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

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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)

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.