Real Life Real Crime: RLRC Original | Screwdriver Red: The Awakening Reboot
Host: Woody Overton
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Introduction to the "Screwdriver Red" Series
In this compelling multi-part series titled "Screwdriver Red," host Woody Overton delves deep into one of the most chilling and complex true crime cases he has ever encountered. Titled "The Awakening," the first episode sets the stage by introducing the key players, the initial crime, and the subsequent investigation that spanned over a decade.
Part 1: The Murder of Victim A
Background of Victim A
On a sweltering August night in 1993, Victim A (a pseudonym to protect her identity) was a 31-year-old white female residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She led a high-risk lifestyle, grappling with crack cocaine addiction and engaging in prostitution to support her habit. Described by friends and acquaintances as a "good person" and "likable," her life was far more precarious than it appeared on the surface.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [03:45]: "Victim A lived what we call in law enforcement, the high-risk lifestyle, dealing with addiction and prostitution to make ends meet."
The Fateful Date
On that pivotal night, Victim A arranged a meeting—referred to colloquially as a "date"—with a male client at a church parking lot in Denham Springs, situated east of Baton Rouge. Denham Springs, at the time, was a small town with minimal infrastructure, making it an isolated meeting spot.
Location Details:
- Denham Springs: Largest city in Livingston Parish.
- Access: Two bridges over the Amy River (Interstate 12 and Highway 190/Florida Boulevard) connect Baton Rouge to Livingston Parish.
Despite the seemingly innocuous setting, the encounter took a dark turn. Upon arrival, Victim A met her client, a man approximately 5’10” with strawberry blonde hair and a nice smile—a deceptive façade.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [10:20]: "He had that smile, right? So, Victim A couldn't have known that smile truly hid the face of a monster."
The Attack
The meeting likely commenced within a vehicle, where Victim A would have felt at ease initially. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated:
- Assault: The client, later identified as the perpetrator, attacked her. Victim A resisted, but the assailant fired three gunshots, leaving her dead in the parking lot.
- Evidence Collected:
- Gunshot wounds to the back.
- Strawberry blonde hairs in her hands.
- Damage to her fingernails.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [12:50]: "She has some damage to her fingernails. So upon noticing this in the field, they took large paper bags and carefully bagged her hands to preserve the evidence."
Investigation and Cold Case
The immediate response involved local law enforcement and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Despite diligent efforts, including photographing the scene and collecting vital evidence, the case quickly went cold. Victim A's roommates identified her only after seeing the news, revealing the gap in communication and the elusive nature of the perpetrator.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [15:30]: "Her case wouldn't only go cold, it would go frozen for 16 years."
Part 2: The Rise of "Screwdriver Red"
Introduction of the Antagonist
During the 16-year hiatus, the unidentified attacker, now dubbed "Screwdriver Red," led a seemingly ordinary life. He married, fathered children, and maintained a clean criminal record, effectively blending into society without raising suspicions.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [17:00]: "This monster, strawberry blonde-haired with a nice smile, was living his life for approximately the next year and a half, getting away with his heinous acts."
Part 3: The Second Victim - Victim B
The Cortana Mall Incident
In December 1995, during the bustling Christmas season, Victim B experienced a terrifying ordeal at the Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge. After work, she encountered Ross's assistance seemingly out of goodwill:
-
Encounter: Victim B noticed her vehicle malfunctioning with a flat tire and was approached by a well-dressed man with strawberry blonde hair—the same distinct appearance as the first perpetrator.
-
Trust and Deception: The man, offering help, convinced her to assist him in moving his own broken-down truck, luring her into his vehicle under the pretense of mutual assistance.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [27:15]: "He pulls out a flathead screwdriver and threatens her, saying, 'You're going to drive me or I'm gonna slit your throat.'"
-
The Assault: As they drove onto Florida Boulevard into Livingston Parish, an isolated and poorly lit area, the man brandished a screwdriver, coercing Victim B into compliance and threatening her life.
-
Escape Attempt: As tension peaked, headlights from an oncoming vehicle provided a fleeting chance. Victim B managed to escape by swerving the car, causing the assailant to flee the scene.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [35:40]: "She saw the headlights and knew this was her chance. Her quick reflexes saved her life, but the assailant remained at large."
Part 4: The Unraveling of Screwdriver Red
Investigation Techniques
The police utilized a photo lineup (a manual process in 1995) to identify the perpetrator. Victim B was able to 100% confidently identify her attacker from the lineup, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [42:50]: "She said, 'I'll never forget his face. I know he was going to kill me. There's no doubt in my mind he was going to kill me.'"
Arrest and Plea Bargain
"Screwdriver Red" was swiftly apprehended due to his distinct appearance and Victim B's testimony. Despite the grave charges—including aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery—the district attorney offered a surprisingly lenient plea bargain:
- Charges: Initially severe, reflecting the brutality of the crimes.
- Plea Bargain: Reduced to seven years, with five years suspended.
- Sentence: Only two years served, leaving many baffled and enraged at the judicial outcome.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [50:10]: "He pleaded guilty and jumped on the seven-year deal like it was Christmas morning."
Life After Arrest
Despite his brief incarceration, "Screwdriver Red" maintained a chilling calmness and was well-regarded among fellow inmates, earning him his infamous nickname.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [57:30]: "They liked him so much, they gave him a nickname that would follow him for the rest of his life—Screwdriver Red."
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
Woody Overton concludes the episode by reflecting on the systemic failures that allowed "Screwdriver Red" to receive such a lenient sentence. He promises more horrifying developments in the subsequent episodes, hinting at the far-reaching impact of the perpetrator's actions.
Notable Quote:
Woody Overton [64:50]: "In my entire career, this was one of the most horrifying cases that I worked, and it's just horrible. What he does would end up affecting thousands of people, literally."
Final Notes and Upcoming Content
Before signing off, Woody Overton engages in promotional segments, introducing listeners to other true crime podcasts and sharing updates about upcoming events like CrimeCon. While these sections are informative, they are ancillary to the main narrative of the "Screwdriver Red" series.
Key Takeaways
- Screwdriver Red Case: A haunting example of how systemic oversights and plea bargains can undermine justice.
- Victim Impact: Both Victim A and Victim B faced extreme violence, with Victim B narrowly escaping death.
- Investigative Challenges: Despite compelling evidence and victim testimonies, the case highlights the shortcomings in prosecutorial responses during the mid-90s.
- Future Episodes: Listeners are encouraged to follow the series for a deeper exploration of "Screwdriver Red's" continued impact and potential lingering threats.
For those interested in following the upcoming episodes of the "Screwdriver Red" series, tune in next Friday for Part Two: [Insert Episode Title Here], where Woody Overton promises to unveil more chilling details and the broader ramifications of this unresolved case.
This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's key points, discussions, and insights for those who have not listened to the podcast.