Real Life Real Crime | #JusticeForBradley ep11

Host: Woody Overton
Guest: Morgan Baggott
Date: August 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode continues the deep, emotionally charged investigation into the murders of Bradley and Austin, underscoring the ongoing struggle for justice in Vernon Parish. Host Woody Overton, joined by Morgan Baggott, candidly shares the recent events, obstacles, and explosive developments in the #JusticeForBradley case, while highlighting broader corruption and dysfunction within the local justice system. This episode is especially raw, revealing, and unsparing about systemic failures, threats to those demanding accountability, and the relentless hunt for truth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Complexity and Heat of the Case

• Woody describes the investigation as a “gift that keeps on giving” – not in a good way for the hurting families (04:00).
• Overton reveals the immense volume of information, ongoing tips, and the obstruction from “red herrings” as the case heats up (05:00–07:00).
• “You don’t rush a fine wine... these things, when it comes, will come correct.” — Woody (08:30), emphasizing methodical progress over speed.

2. Community Impact, Fear, and Retaliation

• Morgan discusses the escalating danger and scrutiny in Vernon Parish; “Living in Vernon Parish right now has got to be some kind of exciting…” (10:30).
• Woody and Morgan agree more people now trust Woody to collect tips discretely, offering a safer alternative for whistleblowers (11:20, 12:00).

3. Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office: Not All Bad, But Systemic Problems

• Woody is careful to clarify he doesn’t hate the entire Sheriff’s Office—“I believe that… probably 95% of them are straight up good people…” (12:30), but stresses the influence of “bad apples” and deeply flawed leadership.
• Morgan acknowledges: “I don’t believe that they’re all evil. I believe that a good little handful of them are…” (13:36).

4. Transparency, Public Records, and Accountability

• Woody underscores the legal duties around public records and the community’s right to know:
  “If you hide and you don’t produce, you fail to produce, then you’re injuring public records, and guess what? That’s a crime.” (15:00)

5. Firsthand Experience with Threats and Harassment

A Shooting Incident at Morgan Baggott’s Home

• Woody pushes Morgan to recount a recent terrifying event: shots fired at her house while she and her kids were inside (24:25).
• Morgan describes grabbing her children, arming herself and her sister, and contacting neighbors to verify if the shots originated locally. Confirmation: “My neighbor found a 9 mil casing... Right by my mailbox.” (32:58, 33:18)
• Woody explains: “No such thing as a perfect crime... you’re always gonna leave something behind.” (35:06)
• Morgan publicly states: “VPSO has this casing.” Agencies have a duty to investigate, despite previously poor record-keeping or potential compromise from handling.

Law Enforcement Response

• Woody contrasts calling 911 vs. the non-emergency line, explaining the urgency and legal differences in police response (“If you don’t make a report, it never happened.” [26:00])
• Morgan admits, “...I know the VPSO number by heart... because of my whole life...” (37:30). Woody insists next time: always 911.
• Law enforcement question Morgan: “Is there any reason anybody has any beef with you?” She responds, “I got a beef with everybody that has on that uniform and that badge.” (42:35)
• Morgan’s frustration with the system surfaces: “What do you think you’re doing? I haven’t shut up yet. What makes you think I’m gonna… just keep on firing shots around the house? What’s it gonna do?” (46:12)

Community Solidarity and Awareness

• Woody affirms, “I feel like Morgan is safer than she’s ever been... you have so much focus on you now.” (59:53)
• Morgan details neighborly support: “Everybody has their eye on this hill.” (59:50)

6. Intimidation Campaigns and Investigation Obstruction

• Morgan and Woody discuss ongoing attempts to distract, mislead, and gather information from them by case insiders.
• Woody predicts: “They’re going to fucking flip on each other... The first one to squeal is getting the deal. And it’s going to happen.” (48:25–49:20)
• Explicit warning to perpetrators: “You better unfuck it. You better get off of it as quick as you can. And you think I’m making empty threats? I don’t make empty threats.” (51:30)

7. Broader Patterns: Unsolved Cases and Generational Corruption

• Woody intends to discuss the Holt double homicide—an 86-year-old woman and her daughter murdered—but saves in-depth focus for the next episode.
• Highlights systemic failures: “This is a death penalty case and you only got three stories. But... [the authorities] say we do not believe there is an ongoing danger to the public. Why would you even say that?” (55:34–56:13)
• Morgan notes VPSO recently turned off comments on their social media, unique among Louisiana parishes, after her activism gained traction (56:47).

8. Closing and Listener Call-to-Action

• Woody repeatedly urges listeners to keep sending in tips, assuring discretion and persistent investigation.
• Morgan promises, “Call 911 immediately” next time, a message repeated for all listeners facing threats (58:03).
• Final notes stress the magnitude of the case, Woody’s unique access to evidence, and his unsparing dedication to justice for Bradley, Austin, and all victims.

Memorable Quotes

• "You don’t rush a fine wine... these things, when it comes, will come correct."
  —Woody Overton [08:30]
• "I got a beef with everybody that has on that uniform and that badge."
  —Morgan Baggott [42:35]
• “No such thing as a perfect crime... you’re always gonna leave something behind.”
  —Woody Overton [35:06]
• “I haven’t shut up yet. What makes you think I’m gonna… just keep on firing shots around the house?”
  —Morgan Baggott [46:12]
• "You better unfuck it. You better get off of it as quick as you can... I don’t make empty threats."
  —Woody Overton [51:30]
• "I feel like Morgan is safer than she’s ever been... because you have so much focus on you now."
  —Woody Overton [59:53]

Notable Segments and Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|------------| | Woody’s introduction & case preamble | 04:00–07:00| | Woody & Morgan on volume of new info | 07:30–12:00| | Law enforcement dynamics & public trust | 12:30–17:40| | Community escalation & unique activism | 17:00–22:00| | Gunshots at Morgan’s House (detailed) | 24:25–47:24| | Tactics for reporting incidents | 26:00–38:00| | Evidence handling, police protocols | 33:00–41:00| | Intimidation and defense strategies | 46:06–52:03| | Discussion of Holt case, next episode | 53:26–57:00| | Vernon Parish social media censorship | 56:47–57:28| | Final reflections, tips plea, resolve | 62:34–End |

Tone and Language

• Unfiltered, intense, sometimes explicit.
• Deeply personal and confrontational about injustice, yet grounded in practical law enforcement experience.
• Empathetic toward victims, determined toward achieving justice, and explicitly motivated by public good.
• Sense of humor and sarcasm interspersed with serious warnings and self-aware commentary.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This episode delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of grassroots investigations into local government and criminal justice failure. Key takeaways include the increasing personal risk faced by activists, the evolving dynamics between the public and police, and a tantalizing sense of approaching revelation and accountability. True to Real Life Real Crime’s ethos, raw truth and first-person insight are front and center, without sugarcoating.

Woody’s and Morgan’s candor, frustration, and persistence make this required listening for anyone interested in real justice work, small-town power dynamics, or the resilience required to confront entrenched corruption.