Real Life Real Crime Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Justice For Hailey: Call To Action Update
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Host: Woody Overton
Featuring: Barbara Johnson (Hailey’s Mother)

1. Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged episode of Real Life Real Crime, host Woody Overton provides an update on the ongoing campaign for justice in the case of Hailey. Joined by Barbara Johnson, Hailey’s mother, the episode delves into the progress made since their recent call to action, the involvement of the new District Attorney, and the critical role played by the podcast's loyal listeners (“lifers”).

2. Progress Since the Call to Action

Barbara’s Initial Contact with the DA’s Office
[03:00]
Woody introduces Barbara Johnson, who shares her experience following the podcast's call to action last Friday. Barbara recounts receiving her first call from the DA's assistant around midday or early afternoon on Monday. She expresses cautious optimism about the developments:

Barbara Johnson [02:24]: "Oh, it was incredible. And some of them, the letters that they wrote and the post, it was awesome. It was really, really right."

Establishment of a New Cold Case Unit
[03:09]
Woody highlights the significance of Cobb County's new District Attorney, a female leader committed to justice, who has initiated a new cold case unit. This move is seen as a pivotal step in re-examining Hailey's case:

Woody Overton [04:18]: "Yeah. And I'm going to tell you right now, and I think, you know, this, that the, the, the reason they called you on Monday is because of everything that came in since Friday and over the weekend and Monday morning, including your own phone calls."

3. Positive Developments

Assignment to the Chief Investigator
[05:08]
Barbara explains that her case has been escalated to the chief investigator, signaling that the DA's office is taking tangible steps to revisit the case:

Barbara Johnson [06:37]: "So this is what I want the lifers to be and most Barb I'm gonna put you on the spot for a second but the this guy Fox 5 is like the largest news channel Atlanta and and the they have other ones either but we we want to give this guy if you are so inclined."

Commitment to Due Diligence
[07:07]
Woody emphasizes that the DA's office is committed to thoroughly investigating the case without rushing, ensuring that every detail is meticulously examined:

Woody Overton [07:07]: "So what she said y'all were. Or you're in the middle of the phone call. What she said was, we've looked at it and it's been assigned to whomever it is, that is over all investigators. Okay. And that they are going to be digging in, looking in to the different things and then they were going to be calling you to get your version or more."

4. Role of the Community and Lifers

Encouraging Continued Support
[16:36]
Woody urges the podcast’s dedicated listeners to maintain their support through continuous communication with the DA’s office and media outlets. He underscores that sustained pressure is crucial for keeping Hailey’s case active and prioritized:

Woody Overton [16:36]: "And they. And look, the police numbers and all that are in there. It's not going to really make it Hill of beans one way or another. You could certainly call them and say, you know, why did you turn over all the evidence? And blah, blah, blah, whatever. I'm not telling y'all what to do. Do whatever you're led to do in your heart."

Impact of Listener Actions
[15:30]
Barbara acknowledges the profound impact that the listeners have had on advancing the case, attributing the recent developments to the community’s relentless efforts:

Barbara Johnson [15:30]: "1 million percent believe it's because of you and the lifers. And I. I definitely don't think this would be happening without that."

5. Media Coverage and Outreach

Interviews with Reporters
[17:13]
Barbara shares that she conducted an interview with Robert Durienzo from Fox 5 News in Atlanta, aiming to amplify Hailey’s story through major media channels:

Barbara Johnson [17:13]: "We had an interview with a reporter from. Rob Durienzo from Fox 5 News in Atlanta."

Contact Information for Further Media Engagement
[20:02]
Woody provides listeners with detailed contact information for various media outlets, encouraging them to reach out and support broader media coverage:

Woody Overton [20:02]: "Do we have the contact information for that? Let me. ... It's robert.d I r I e n z ox dot com."

Encouraging Listener Action on Media Fronts
[24:46]
Listeners are provided with specific phone numbers and emails for outlets like Fox 5, 11Alive, Atlanta News First, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, enhancing the collective effort to keep Hailey’s case in the public eye:

Woody Overton [24:55]: "You do it. That's right. Let me digress for a second. ... The newsroom number is error code 404. That's 327-3200."

6. Concluding Remarks and Call to Action

Emphasizing the Importance of Perseverance
[35:14]
Woody reiterates the importance of unwavering dedication to achieving justice for Hailey, highlighting the emotional and moral imperative behind the campaign:

Woody Overton [35:14]: "That means the world to us that you're looking at this. That's all we're asking."

Final Encouragement to Listeners
[36:10]
The episode concludes with Woody urging listeners to continue their efforts, assuring them that their persistent actions are driving meaningful progress:

Woody Overton [36:10]: "Hang in there, Rome. Wasn't built in today. I know we're moving in the right direction. We just got to keep it going."

Notable Quotes

• Barbara Johnson [02:24]: "It was really, really right."
• Woody Overton [07:07]: "They're going to do their due diligence and then they will respond to you."
• Barbara Johnson [15:30]: "I definitely don't think this would be happening without that."
• Woody Overton [35:14]: "That's all we're asking."

Key Takeaways

• New Leadership: The new District Attorney in Cobb County is actively establishing a cold case unit, signaling renewed efforts in Hailey’s case.
• Community Impact: Listener involvement through calls, emails, and media engagement has been instrumental in pushing the case forward.
• Media Outreach: Engaging with major news outlets like Fox 5 and Marietta Daily Journal is crucial for maintaining public awareness and pressure.
• Persistence is Vital: Continuous support and action from the community are essential for ensuring that Hailey’s case receives the attention and investigation it deserves.

For more updates and to support Hailey’s case, listen to Real Life Real Crime and join the movement using #JusticeForHaley.