Real Life Real Crime | #JusticeForBradley Episode 2 Summary

Release Date: June 20, 2025

In the second episode of the "#JusticeForBradley" series on the award-winning Real Life Real Crime podcast, host Woody Overton delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Bradley Strasner. Joined by Morgan Baggott, Bradley's ex-wife, and Detective David Vance of the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office, the episode unpacks the complexities and challenges surrounding this unresolved case.

1. Recap of Bradley Strasner's Disappearance

The episode opens with Morgan Baggott and Detective Vance providing a detailed timeline of Bradley Strasner's disappearance. Bradley, battling drug addiction, was last seen on November 5th, nearly three years ago, when he left his girlfriend Chelsea's house in her grandmother's car. Despite assurances that he'd return, Bradley never did, and his absence soon raised alarms.

Morgan Baggott [08:07]: "Bradley battled drug addiction, but he was a good dude who went down the wormhole narcotics and ultimately lost his wife and son."

2. Initial Investigation and Missing Person Report

After Bradley failed to return, Morgan initially wasn't overly concerned but grew increasingly worried as days turned into weeks without any sign of him. On November 5th, Bradley's mother officially filed a missing person report, prompting the Sheriff's Office to begin investigations.

Detective David Vance [05:23]: "The hashtag justice4series. You please continue to share it. Share Bradley's story everywhere."

3. Family's Persistent Search Efforts

Morgan describes her relentless pursuit of information, even while being seven and a half months pregnant. She visited Sandy Hill multiple times, distributed flyers, and knocked on doors in an effort to uncover any leads about Bradley's whereabouts.

Morgan Baggott [18:00]: "I'm going to Sandy Hill... and I'm knocking on doors and I'm talking to people and I'm stomping through the woods... it's just."

4. Law Enforcement's Investigation and Challenges

Detective Vance outlines the investigative steps taken, including serving search warrants at Jason and Danielle's residence in Shady Oaks Trailer Park. During questioning, both individuals took polygraph tests—one inconclusive and the other failed—though Detective Vance expresses skepticism about the reliability of these results.

Morgan Baggott [35:03]: "They each took a polygraph test, and I can't remember which one was inconclusive, one failed."

Detective David Vance [38:10]: "Generally, it's because the person is using some type of countermeasures to... jacks up the scoring."

5. Media Involvement and Public Awareness

As weeks turned into years, Morgan and the Sheriff's Office sought media attention to keep Bradley's case in the public eye. A significant moment was the KPLC Channel 7 news segment, which highlighted the ongoing search and renewed suspicions of foul play.

KPLC Channel 7 Reporter [60:23]: "Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into years... We know nothing. We just know that come October is going to be three years since anyone on earth has seen or heard from him."

6. The Mysterious Letter and New Leads

A pivotal development occurs when a letter purportedly written by Bradley surfaces. Morgan reveals that this letter, found taped under an AC unit in a specific hotel room, contains Bradley's instructions in case something were to happen to him. This revelation introduces a new dimension to the investigation, suggesting premeditated circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Morgan Baggott [67:33]: "There was a letter that came about just from out of nowhere... 1,000% Bradley's handwriting."

Detective David Vance [69:14]: "This letter... is like Bradley speaking from the grave."

7. Ongoing Efforts and Call for Public Assistance

Detective Vance emphasizes the importance of community involvement, urging listeners to use the dedicated tip line to provide any information that could aid in solving Bradley's case. He underscores the potential impact of a single tip in bringing justice for Bradley.

Detective David Vance [69:15]: "You can remain anonymous... Help me build this case. Help me."

8. Emotional Toll on the Family and Investigator

The episode poignantly highlights the emotional strain on Morgan as a single mother driving an extended search for Bradley while raising her son, Oliver. Detective Vance acknowledges the personal sacrifices made by Morgan and reinforces the shared commitment to finding Bradley.

Morgan Baggott [74:05]: "But I've said if I didn't have kids, I would have already solved this case."

Detective David Vance [77:25]: "You've been living this for five years and eight months. ... Every time you look at Oliver, I'm sure you think of Bradley."

9. Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

Woody Overton concludes the episode by teasing the exploration of the mysterious letter in the next installment, promising listeners a deeper dive into the revelations and potential breakthroughs that could shed light on Bradley's fate.

Detective David Vance [67:58]: "This letter, it comes to be known that this letter, it's like Bradley speaking from the grave... we'll talk about in the next episode."

Conclusion

Episode 2 of "#JusticeForBradley" intensifies the narrative surrounding Bradley Strasner's disappearance, blending personal testimonies, investigative insights, and emerging evidence. The introduction of the enigmatic letter sets the stage for future episodes, promising listeners new angles and potential resolutions in this gripping true crime saga. The episode serves as both a tribute to Bradley and a rallying call for collective action to uncover the truth behind his vanishing.

For those following Bradley's journey, this episode underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by his family and dedicated law enforcement, while also highlighting the critical role of community support in solving cold cases.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the segments where notable quotes occur.