Real Life Real Crime: Justice For Hailey – Episode 29 (Jan 31, 2026)

Host: Woody Overton
Guest: Barbara Blunt

Episode Overview

This episode continues the pursuit of justice for Hailey, exploring the challenges and systemic failings in her investigation and prosecution. Woody Overton is joined by Hailey's mother, Barbara Blunt, for a heartfelt update on the family’s ongoing efforts, the hurdles they face with law enforcement and the DA's office, and a call to action to support a GoFundMe campaign to fund an independent forensic review.

Key Discussion Points

1. Updates on the Justice for Hailey Campaign

• Woody clarifies his commitment to unresolved cases: He responds to rumors and criticism about his involvement in multiple cases, especially Hailey's, Bradley’s, and Austin O’Banion’s, reinforcing his ongoing dedication.
  • "I did not murder them. I am working the case and or cases… I am going to continue to do so until these arrests are made, period." (03:20)

2. The Role of Online Drama and Community Support

• Woody addresses online negativity and urges focus on the victims rather than personal attacks and distractions.
  • "Bashing each other and trashing me... you're wasting your energy and your time. Put it back on Bradley and Austin O'Banion, period." (03:57)
• Barbara and Woody affirm it’s justice for all victims, not just one case at a time.
  • "It's justice for everyone... every case is different and has to be handled a different way." – Woody (05:47)

3. GoFundMe for Independent Forensic Investigation

• Purpose: To hire Scott Roeder from The Evidence Room, a renowned forensic expert, for a scientific reconstruction of Hailey’s death.
  • "This is pretty much our last shot to do the job that Cobb County's DA isn't doing..." – Woody (08:14)
• Goal: $10,000 for a thorough scientific review, including techniques like laser trajectory analysis.
  • "We've almost 50% there – you can donate anonymous, anything helps..." – Woody (13:45)
  • GoFundMe: “Justice for Hailey, Funding an Independent Forensic Review” (14:50)

4. Systemic Failures in Hailey’s Case

• The autopsy was mishandled: Law enforcement did not attend the autopsy, leading to an initial ruling of suicide later changed to “undetermined” when more info surfaced.
  • "The pathologist is only as good as the information they're given... that's what happened in this case." – Woody (08:19)
• Gunshot residue test covered up or misplaced: Barbara reveals evidence (found in the incident report) showing a test was done—contrary to what officials told her for years.
  • "They have lied to me since the beginning saying they didn't do a gunshot residue test... but they did. It's on the incident report twice." – Barbara (11:58)
• DA unwilling to prosecute: Even with new information and a change of the death ruling, the DA refuses to move forward unless “new scientific evidence” appears.

5. The Stakes for the Family

• Barbara’s determination: She explains the emotional toll and her inability to let go until there’s closure.
  • "I can't...maybe when there’s a new DA...but I can't." (15:45)
• Seeking support from higher authorities: Barbara has discovered a new oversight body in Georgia that can intervene if the DA fails to act.
  • "If this guy comes back and says there's no way she could have done it and they still won't take it to court, then I'm getting in touch with these people." (19:31)

6. Community and Lifer Support

• Importance of listeners’ solidarity: Both Woody and Barbara stress how critical the “lifers” (fans and supporters) are to maintaining momentum.
  • "It helps and how much it means... all the lifers and all the support and sunsets they post for Hailey. I can't quit, but I think I may have given up hope by now if it hadn't been for you and the lifers." – Barbara (33:34)
  • "The lifers have taken Hailey like she's their daughter, and you're their mama from all around the world." – Woody (34:07)

7. The Push for Closure and Accountability

• Evidence Room’s role: The forensic review could force the DA’s hand, especially if findings are conclusive and public pressure escalates.
  • "Hopefully the report comes back our way...then we can get more national media attention and push #JusticeForHailey harder than ever." – Woody (19:08)
• Full transparency with fundraising: Barbara underscores that all GoFundMe money is tracked and publicly visible.
  • "With GoFundMe, everybody can see exactly how much is there... Nothing is under the table or secret." – Barbara (32:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Woody, reaffirming commitment:
  "Never give up. Never surrender. Just like on #JusticeForBradley and AO." (15:29)
• On the DA’s risk-aversion:
  "Prosecutors love to say they have a 98% conviction...That's because they plead out 90% of the cases... They don't want to take a loss." – Woody (16:42)
• Barbara’s hope in communal power:
  "Somehow Haley guides me on what to do next... I feel like she kinda just, you know, nudges me where I need to be." (21:12)
• Plans for direct action:
  "Not only will you get in touch with them [DA oversight], we'll do a call to action and get a million people to call them." – Woody (20:14)
• Emotional testimonies:
  "I just want to be able to focus on her life and who she was, and not this...But they just will not. They won’t even talk about it." – Barbara (18:24 & 18:58)
• On hard-earned victories:
  "Don’t forget about the victories...like getting the media attention, getting the DA to look." – Woody (29:35)
• Community thanks:
  "I can't tell you how much it helps and how much it means to us...All that keeps us going too." – Barbara (33:34)
• Woody’s charge to listeners:
  "If you can give a dollar...do it. Or even share it. It's for a righteous cause, right?" (35:37)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Woody addresses online rumors & reiterates case commitment: 03:20–05:20
• Barbara and Woody discuss GoFundMe and expert forensics: 06:59–15:29
• Detailing forensic evidence mishandling: 11:40–12:32
• Reflections on DA's reluctance and need for oversight: 16:38–20:14
• Barbara’s personal journey and community support: 21:12–22:22, 33:34–34:07
• Fundraising logistics and transparency: 32:32–33:34
• Closing gratitude and charge to action: 34:20–36:33

Call To Action

• Support “Justice for Hailey: Funding an Independent Forensic Review”
  Donate or share the GoFundMe campaign to help reach the $10,000 goal for an independent expert review—potentially the family’s last hope for justice.
• Keep the cases alive:
  Continue supporting, sharing, and tipping information to 313-RLRC-TIP.
• *Don’t feed the online drama—keep the focus on the victims and the fight for justice.

Tone

The episode blends Woody’s distinctive Southern directness, determination, and empathy with Barbara’s candid vulnerability. There’s much emotional gravity, but also fierce resolve, collective hope, and practical appeals for support.

Summary prepared for those seeking a thorough understanding without listening. All critical content and memorable exchanges are covered; ads and non-content omitted.