Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time For February 14, 2026

Episode: Valentine’s Day Murders & Cold Cases
Date: February 14, 2026
Host: Woody Overton

Episode Overview

On this special Valentine’s Day episode, Woody Overton deep-dives into some of the most infamous and haunting crimes that have occurred on February 14th, examining both historical cases and more recent tragedies. With his signature mix of expertise, gritty detail, and sardonic humor, Woody explores how a holiday devoted to love often becomes marred by darkness—revealing chilling stories ranging from the notorious 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to lesser-known local Louisiana cases. The episode also touches on the challenges of solving cold cases and the ongoing fight for justice for victims’ families.

Key Discussion Points

1. Woody’s Take on Valentine’s Day (04:03–05:28)

• Woody opens with his personal (and blunt) perspective, seeing Valentine’s Day as a commercialization rather than a true celebration of love.
• “I guess I'm the ultimate Scrooge of Valentine's because I just don't believe it. Man made holiday…maybe engagement ring companies. All to make a buck.” (04:03)
• He humorously admits to breaking up with people to avoid the holiday in his youth.

2. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: 1929 Chicago (06:04–10:22)

• Woody recounts the infamous mob execution—seven men from George “Bugs” Moran’s North Side Gang shot by assailants dressed as police.
• Explains Prohibition’s role in fueling organized crime: “That probably is the single dumbest move ever made by the US government to further crime throughout history…when you outlaw alcohol, then people are still going to drink.” (06:04)
• He connects the birth of NASCAR to moonshine runners evading the law during Prohibition (07:12).
• Notable detail: Most believe Al Capone orchestrated the hit, but he was never charged.

“They just machine-gunned the shit out of 'em with Tommy guns… blew them to pieces.”
—Woody (08:27)

3. Crime of Passion: Oscar Pistorius Case (2013) (10:26–11:36)

• Woody discusses the murder trial of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, who shot and killed his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day, claiming he mistook her for an intruder.
• Emphasizes global media attention: “This was one of the biggest trials that was ever televised besides OJ and the Murdochs or whatever.” (11:16)
• Outcome: Pistorius was convicted of murder.

4. The 1971 North Carolina “Valentine’s Day Murders” (11:37–12:37)

• The cold case of Jesse McBain and Patricia Mann: a couple found murdered and tied to a tree after vanishing from “lover’s lane.”
• Renewed interest in the case due to recent DNA testing, but it remains unsolved.

5. Offbeat Valentine’s Crimes

Attempted “Romantic” Jailbreak—Kentucky 2014 (12:43–13:40)

• A burglar attempts to break out of jail through razor wire to see his Valentine.
• “He called a charge of second degree escape. And I think he got 10 years on top of the burger for that, y'all. Just because he wants to go see his Valentine's his sweetheart on this man made holiday.” (13:40)

Baby “Julie Valentine” Abandonment Case—South Carolina 1990/2019 (13:43–14:35)

• A newborn found abandoned on Valentine’s Day in a vacant lot, leading to a decades-long investigation.
• In 2019, DNA led to the biological mother, who was charged with homicide by child abuse.

6. Valentine’s Crimes in Louisiana (14:39–18:41)

Recent Lake Charles Stabbing – 2025 (14:39–15:38)

• "Valentine's related" stabbing at an apartment; suspect arrested.

Mardi Gras Parade Shooting—Clinton, LA, 2026 (15:44–16:23)

• Mass shooting at parade, six arrested (including juveniles), five injured but survived.

Tangipahoa Parish Double Murder—2021 (16:31–17:21)

• Couple murdered by roommate; suspect confessed, potentially motivated by Valentine’s Day tensions.

Glenn Drive-By Shooting—2019 (17:21–17:45)

• Pregnant woman Ariel Edwards killed; several arrested.

“Valentine’s Day Massacre” (Baton Rouge 2017) (17:45–18:15)

• Two men shot and killed, unrelated to holiday celebrations.

The “Louisiana Gun Girl,” Toni Jo Henry (1940s) (18:15–18:41)

• Executed for murder; story linked to a Valentine’s Day incident.

7. Notable Historical and International Valentine Crimes (25:59–28:55)

• Captain Cook killed in Hawaii on Valentine’s Day 1779.
• 2008 Northern Illinois University shooting: five killed in a lecture hall.
• London gangland killing in 1978, echoing the 1929 Chicago massacre.
• Execution of St. Valentine by Emperor Claudius II in 270 AD.

8. The Origins of Valentine’s Day (28:09–28:55)

• Woody humorously seeks the roots of the holiday, reading:
  “Valentine’s Day originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia which celebrated fertility and matchmaking before it became Christianized… St. Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples, symbolizing love and sacrifice.” (28:14)

• Admits: “Okay, so there you have it. I actually didn’t even know that y’all.” (28:55)

9. The Real Life of Cold Cases, Justice & Advocacy (30:31–37:20)

• Discusses commitment to ongoing cold cases (#JusticeForBradley, #JusticeForAO, and others).
• Explains the tedious, frustrating process of needing airtight cases to move forward:
  “You bring the cases to the DA, you tell them the facts…they’re like, ‘That’s pretty damn great, but it’s not beyond a reasonable doubt…’” (32:30)
• Encourages listeners to keep sharing cases and fundraising for GoFundMe (ex: Justice for Haley—evidence room needs $10,000).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Everybody deserves justice…doesn’t matter what lifestyle you live, or if you’re a high-risk victim…or you’re like this 84-year-old lady from Arizona who never hurt a fly.” (34:40)
• On bringing attention to cold cases:
  “Social media is one of the greatest things ever to advance cold cases, since DNA and Ring doorbell cameras.” (35:01)
• “Murder doesn’t go away. The charge, that charge doesn’t expire.” (33:23)
• “I hope y’all enjoy yours. Right, so a couple of things I want to talk about real quick…” (30:31)

Personal Touches & Closing (37:20–40:15)

• Woody shares memories of his mother giving him Valentine candies as a child and reflects on his “Scrooge” persona.
• Teases upcoming episode: a new, emotional case from Vernon Parish, promising authentic police files, a mother’s perspective, and his dedication to justice.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 04:03 – Woody’s Valentine’s Day philosophy
• 06:04 – St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (Chicago 1929)
• 10:26 – Oscar Pistorius trial (2013)
• 11:37 – 1971 North Carolina cold case
• 12:43 – KY jailbreak for love (2014)
• 13:43 – Julie Valentine abandonment (1990/2019)
• 14:39 – Louisiana cases (2021–2026 reviews)
• 25:59 – Famous Valentine’s Day deaths/events
• 28:09 – History of Valentine’s Day
• 30:31 – Cold cases and justice advocacy
• 37:20 – Closing remarks, mother’s candy, and preview of the next episode

Conclusion

Woody Overton delivers a raw, insightful, and at times wryly humorous Valentine’s episode that’s as much about the pain and persistence of real-life crime solving as it is the strange, violent stories that haunt the “day of love.” His direct style, colorful anecdotes, and unwavering dedication to victims and their families shine through, promising more to come in his tireless search for justice.

“I love and appreciate each and every one of y’all. Happy Valentine’s Day. Next week… it’s real. The pain is real. The victim is real. The whole police case file is real. And you’re gonna get to hear a real mama’s pain.”
—Woody Overton (37:22)