instinct to protect his loved ones intensifies. But someone is missing.

[Andrew Coat]

He realizes that his daughter has left the house and is now also in the backyard.

[Jerry Lam]

When Bob sees the nine year old girl in the backyard, his rage turns on her. Hey, go inside and tell your little dad to come out here and face me like a man.

[Andrew Coat]

So now the daughter is in the backyard and the retired military friend is shouting, let's go. Essentially just repeating, you know, go get your dad. Go get your dad. He's shouting, come on out Pastor. Let's see how tough you are.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew is ready to to defend his daughter. But he knows he doesn't stand a chance against Bob. Unsure if the police will come, Andrew takes matters into his own hands.

[Andrew Coat]

Andrew, he's petrified. So he goes and grabs the shotgun.

[Jerry Lam]

What happens next is caught on Andrew's own security cameras. To come out here so I could teach him a lesson. Let's go, holy man, let's go. Okay, okay. What are you going to do?

[Andrew Coat]

He puts himself between Mildred's friend and his daughter. And he fires.

[Jerry Lam]

The shot hits Bob in the head. He falls to the ground. Miraculously, he's still alive. He slowly crawls back towards the house. Mildred runs outside to see her bloody friend fighting for his life. And Andrew on the other side of the fence holding the shotgun.

[Andrew Coat]

I don't believe Andrew says anything at all.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew silently aims his shotgun at Mildred and fires.

[Andrew Coat]

Second shot hits Mildred in the head.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Then he shot her. Shot her face out.

[Jerry Lam]

Mildred drops to the ground, dead. Her friend Bob continues to fight for his life. But not for long.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Mildred's friend was shot once in the head and he was crawling and he shot him again and made sure he was dead.

[Jerry Lam]

A silence falls over the neighborhood as Andrew looks down at the two dead bodies. But he's not alone. His nine year old daughter is still in the yard. She witnesses her father murdering two people. Andrew leads her back inside the house. He tells his wife to take his daughter upstairs. And then he picks up the phone.

[Andrew Coat]

And dials after shooting them, Andrew called 91 1.

[Jerry Lam]

This is the actual 911 call Andrew made that night.

[Brenda Mashoff]

911 emergency.

[Marc Maron]

Do you need police, fire or medical?

[Jerry Lam]

Probably medical. Medical and what police? I shot my next door neighborhood. And this is the audio from the police body cam. As officers arrive on the scene and arrest Andrew, A quick warning. What you're about to hear is quite upsetting.

[Andrew Coat]

Metro Police.

[Mildred Olivo]

Control VC 63 for 64.

[Andrew Coat]

I got two down in the backyard of 4413. They both have GSWs to the head. They both appear 419.

[Jerry Lam]

Metro Police be inside. Sound off. The news spreads through the community like wildfire. And unfortunately, Lisette hears the devastating news from her son.

[Lisette Botello]

I received a call from my son and his words were, my mom, he killed her. And I'm like, what are you talking about, Mom? He killed her. And he's yelling and I'm yelling. I'm like, I just heard her. So I. I screamed so bad that I busted my eardrum. I had to call a friend to come get me so I could. They can drive me. When I got there now I'm just frozen in the middle of the street.

[Brenda Mashoff]

And.

[Lisette Botello]

Just to stand there and look at my mom's home. It was so surreal. Everything was frozen. I just mentally, emotionally, I was broke me.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew was arrested. What you're about to hear is the actual police interview that was conducted that night.

[Andrew Coat]

You have the right to remain silent and you can say can use against you the court of law.

[Jerry Lam]

The footage is bone chilling. Andrew appears cool and detached as he confesses to shooting. Bob and Mildred.

[Andrew Coat]

Talk to you about what happened?

[Jerry Lam]

Yeah, I guess yesterday.

[Andrew Coat]

Now I grabbed my shotgun, which I have for home protection, and. And then my daughter was outside and.

[Jerry Lam]

And I just went outside and I.

[Andrew Coat]

Saw him standing there like this, and so I just shot him in the head. I didn't intend on going out there to really talk with him, you know, to have a reasonable conversation. What would you intention of going outside then? Well, when I had a gun in.

[Jerry Lam]

My hand, I was going outside to protect my family.

[Andrew Coat]

Okay. I mean, I don't think that in his mind he was doing anything wrong. I think that he had just at this point probably been so far removed and had lost so much faith in law enforcement that he believed he should be able to take his family's protection into his own hands regardless of the law.

[Jerry Lam]

Andrew Code is charged with two counts of first degree murder and is sent to prison for life while he's locked away and unable to put anyone else through the same unimaginable grief. It's little comfort for Mildred's friends and.

[Brenda Mashoff]

Family, but when I heard he got life, may God rest his soul, he got what he deserved. He didn't have to do that, but he did.

[Mildred Olivo]

My reaction to this verdict wasn't enough. He should have gotten death. He was evil from beginning. He was just an evil person. Millie was a very bright, vibrant, uplifting soul. No matter what you're going through, she would make it better.

[Jerry Lam]

Brissa and her daughter move away, leaving behind a shattered neighborhood and unimaginable grief for those closest to Mildred.

[Brenda Mashoff]

He lost control. I believe the devil took over his heart and his mind. She was so well loved. She was just lovely. She was there. She was there for everyone.

[Jerry Lam]

It's ironic that a man of God strayed so far from his teachings as to be drawn to murderous revenge, ignoring the Golden Rule. But it just proves that you never really know who's living next door. Fear Thy Neighbor is produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media for id subscribe and take a moment to leave a five star review on Apple Podcasts and watch Fear Thy Neighbor on ID and Max.

[Lisette Botello]

Foreign.

[Marc Maron]

This message comes from Greenlight. Ready to start talking to your kids about financial literacy? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, spend wisely and invest with your guardrails in place. With Greenlight, you can send money to kids quickly, set up chores automate allowance and keep an eye on your kids spending with real time notifications. Join millions of parents and kids building healthy financial habits together on Greenlight. Get started risk [e-mail] listen greenlight.com listen this podcast is brought to you by Aura. Imagine waking up to find your bank account drained, bills for loans you never took out, a warrant for your arrest, all because someone stole your identity. Hackers aren't waiting. Why are you? That's why we're thrilled to partner with Aura. Your personal data is a goldmine for hackers and Aura helps lock it down. Aura monitors the dark Web, blocks data brokers from selling your information. Includes a VPN for private browsing and a password manager to secure your accounts before criminals break in. For a limited time, Aura is offering our listeners a 14 day free trial plus a dark web scan to check if your personal information has been leaked or all for [e-mail] safety that's aura.com safety to sign up and start protecting yourself and your loved ones. That's a U r a.com safety terms apply. Check the site for Details.

[Jerry Lam]

ACAST Powers the World's Best Podcasts Here's a show that we recommend hey guys, we have an exciting announcement about our podcast. For the past seven years, the Holderness Family Podcast has been the most favorite thing we do. We love getting to talk to experts. We love having meaningful conversations just the two of us. And we also love hearing from you. But the thing we love most is being a place where you can laugh. A lot has changed in the last seven years and we feel very lucky that our audience is growing older with us. So in the spirit of that, we are relaunching our podcast. We are excited to introduce Laugh Lines with Kim and Penn Holderness.

[Andrew Coat]

The Laugh Lines podcast will be all about aging together better and also being able to laugh about getting older.

[Jerry Lam]

We hope you'll join us. Search Laugh Lines with Kim and Pen Holderness New episodes every Tuesday. ACAST helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere. Acast.com.

[Narrator]

Hey prime members, you can listen to this show ad free on Amazon Music. Download the Amazon Music app today.