Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – Episode 491: Kay Parsons

Release Date: April 4, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by Dark West Productions

Introduction

In Episode 491 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Kay Parsons, a beloved mother and army wife from the tranquil suburb of Grovetown, Georgia. This episode meticulously unpacks the intricate web of relationships, deceit, and ultimately, murder that shook a community deemed to be one of the safest in the state.

Setting the Scene: Grovetown, Georgia

Grovetown, a serene suburb located about two hours east of Atlanta, is home to approximately 16,000 residents. Within this community lies Orchard Hill, a picturesque neighborhood of 2,000 families characterized by its manicured lawns and friendly atmosphere. It was here that two families—the Parsons and the Sears—lived side by side, seemingly epitomizing the American dream.

The Parsons and Sears Families

The Parsons:

• Kay Parsons (Laverne Catherine Parsons): Born on February 11, 1968, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. She was a devoted wife and mother, working at Healing Hands Physical Therapy next door to her home.
• David Parsons: Kay’s husband, an army veteran who worked as a civilian contractor for the government, providing the family with a stable income but requiring frequent travel.
• Derek Parsons: Their 12-year-old son, enthusiastic about baseball and recently enlisted in the Marine Corps.

The Sears:

• Becky Sears: A friendly and outgoing mother of five, two from a previous relationship and three with her husband.
• Tony Sears: Becky’s husband, also with a military background.
• Michael Sears: The eldest son in his early 20s, struggling with employment and past drug issues.
• Christopher Sears: A 19-year-old son with a stable job and his own residence.

The two families shared a close bond, frequently going on double dates, vacations, and even participating in activities like Weight Watchers together. Their friendship seemed unbreakable, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

The Crime Unfolds

March 25, 2009:

• Morning Routine Disrupted: Kay Parsons leaves home around 7:15 AM after dropping Derek off at school and grabbing breakfast from McDonald's. Upon returning, she is ambushed in her home at approximately 8:30 AM.

• Initial Discovery: A handyman arrives for repairs, notices broken glass around the back door, and finds Kay nearly beaten to death with a bloodied baseball bat and claw hammer. Despite initial survival, Kay succumbs to her injuries later that day.

• Simultaneous Break-In: Just two days later, on March 27, 2009, Becky Sears is shot in the leg during what appears to be another robbery attempt outside Healing Hands Physical Therapy. Unlike Kay, Becky survives but provides a suspicious account of the assailant.

Investigation and Suspicion

Early Suspects:

• Michael Sears: Given his proximity to the crime scenes, drug use, and being present during the initial burglary calls, Michael becomes a primary suspect. However, inconsistencies in his alibi and lack of blood evidence on him raise doubts.

• Christopher Sears: Initially viewed as the "upstanding citizen," Christopher's alibi appears solid until further evidence surfaces.

Revelation of an Affair:

• Unexpected Twist: A jailhouse informant, Jerry Jacobs, reveals that Becky Sears had been having an affair with David Parsons, Kay's husband. This revelation shifts the investigation’s focus, unveiling potential motives rooted in betrayal and jealousy.

  Daphne [07:00]: "Three years ago, we uncover a twisted affair that intertwined two families in the most malicious way."

Deepening the Mystery

Police Findings:

• DNA Evidence: Christopher's DNA is found on both the baseball bat and the claw hammer used in Kay’s murder.
• Love Letters: Handwritten letters between David Parsons and Becky Sears emerge, showcasing the depth of their illicit relationship.
• Broken Alibis: Michael’s false claims about his employment and his brother Christopher's contradictory statements further implicate the Sears family.

Secondary Attack:

• Becky Sears: Her admission of an affair and the presence of blood in her vehicle adds another layer of complexity. Her evasive behavior and eventual arrest point towards her orchestrating the crimes.

The Unraveling of Truth

Arrests and Confessions:

• Christopher Sears: Faced with overwhelming evidence and a failed polygraph test, Christopher is arrested for Kay’s murder.

• Becky Sears: Shortly after, Becky is also arrested, with evidence tying her directly to the orchestrated break-ins and the murder.

  Heath [20:12]: "It's so eerie because that baseball bat actually belonged to her son Derek... a child's baseball bat."

Sentencing:

• In May 2012, after three years in custody, Becky and Christopher plead guilty to the murders to avoid the death penalty. They receive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Aftermath and Impact

Family Fallout:

• Tony Sears: Divorces Becky following her arrest.
• Michael Sears: Ultimately exonerated, struggling with the fallout from his wrongful suspicion.
• David Parsons: Remarries and continues to live in the family home.
• Derek Parsons: Joins the Marine Corps, seeking a path away from the traumatic events.

Community Reflection: The Grovetown community grapples with the betrayal and manipulation that led to the tragic loss of Kay Parsons. The intertwined lives of the Parsons and Sears families serve as a stark reminder of how underlying secrets and deceit can shatter even the most seemingly perfect neighborhoods.

Conclusion

The case of Kay Parsons is a chilling testament to the destructive power of betrayal and manipulation within close-knit communities. Daphne and Heath expertly navigate through the layers of deceit, providing listeners with a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities of human relationships and the far-reaching consequences of infidelity.

Daphne [57:29]: "True betrayal, manipulation, backstabbing—all of that. So thank you guys so much for tuning in."

This episode not only sheds light on a lesser-known true crime case but also invites listeners to reflect on the importance of trust and honesty in maintaining harmonious communities.

Notable Quotes

• Daphne [09:13]: "Both blonde and in their early 40s. K and Becky would go out for dinner and drinks frequently, like any friends would."

• Heath [20:12]: "It's so eerie because that baseball bat actually belonged to her son Derek… a child's baseball bat."

• Daphne [51:47]: "This woman is like the biggest backstabber I've ever seen."

• Heath [56:23]: "She was manipulated by his mother and now his entire life is over."

Supporting Details

For listeners eager to explore more about this case and others, Going West: True Crime offers over 131 bonus episodes available on Patreon and Apple Subscriptions. These episodes provide deeper dives into similar true crime stories, expanding the investigative horizons beyond U.S. borders.

Note: This summary intentionally omits promotional content and advertisements interspersed within the original transcript to maintain focus on the core narrative.