Real Life Real Crime | Behind The Scenes with Sheriff Ard: Barbara Blount ep 4

Podcast: Real Life Real Crime
Host: Woody Overton (featuring Sheriff Jason Ard)
Guest: Derek Bozeman
Release Date: August 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is part four in a deep-dive, behind-the-scenes series on the disappearance of Barbara Blount—a cold case that still grips Livingston Parish, Louisiana. Sheriff Jason Ard interviews Derek Bozeman, who, as a teenager, unwittingly became a key witness (and initially a person of interest) after discovering Barbara Blount’s abandoned car. The conversation offers new perspectives, valuable first-person recollections, and a heartfelt look at the community’s ongoing quest for justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background: The Case of Barbara Blount

• [04:51] Sheriff Ard recaps the basics: On May 2, 2008, Barbara Blount (58) disappeared from her home in Holden, LA. Her car was later found abandoned about a quarter-mile from her residence on a hunting club road.
• The sheriff emphasizes the team’s personal investment and ongoing commitment to solving the case.

Introducing Derek Bozeman and His Unique Involvement

• [07:14] Sheriff Ard introduces Derek Bozeman, a current IT department member at the sheriff’s office, who, as an 18-year-old, discovered Blount’s car. He lived in the area, grew up camping and hunting in those woods, and had no real connection to Barbara Blount or her family.
• [07:59] Sheriff Ard and Bozeman detail how, because Bozeman initially found the car, he became a person of interest for a time – a standard investigative approach.

Derek Bozeman’s Account: The Day Barbara Blount Went Missing

[09:06–12:16] Bozeman Recounts:

• It was a normal day in May 2008; after school and before visiting his girlfriend, he noticed an unusual car off the gravel hunting road—buried in the woods, not parked as a hunter’s vehicle would be.
• The car caught his eye because it was the same make and model as his girlfriend’s vehicle.
• Suspicious, he doubled back and brought his mother to check the car with him.

"It was very suspiciously parked...When you see the pictures, it's obvious that they're somewhat trying to hide the car."
– Sheriff Jason Ard [10:27]

[13:07–14:59] Key Discovery:

• As they approached the car, Derek noticed keys on the ground with a wooden tag that read “Barbara.” Instantly, his mother recognized the seriousness, telling him, “We need to call the sheriff’s office. Something's not right.”

"Her expression kinda freaked me out...We just called because, you know..."
– Derek Bozeman [15:06]

Early Investigation and Effects on Bozeman

[16:20–28:01] Under Scrutiny:

• Sheriff Ard explains how being the person to find a vehicle in a missing person case automatically brings scrutiny.
• [24:11] Bozeman discusses being interviewed by deputies and detectives, submitting written statements and a DNA sample, and the general nerves of being unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight—especially as a young adult.

"I realize at this point that, oh, I'm kind of a suspect in this. Like, I'm thinking I'm just trying to be a witness, and they're collecting DNA from me, so it kinda freaked me out a little bit."
– Derek Bozeman [27:14]

• The initial law enforcement response was marked by heavy, unusual rain during the search and investigation.
• Bozeman mentions how the experience, while stressful, cemented his interest in law enforcement and community service.

Community Response

[29:33] Bozeman underscores how the search galvanized neighbors:

• Dozens came in pouring rain, combing woods, joining law enforcement in kayaks and on foot.
• The quick, passionate community action left a lasting impression on Bozeman and remains a defining memory of the case.

"To me, it was overwhelming to see the response, you know, of our community together...trying to search for Ms. Barbara."
– Derek Bozeman [30:19]

Aftermath and Integrity in Police Work

• [31:01] Bozeman reveals he has avoided working on the case in a professional capacity since joining the sheriff’s office to ensure its integrity, given his proximity as a witness/person of interest.
• Sheriff Ard emphasizes the need for continued public tips and involvement, reiterating the office’s determination ("We're not going to give up.").

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We're coming after you with everything we have, and we're going to solve this case."
  – Sheriff Jason Ard [33:48]

• "I've purposely deviated away from it because I want closure for the family...I would love for her to be located."
  – Derek Bozeman [31:20]

Key Segment Timestamps

• [04:51–07:15] – Sheriff Ard introduces the episode and Bozeman.
• [09:06–12:50] – Bozeman describes finding the car.
• [13:07–15:00] – Discovery of the car keys and realization of the case's seriousness.
• [16:20–28:01] – Bozeman describes interviews, evidence collection, and emotional toll.
• [29:33–30:43] – Bozeman reflects on community involvement.
• [31:01–31:31] – Bozeman explains his reasons for not working on the case now.
• [33:20–34:15] – Final appeals for tips and resolution from Sheriff Ard.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a candid, grassroots view into the investigation from someone unexpectedly pulled into a major local mystery. Sheriff Ard’s emphatic call for public participation and Bozeman’s testimony underscore both the challenges of cold case investigations and the essential role everyday citizens can play in the search for justice. The ongoing appeal for tips is clear: even small pieces of information—no matter how long ago—could make a difference.

How to Help

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Barbara Blount (last seen May 2, 2008), the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office urges you to report tips, anonymously if needed, via their official app or tip line (313-RLRC TIP), or to contact Woody Overton directly.

Summary prepared by Real Life Real Crime Summaries, preserving the original tones and voices of Woody Overton, Sheriff Ard, and guest Derek Bozeman.