Real Life Real Crime – #JusticeForBradley ep 25

Host: Woody Overton
Release Date: November 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode, Woody Overton continues his relentless pursuit of justice for Bradley Stracener—a young man missing from Vernon Parish since 2019—and Austin O’Banion, whose own story ended tragically and suspiciously. Woody delivers a raw, urgent update packed with the latest developments, new tips, and a flood of listener messages. He underscores the mounting pressure on local law enforcement and encourages the community to stay involved, keep sending tips, and hold officials accountable in the face of years of stalled investigations, mishandling, and alleged corruption.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Ongoing Investigation & Law Enforcement Scrutiny

• Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office Under Pressure: Woody reveals (02:40) that, contrary to recent public statements downplaying the case, sources confirm the sheriff’s office is “hitting hard” on Bradley’s investigation.
  • Quote:

    “For some people in Vernon Parish, fires are burning out of control ... I know from several different sources that Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office is hitting hard on Bradley's investigation.” (03:07)

• Persistent Confusion & Frustration with Detectives: Woody is baffled by past dismissals of foul play (“Oh, Bradley’s probably just missing in the woods”) from Detective David Vance, especially amid mounting evidence to the contrary.
  • Quote:

    “Come on, man. Really? You did it for however many years ... and now, magically her story dies with her?” (04:09)

2. The Tragedy & Mishandling of Related Cases

• Austin O’Banion’s Death: Woody recounts Austin’s cooperation with law enforcement, her polygraph, and her suspicious early jail release ending with her being found dead—contradicting the sheriff’s claim she “didn’t have a scratch on her.”
• Overlooked Witnesses: Justin Charbonnet (“Charbonnet”) was never questioned, despite Austin naming him, and a long line of missed investigative opportunities is highlighted.

3. Community Involvement & Flood of Tips

• Tip Line Activity: Woody details (13:00 and throughout) the deluge of daily messages and tips he receives, ranging from plausible leads to outright fabrications and rumors. He emphasizes each must be catalogued for possible investigation.
• Quote:

  “I know for a 1000% fact there are people who are actively trying to give me false information. And it works. Yeah, congrats to you. But it has to be looked at.” (21:54)

• Barriers to Private Investigation: Discussion about the need for law enforcement’s cooperation for cadaver dog searches, legal limitations, and frustrations with bureaucracy.
  • Quote:

    “If you have a cadaver dog and you can search without law enforcement being present, please contact me. We will pay you.” (14:20)

4. Vivid Listener Messages & Rumors

Woody reads and paraphrases numerous anonymous messages, illustrating the charged, suspicious atmosphere in Vernon Parish:

• Allegations about corrupt drug activities intertwined with local professionals (24:00+)
• Specific personal accounts of odd, potentially incriminating behaviors by those close to Bradley before and after his disappearance
• Claims that Bradley’s mother acted in highly suspicious ways post-disappearance, potentially tampering with evidence (39:00)
• Rumors of video evidence missing or destroyed by individuals close to the case

5. Impact of Public Pressure & Social Media

• Morgan Baggett’s Push for Justice: Morgan, who is championing Bradley’s cause on TikTok, has both helped and complicated things by drawing massive attention and sometimes clashing with law enforcement online.
  • Quote:

    “Now Morgan got the red ass and she started her TikTok ... bringing light to the case and then turn around and, and you know, do a 180 and now you're against Morgan.” (09:40)

• Growth of Advocacy Groups: Platforms like “Criminal Conversations” now boast thousands of members, keeping the pressure high and the case in the public eye.

6. Structural Issues: Corruption, Negligence, & Ongoing Threats

• Hostility & Distrust with Sheriff’s Office: Woody describes being considered persona non grata in Vernon Parish—he’s been threatened by law enforcement figures if he returns, and recounts personal threats and attempts at intimidation against him and others involved.
  • Quote:

    “Including them saying that, ‘Woody Overton comes to town, I’m gonna take my badge off ... and whoop his ass.’ ... If you attack me, I’m going to shoot you. I am too old to be fist fighting.” (15:50)

7. Families’ Experiences and Emotions

• Details from the Stracener Family: Reports of Bradley’s mother forging checks in his name and behaving erratically, as well as the emotional toll on Bradley’s son, Oliver, highlight the devastating personal impact (40:00+).
• Quote:

  “Thanksgiving’s coming up this Thursday and it’d be another Thanksgiving that Oliver doesn’t get to see his daddy ... let’s make this the last Thanksgiving that Oliver doesn’t have a place where Bradley has a Christian burial.” (56:05)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On the Relentlessness of the Case:

  “I know, I know, I know, I know, I know. They are by hook or crook, trying to resolve Bradley's case, if you will, before we do it. You better hurry up.” (22:15)

• On Community Impact:

  “Six months ago, other than her TikTok, Morgan’s TikTok, unheard of, unknown. Now, you got people from all over the world that are involved in Bradley and Austin’s case because of real life, real crime, the podcast, and that’s not to toot my horn. That’s just a freaking fact.” (23:30)

• Calling Out the Sheriff’s Office:

  "I hope they do. I really, really do. End this shit. Bring Bradley home, make some arrest. And, like I said, you're going to catch your lick either way. Why didn't you do it then? But I'll give you atta boys if you do it now." (54:40)

• Pressure to Keep Speaking Up:

  “If you want to really hurt someone, go after who they love. ... I cannot slow Morgan Baggett down, nor do I want to. Sometimes I get mad at her, but you know what? There’s a reason Morgan is not privy to all the information I’m privy to, because Morgan is going to do exactly what Morgan wants to do and she doesn’t know all the other that I have going on.” (48:16)

Key Timestamps

• [02:40] - Woody sets the tone: difference between what he knows and what he can say; Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office latest.
• [06:45] - Lamentations on past investigative choices; Austin O’Banion’s case details and mishandling.
• [13:00] - Tip line influx; Woody shares new tip about Timothy Martin and possible body location.
• [14:20] - Barriers with cadaver dog searches; legal and procedural frustrations.
• [21:54] - On people sending intentionally false leads.
• [23:30] - Massive growth in awareness and advocacy around the case due to public/social push.
• [36:30] - Audience message highlighting widespread local fear and intimidation, and suspected corruption.
• [39:00] - Eerie details about possible tampering with evidence and missing video files.
• [44:00] - Woody reflects on public and personal risks tied to the investigation.
• [48:16] - Conversation about Morgan Baggett’s safety, advocacy, and the importance of public pressure.
• [54:40] - Woody reads Sheriff’s latest press release, calling out its inaccuracies.
• [56:05] - Emotional appeal about Oliver (Bradley’s son) facing another holiday without closure.

Conclusion

Woody Overton’s episode presents a no-holds-barred look at a small-town mystery plagued by rumors, missed leads, fierce community involvement, and tension between investigators and those seeking the truth. He urges listeners to keep sending tips and shining a light on the case, promising to keep the fire burning until Bradley Stracener is found and justice—finally—is served.

Closing Message:

“Let’s make it the last Thanksgiving without Bradley being brought home. Hashtag, just for Bradley, just for AO.” (56:50)

Tip Line: 313-RRC-TIP
Keep the heat on Vernon Parish. Woody Overton isn't letting go, and neither should you.