Scorched : State v Peterson part 34

Summary

Real Life Real Crime: Scorched – State v. Peterson Part 34

Release Date: April 5, 2025
Host: Woody Overton
Episode Title: Scorched – State v. Peterson Part 34

---

Introduction

In the 34th installment of the gripping series "Scorched – State v. Peterson," hosted by Woody Overton, listeners delve deeper into the complexities of the Scott Peterson trial. This episode focuses on the death penalty phase of the trial, featuring poignant interviews with key family members and defense attorney Pat Harris. Woody Overton continues his mission to bring justice and closure to cold cases, emphasizing the importance of advocacy through initiatives like "#JusticeForHaley."

---

Death Penalty Phase and Call for Advocacy

Woody Overton opens the episode by setting the stage for the ongoing death penalty phase in the Scott Peterson case. He passionately urges listeners to support the movement for justice through social media hashtags like #JusticeForHaley, advocating for the case to be re-examined by a grand jury with all the facts at hand.

Woody Overton [02:36]: "If you're so inclined, feel free to use the numbers and the emails and everything and ask the powers that be to pick Haley's case back up and push for justice."

He announces a live event scheduled for July 19 at Southeastern Louisiana University, highlighting exclusive, raw, and unscripted storytelling that promises an immersive experience into the case.

---

Interview with Rachel Clara Latham

Timestamp: [05:15] - [08:35]

Pat Harris, the defense attorney, conducts an in-depth interview with Rachel Clara Latham, Scott Peterson’s cousin. Rachel shares her upbringing, split between Alaska and California, highlighting the stark contrasts in lifestyle and environment.

Rachel Clara Latham [06:01]: "I grew up in Alaska for the first 13 years of my life and then I went to part of the 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade in San Luis Obispo and Los Osos."

She reminisces about her childhood interactions with Scott, portraying him as a gentle and generous individual who took the time to engage with his younger cousins.

Rachel Clara Latham [12:13]: "I always remember Scott taking the time to spend time with my sister Anna and myself... he was always willing to take the time out, even though he probably had more fun things to do during that time of his life."

Rachel emphasizes Scott's respectful nature and his role within the family, describing him as someone who was always there to help, whether it was picking her up from school or assisting with yard work.

Rachel Clara Latham [19:17]: "He was always willing to help out. I think that had a lot to do with Jackie and Lee's relationship with Scott too... they were willing to help each other out."

She expresses deep concern over Scott's potential execution, fearing it would shatter the family and erase the positive memories they hold.

Rachel Clara Latham [26:37]: "I think it would break my heart. I think it would be horrible for the family and destroy everything we used to have him."

---

Interview with Robert Latham

Timestamp: [27:29] - [53:06]

The episode continues with an interview of Robert Latham, another cousin, who provides a broader family perspective. Robert recounts the family's tragic history, including their time spent in an orphanage due to their mother's illness.

Robert Latham [28:35]: "I was put there at the age of three, until I was 14."

He details his close-knit relationship with Scott, sharing childhood memories that paint Scott as a fun-loving and industrious individual. Robert highlights Scott’s consistent traits of respectfulness and his quiet leadership.

Robert Latham [37:55]: "He was very industrious. He was always taking care of business and hardworking and had a good sense of humor."

Robert underscores the positive impact Scott has had on his life and expresses his belief that there is hope for Scott if he remains incarcerated, viewing Scott as someone who could positively influence others.

Robert Latham [39:51]: "He's a positive person. He will develop an attitude of trying to make it work, make it real, make it good."

He also voices his personal anguish at the possibility of Scott's execution, worrying about the irreversible damage it would cause to family bonds and memories.

Robert Latham [40:37]: "It will affect our entire family... I believe it's a mistake, and I wouldn't want that mistake to be on other people."

---

Character Analysis and Family Dynamics

Throughout the interviews, both Rachel and Robert provide a consistent portrayal of Scott Peterson as a caring, respectful, and generous individual who valued family deeply. They recount numerous instances where Scott went out of his way to assist family and friends, whether through small acts like teaching cousins how to catch crayfish or larger commitments such as supporting elderly neighbors.

Robert Latham [44:05]: "He was always very nice and seemed very respectful and respectful to his family and everyone."

These personal anecdotes serve to humanize Scott, contrasting sharply with the severe charges he faces. The family's unwavering support and belief in Scott’s character are evident, painting a picture of a man who is integral to their emotional well-being.

---

Impact of a Verdict

Both Rachel and Robert express profound concern over the repercussions a death sentence would have on their family. They believe that such an outcome would not only be a grave miscarriage of justice but also dismantle the cherished family unity they currently maintain.

Robert Latham [39:51]: "I think the verdict is a mistake and that he's in well, in time things will change."

Their testimonies highlight the emotional and psychological toll the trial has taken on the Peterson and Latham families, emphasizing the need for a fair and thorough judicial process.

---

Host’s Conclusion and Call to Action

Woody Overton wraps up the episode by reaffirming the critical nature of the evidence and the hope that forthcoming testimonies will shed more light on Scott Peterson's case. He reiterates the importance of public support in pushing for justice and encourages listeners to engage with upcoming events and advocacy efforts.

Woody Overton [53:06]: "Don't forget, hashtag justiceforhalie. Goodness gracious, if we can get the murder indictment on this or just at least get it brought for the grand jury."

Additionally, Woody promotes community involvement through hosting events and supporting non-profits like the Louisiana Oregon Procurement Agency (LOPA), urging listeners to become organ donors and contribute to societal well-being.

---

Notable Quotes

• Rachel Clara Latham [12:13]:
  "He was always willing to take the time out, even though he probably had more fun things to do during that time of his life."

• Robert Latham [37:55]:
  "He was very industrious. He was always taking care of business and hardworking and had a good sense of humor."

• Robert Latham [39:51]:
  "He's a positive person. He will develop an attitude of trying to make it work, make it real, make it good."

• Woody Overton [53:06]:
  "Don't forget, hashtag justiceforhalie. Goodness gracious, if we can get the murder indictment on this or just at least get it brought for the grand jury."

---

Upcoming Events and Projects

Woody announces a live show on July 19 at Southeastern Louisiana University, promising an engaging and exclusive deep dive into the Peterson case. He also highlights opportunities to support LaPA and other community initiatives through upcoming events and collaborations.

---

Final Thoughts

"Scorched – State v. Peterson Part 34" offers a heartfelt and comprehensive look into the Scott Peterson case from the perspective of his family. Through emotional testimonies and compelling narratives, Woody Overton and his guests shed light on the human elements often overshadowed by the courtroom drama. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring quest for truth and justice, encouraging listeners to engage actively in the pursuit of fairness.

---

Join the Conversation:
Engage with the podcast community on social media using #JusticeForHaley and stay updated on the latest developments in the Peterson case. Support the cause by attending live events and participating in advocacy initiatives spearheaded by Real Life Real Crime Productions.

---

Note: This summary intentionally excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights presented in the episode.

Transcript

[Select Quote Representative]

Is reviewing life insurance on your to do list, now's the perfect time to add it. A friend recently told me that securing life insurance sooner rather than later can help you lock in lower rates for years to come. So I bumped this up on my list and got it done. I called Select Quote and couldn't believe how easy and affordable life insurance is. I'm 40 and got a $500,000 policy for $16 a month. My husband's also 40 and his $500,000 policy was only $18 a month plus with select quote saving same day coverage. There was no medical exam required and we recovered by the time we hung up. Knowing I have this checked off my list feels amazing, but the peace of mind knowing my family is protected feels even better.

[Commercial Voiceover]

Go to selectquote.com to get your free quote today. That's selectquote.com selectquote.com details on example [e-mail] Americans love using their credit cards. The most secure and hassle free way to pay. But D.C. politicians want to change that with the Durbin Marshall credit card bill. This bill lets corporate megastores pick how your credit card is processed, allowing them to use untested payment networks that jeopardize your data security and rewards. Corporate megastores will make more money and you pay the price. Tell Congress to guard your card because Americans lose when politicians choose. Learn [e-mail].

[Woody Overton]

Yeah the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney prior to and during any question. If you can't afford one, the court appoint one for you. Do you understand your rights.

[Pat Harris]

And the.

[Commercial Voiceover]

Wolf is at your door you running over that's for sure Already know all about you cut you down no matter about you now you better watch the.

[Woody Overton]

Warning this episode of Real Life Real Crime. The podcast may contain descriptions of acts of violence or that of a sexual nature. It should be for people that are 18 years or older. Heed my warning people. I do not get the facts of these cases off of the Internet or for some television show. The facts I'm retelling you were presented to me by the victims of the crimes or the perpetrators who committed the crimes against the victims. My descriptions of the crime scenes, what I saw with my own two eyes. If you're gonna get offended, please turn this podcast off now. Thank you. Hello everybody and welcome this episode of Real Life, Real Crime, the podcast. As always, I'm your host Woody Overton, continuing with Scorch the state versus Scott Peterson today. And y'all, believe it or not, I can actually see the end of this, maybe two more episodes, but we will be continuing in the death penalty phase of the trial and some more wonderful, wonderful character witnesses, if you will, for Scott Peterson. But y'all don't forget, hashtag justice for Haley. We pushed everything out yesterday. If you're so inclined, feel free to use the numbers and the emails and everything and, and ask the powers that be to pick Haley's case back up and push for justice. Get it before grand jury. That's all we're asking. Get it for a grand jury with all the facts, not the facts that you had before. And let's hopefully they'll return with the murder indictment. I don't, I don't see how anybody return with anything else. Live show Saturday, July 19, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, Student Union Theater. I will be on the stage rocking it. Old school, real life, real crime, never before heard. Raw and unscripted story in the VIP event to follow. You can get your tickets in. Your social media has a link to it to Southeastern. So they're controlling all the ticket sales. So y'all go there and get them and if they're not sold out, but try to get them. And we have a block of rooms at the home, the Suite Hilton's in Hammond, Louisiana. It's a brand new hotel, less than a year old and we're going to be there all weekend and you get a discount for that also.

[Rachel Clara Latham]

That being said, let's get right back.

[Woody Overton]

Into the longest podcast series ever, scorch the state versus Scott Peterson. And today is going to be December 6, 2004. And our good friend, defense attorney Pat Harris is going to be interviewing a lady named Rachel Clara Latham. So I'm just say, of course, his name. And then Latham, when she answers, okay, says Rachel, if you would.

[Pat Harris]

You are the daughter of we just.

[Woody Overton]

Heard from John Latham. You're his youngest daughter, is that right? LATHAM that is correct.

[Pat Harris]

If you would just give us a little bit of your background as far as you grew up in Alaska?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I did. I grew up in Alaska for the first 13 years of my life and then I went to part of the 8th grade and 9th through 12th grade in San Luis Obispo and Los Osos.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Was it very different growing up in Alaska than coming to California?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it was, it was a whole different world up there.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what was different? Why was it different?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I think the lifestyle that my family leads is very different. It's tied in with I mean it's tied in with the seasons and my dad's a diving outfitter, so we spent a lot of time outdoors.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Would you go with him on certain times, those kinds of things?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM we would all go up we have hunting camps up in the interior of Alaska. We would all go up there in the fall for big game hunts and the rest of the year we're located in Yakutak.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS why was the decision made to actually bring you down to California, put you in school there?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM My parents gave us the opportunity to get an education down south.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and was that important to you?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it was important to me. They gave us a choice and both my sister and I chose to go to California even though that meant giving up a lot for them and for us. They didn't see us a good portion of the year and we lived with family and friends in California and my sister and I did not live together. We lived in different towns and part of the time, in fact.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS when you say you didn't live together, you lived where?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM well, I lived with Aunt Jackie and Uncle Lee for part of the 8th grade and 4 9th grade and after that I lived with friends.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and your sister lived well?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM she lived in Losados with family and friends for three years and then another friend in San Luis Obispo for her senior year of high school.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS when you live with Lee and Jackie, did they have a large house.

[Woody Overton]

Or a small house or a medium sized house? LATHAM they had a very small house in Morro Bay. They just moved up there and semi retired and actually in order for me to live with them, they had to clear out their office. So they chose to clear out their office and allow me to live with them. And I remember Jackie, she pay her bills at the kitchen table and clean it up every night and they let me have that space the entire time I was there. It was very generous of them.

[Pat Harris]

Harris after the ninth grade, growing into your 10th grade year, did you not live with them after that? Do you know why?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I do now. Jackie has some health problems and it was because of that I didn't live with them anymore. They told me they would have loved for me to have continued living with them, but it wasn't possible.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what was it like living with Lee and Jackie?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it was it was a lot of fun. She was very loving. She's one of the most generous people I know. She's always trying to bring family together.

[Pat Harris]

And planning things to have people and.

[Woody Overton]

Have a good time. HARRIS Was Lee like Latham Lee was very loving and very sweet, but also quiet, sort of reserved. He had often do his own thing. He'd go golfing and a lot of time on the weekends he'd be doing his own thing and Jack and I would be hanging out, but we always, I mean, they would always take me on whatever trips they were going on. And at the time, Uncle Lee was into the missions and we'd make trips up to San Juan Bautista and various missions. And they had always taken me with them. You know, I was part of the family. I was like a daughter.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS they treated you like a daughter?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Definitely.

[Pat Harris]

Harris you had two different points in your early life on you had contact with Scott and I want to talk about the first one.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM okay.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Beginning when you were actually living in Alaska, would you come down to California and actually visit with your relatives?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM we would. My parents made an effort to come down.

[Pat Harris]

They wanted us to know our cousins.

[Woody Overton]

And her family, and they also want to see their family. So every year we'd come down and.

[Pat Harris]

Spend some time with Jackie and Lee.

[Woody Overton]

And San Diego in the family. We'd stay with them.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what was the age difference?

[Woody Overton]

I believe it's eight years.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS so you're like his younger, younger cousin.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM and at that, when you're younger, it seems you're a lot younger.

[Pat Harris]

HARRISON what were your memories of when you were young visiting? What were your memories of? SCOTT.

[Woody Overton]

I always remember Scott taking the time to spend time with my sister Anna and myself, and she's just a little bit older than I am, about a year, and he was probably in junior high or high school, but nonetheless.

[Pat Harris]

He'D take the time to us to take us out and his play golf cart, take us for a little ride down the street.

[Woody Overton]

And we'd probably never been in a golf cart before that.

[Pat Harris]

And one day, you know, we were.

[Woody Overton]

Curious and we were asking about the golf balls and we were curious about what they were made of and what.

[Pat Harris]

Was inside of them. And he said, well, let's find out. So we went in the garage and.

[Woody Overton]

He put the golf ball in the vise grips and we busted it open.

[Pat Harris]

And found out what was inside of it and, you know, bounced it around.

[Woody Overton]

The driveway and took it to show our parents. He was always willing to take the time out, even though he probably had more fun things to do during that time of his life and hang out with his young girl cousins, he was willing to spend the time with Us.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, did you always find him to be sweet?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Yes. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

A gentleman?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Yes. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

You also have seen him for Thanksgivings when he had come to Alaska.

[Woody Overton]

That's true. He'd come up with his brothers and parents to yak attack.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, when you would see them interact, you know, the family sort of interact.

[Woody Overton]

How was Scott with the rest of the family? Latham. He was right there with everyone else. I mean, he was the youngest, but he was always in there with everyone. And he went hunting with the guys, and they go bird hunting. Aunt Jackie and my sister and my mom and I, we'd usually stay at home during the day. We may go on a walk or something. But he was always in with the boys.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, now, you had a second opportunity to get back in touch with him when you moved to San Luis Obispo, is that right?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. That's correct. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

That was during the time period that Scott was going to school there and working there.

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Yeah, he was at Cal Poly at the time. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

Where would you see him then?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Usually it was at Jackie and Lee's house or at Abba's, the restaurant that he worked at. We go there on a pretty regular basis, and he'd wait on us. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

Let me just make sure the jury is clear.

[Woody Overton]

When you say Abbas, that's not technically.

[Pat Harris]

The name of the restaurant, is it?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. No, I don't think so. We just called it Abbas.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, you just called it Abba's. That was the name of the owner.

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Yes, that's correct. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

It's actually the Pacific Cafe.

[Woody Overton]

Latham. Yes, it's the Pacific Cafe. I'm sorry.

[Pat Harris]

Harris Go ahead. You were saying?

[Woody Overton]

Latham. So we would see him at the Pacific Cafe, and he'd be waiting on us.

[Pat Harris]

And he had also come over to.

[Woody Overton]

The house on a very regular basis. And I was living with Jackie and Lee at the time. He would. He would come over to help them, the yard work. He would come over and Lee and him would work on their cars. He was always around women. Have you ever had one of those.

[Rachel Clara Latham]

Days where everything just feels off, like.

[Woody Overton]

You'Re stuck in the middle of a.

[Rachel Clara Latham]

Mystery and you can't solve it. Your energy's crashing, your mood swinging like a suspect in an interrogation room. And no matter what you do, nothing adds up.

[Woody Overton]

Well, Cindy has been there.

[Rachel Clara Latham]

And sometimes the real culprit is hiding in the shadows is hormonal imbalance. Here's the Twist. More than 1,000 hormone disruptors are living rent free in our world, lurking in our food, our air, even our skin care. And when hormones go haywire, it can feel like you're trapped in your own personal true crime story. Especially during pre menopause or menopause. But here's the good news. This is the one case you can crack with Hormone Harmony by Happy Mammoth. All you need to do is take their free two minute quiz. You'll answer a few simple questions. Just like that, you'll get a personalized recommendation to help bring your hormones back into balance. No long investigation required. What I love is that Hormone Harmony is made with Adaptogens, natural science backed herbal extracts that help your body adapt to stress and hormonal changes. Whether it's pms, hot flashes, brain fog or sleepless nights, this product is designed to help you feel like you again. Over 40,000 glowing reviews don't lie. And neither do the results. 86% of women say they started losing weight. 77% say their mood improved. And the biggest win, 100% say they feel like themselves again. For a limited time, you can get 15% off your entire first order. @happy mammoth.com just use the code RLRC at checkout. That's H A P P Y M A M m o t h.com code RLRC for 15% off today. This April, we're celebrating Earth Month. And it's the perfect time to think about the choices we make every day. Especially the ones we don't always think about, like where we sleep. If there's one thing I've learned, it's the quality is sustainability. When you invest in something well made, it last longer. And that means less waste, fewer replacements and a bigger impact on protecting our planet. That's why I love Avocado Green Mattress. Avocado makes certified organic mattresses crafted with non toxic materials in their very own Zero Waste factory. They've already diverted 85% of their waste from landfills and they're aiming for 90%. It's not just about comfort. It's about caring for the planet with every choice we make. And here's something I really love. Avocado is a proud member of the 1% for the planet. That means at least 1% of every dollar they earn goes straight to environmental nonprofits tackling climate change and protecting ecosystems. So when you choose Avocado, you're not just sleeping better, you're giving back. If you're thinking about upgrading your mattress, do it with purpose. Choose one that's better for you and better for the planet. Head to avocadomatress.com today and save up to 10% on certified organic mattresses. Dream of better for you and the planet.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS did he also pick you up from school?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM he would he'd pick me up from school. I mean, I participated in after school activities and if Jackie and Lee couldn't pick me up, he would come pick.

[Pat Harris]

Me up from the playing field.

[Woody Overton]

If I was playing softball, he'd come.

[Pat Harris]

Pick me up after school.

[Woody Overton]

If I had some other activities, he was always willing to help out. I think that had a lot to do with Jackie and Lee's relationship with Scott too. I mean, their quote, relationship. They were willing to help each other out.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS I'm sorry, in what way? I want to ask you to elaborate on that. That had to do with their relationship.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM how they would help each other out. HARRIS yes. LATHAM I think they had a great positive relationship and like Scott needed, you know, something done, they would do it for him and vice versa. If they needed some help in the yard or Aaron run, there was no hesitation.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS did he also regularly come to your soccer games?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM he did. And Lacey did as well. They come to my soccer games, they'd come to football games and Jackie and Lee did too.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you got to meet while you were there in St. Louis, that that was the time period that Scott had met Lacey, is that right?

[Woody Overton]

I actually remember the first time that Jackie and Lee met Lacey as well. I was there and we all went to lunch at a cafe in Morro Bay.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how was that?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it was a fun time. I remember really liking her from the beginning.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS did you have the opportunity when you say come over their house, did you ever have the opportunity to watch him interact with his parents?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Definitely yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what would you say his relationship from your viewpoint, what was his relationship like with his mother?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM he was always respectful and loving. I mean, he'd be joking around, but he was always very sweet. And he asked her, you know, mom, do you need anything moved? And he he'd help it if she did tell him he would do it.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how about his relationship with his father?

[Woody Overton]

What was your viewpoint on that? LATHAM they were, I mean they were joking around, but always loving and they do activities together. They'd go golfing together.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you just, you told me last night about another side of Scott that had to deal with this while he was in Morro Bay in the area and dealing with a lot of the elderly people around. If I could just ask you a little bit about first of all, could you tell us who are sue and Bill Warren?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM sue and Bill Warren are good friends of the family. And to me it seems sort of like they were pseudo grandparents to Scott.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how would you see him interact with them?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Very loving, sweet manner. SCOTT they would play golf together. The guys would and sue wanted and she would come over for dinner and we'd go out for dinner and we saw them quite often.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and did that have seemed to be genuine affection there?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Definitely, yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Would he help them in different projects and different things?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how about you mention another family called the Campbells?

[Woody Overton]

Lathe the Campbells, they lived right across the street and they were an elderly couple as well. And Scott would always be helping them as well as I mean there was a neighbor next door who was elderly and she couldn't get around too well and if she needed some bricks moved or something built, he was there. There was also another woman down the street who had multiple sclerosis and Scott would do gardening work for her and.

[Pat Harris]

Help her out as well. HARRIS at some point did your relationship become close enough with Scott and Lacey that they actually offered to have you live with them?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM they did. When I was a sophomore that year, after I lived with Jackie and Lee, they actually offered to have me come.

[Pat Harris]

And live with them.

[Woody Overton]

And they they were still in School in St. Louis and I mean they were in college. I just got done with college a little bit ago and I don't think I don't know if I would have been able to do the same. You know, you're living with your girlfriend at the time and you invite your.

[Pat Harris]

Little cousin to come live with you.

[Woody Overton]

It was a very, very generous offer on their behalf.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS the times you were there in St. Louis particularly, did you find him to be a person who cared about others?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Definitely, yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS did you find that he had a positive influence on the people around him?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes, he may have been quiet about it, but it was definitely there, yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS has he made a positive influence on you?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes, he has.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how so?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I've always seen Scott as a leader and someone to look up to. He like like I said before, he may be quiet about it. You may have to go and talk to him.

[Pat Harris]

He may be a little standoffish to someone who didn't know him, but if.

[Woody Overton]

You get to talking to him, he's very down to earth, very loving and he's willing to help and that means a lot.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how would putting him to death affect you personally?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I think it would break my heart. I think it would be horrible for the family and destroy everything we used to have him. We used to have the family reunions, and they were really fun and wonderful times.

[Pat Harris]

And I mean, we haven't even we.

[Woody Overton]

Haven'T even had one the last couple years. I don't I don't think it would ever it would never be the same for the entire family. It just wouldn't. HARRIS that's all I have. All right, y'all, I'm rolling with these because we're almost done now. Pat Harris is going to be Interviewing Robert Latham. December 6, 2004. HARRIS Good morning. LATHAM Good morning.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS previously, we have heard from your older brother John, and you are Jackie's brother also, is that correct?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes, I'm I'm the youngest.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you're the youngest. How much younger are you than Jackie?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Almost two years to the date.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS we heard the history a little bit. We had John talk a little bit.

[Woody Overton]

About the family history.

[Pat Harris]

So I won't go back into the tragedies that occurred. But you did, in fact, also, the entire family was put in the orphanage at the time of your mother's debilitating illness, is that right?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM this is true. I probably spent most of the time there at the Nazareth house, the orphanage.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Is that because you were put there at an early age?

[Woody Overton]

Yeah, I was put there at the age of three, until I was 14.

[Pat Harris]

And Harris I think one thing I want the jury to be clear on, I know that we talked a little.

[Woody Overton]

Bit about Jackie at the time.

[Pat Harris]

JOHN Talk about the orphanage.

[Woody Overton]

This wasn't a situation where your mother.

[Pat Harris]

Didn'T want you, is that correct?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM no, I never felt unloved. I always felt mom wanted us home, but it wasn't possible.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS she just couldn't LATHAM she couldn't.

[Woody Overton]

Take care of us. We ended up taking care of her.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS the orphanage didn't provide for her to come see you very often, did it?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM no, no, there was kind of, let's say, evolutionary process in the visiting or the visitation. Seems like it starts just one day a month overnight, and then, you know, as the time and your age progresses, it would be a weekend or two, you know. But our mother had a very difficult time driving out with the skeleton. DERMA she was basically turning into a skeleton.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS the were you in the same place as Jackie with the two of you housed in the same place, you know, that kind of thing?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I mean, while the boys and girls girls were kept different, you know, on different sides of school, and there was like tennis courts and playground fences between the boys and the girls, they were separated by someone age and boys and girls. So.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS they kept the boys and girls separate after school?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Yep, they did, except during mass in the classroom.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what so basically then you weren't allowed a lot of contact with your sister?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM no, we didn't see each other a whole lot. We see each other through the fence mainly. Maybe I'd say hi. I can remember one particular time when the boys were being, I guess, rascals throwing dirt clods at the fence and they were showering it down on the girls. And I saw my sister there and I went over to her and, you know, reached through the fence and I asked her if she was all right. I mean, but it was a good place, you know, there was a lot of care.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you eventually move back into the household?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah, at age 14, leaving the Nazareth house, John basically moved out. We had a small house and made room for me and her mother was still alive then and she died when I was 16, so basically spent, you know, a couple of years with her. So.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Was Jackie in the household at the time?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Yep, she was.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and what was she doing in the household?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM well, when I get when I could get her, I get her to do my earning. She was being a mom and going to school and going to high school.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS so in the absence of your mother's ability to basically do the physical things, Jackie took care of most of the physical activities?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM she did a lot of them, yeah, she did the shopping, a lot of the shopping, all the housekeeping and we all pitched in. We all learned how to plug in a vacuum cleaner.

[Pat Harris]

So Harris, after you left the house, you told me was the situation were you well off financially?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM oh, no, no, no, no, no, not at all. We you know, I mean my mother was basically getting Social Security toward the end. I mean every dime had been exhausted just getting us through school and getting us basically growing up. She ended up I mean when she died, you know, after that I got some Social Security through a guardian, but it didn't go very far. I can I can remember well, I can't remember if it was Thanksgiving or Christmas where my sister and I split a TV dinner, insist making a joke about it and it is good enough with enough ketchup, you know, so but.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, where did you go you eventually I mean, what was your profession or is your profession?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I'm a general contractor.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and you eventually moved on to that? Did did you have to appear at a time go overseas?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I didn't go overseas. Well, I went to Saipan, an island of the Pacific, with my wife. She was a speech pathologist at the time, and there was a position in Saipan and we had the kids and we don't want to pass up on the opportunity to live on tropical island.

[Pat Harris]

So Harris, you say the kids, how many children do you have?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I have four.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and what are the names?

[Woody Overton]

Latham Lita, Abraham Kelly and Michael.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS now you eventually came back into the U. S from the Navy?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes, we spent five years, almost six.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS so what I want to talk to you about then is the time period after you came back and we've heard from John about the reconnection in the family. How did you see it from your angle with Jackie sort of reconnecting all.

[Woody Overton]

The family.

[Pat Harris]

Pretty much the same way.

[Woody Overton]

Jacqueline was the heartbeat of the family and she would call and coordinate, you know, getting us reservations down in San Diego and just she would coordinate mainly with John's return and he would come down and do some business and get out of the cold of Alaska for a while, and it was usually during February, March time, so but we'd all get together and hang out and saw Scott there many times.

[Pat Harris]

LACY Harris, before you went into that, you said she was a heartbeat of the family. And I mean, what do you mean by that?

[Woody Overton]

What does that say to you? LATHAM well, sis is always, I'm, I refer to her as wacky, a Jackie she's always fun loving and focus on getting people together, you know, the family together. I mean.

[Pat Harris]

Harris when you were there, before you went to live in Sapan, you did have some opportunity to interact with Scott, is that right?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM at that, yeah, actually, I went to Scott at the hospital when he was born, did see him a few times as a young man.

[Pat Harris]

And I actually moved out of town.

[Woody Overton]

With some distance and was involved in a business that seemed to go into the weekends a lot.

[Pat Harris]

So I didn't get down to San Diego too much, but on occasion we.

[Woody Overton]

Would get down and visit. Harris as a young man, what struck you about him? LATHAM he was always very nice and seemed very respectful and respective to his family and both Lee and Jackie and everybody always, you know, he always greeted everybody with a smile. He was quiet, somewhat, somewhat like myself, I would say, a bit reserved, but always nice.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Then later on you reconnected when you came back and you had a chance to see him as you grew into a young man in his early 20s and so forth, is that correct?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yes.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS when you saw him later on as a young man, what impressed you about him then?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM he was very industrious. He was always taking care of business and, oh, hard working and a good sense of humor, quiet sense of humor.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Is he somebody you you just enjoyed being around?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM oh, absolutely, yeah, he was easy to be around.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS how about your kids?

[Woody Overton]

How do they feel about being around him? LATHAM well, when they got to know him, they really liked him and they thought it was really great to have.

[Pat Harris]

Such a great cousin.

[Woody Overton]

He was just a little older and they all enjoyed him.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you mentioned to me the thing that struck you is he always tried very hard to please his parents.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM he did.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS do you still see that in him?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Is that a trait you feel like has gone from time to time, from when he was very young until the time you see him now?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it's been a consistent trait. HARRIS Ever seen him rebel or anything.

[Pat Harris]

As a teenager or talk back to his parents?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Nope. He's always been very respectful.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS do you feel like there's a hope for Scott if he is allowed to live in jail? I hope that he could have a positive influence on others.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Yes, I do. HARRIS why? LATHAM well, first of all, I think the verdict is a mistake and that he's in well, in time things will change.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS but why do you think he can be a positive influence in jail?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM because he's a positive person. He will look, you know, develop an attitude of trying to make it work, make it real, make it good.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Will this affect you if he is put to death?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Absolutely.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS in what way?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it will affect our entire family. And like I said, I believe it's a mistake, and I wouldn't want that mistake to be on other people. HARRIS that's all I have.

[Pat Harris]

Thank you.

[Woody Overton]

Just keeps rolling, y'all. I mean, curious as to who they're going to call next. The I mean, you call it everybody in the world jury's sitting up there, still waiting, still debating, but let's go ahead and try to get one more done if we can today. And then literally, I can see the end of the list, so stick with me. Lita Latham, Scott's first cousin. So, December 6, 2004, and again, Harris is doing examination.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS we just heard from Robert.

[Woody Overton]

Latham.

[Pat Harris]

Is that your father?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah.

[Pat Harris]

Harris you grew up in San Diego or where? LATHAM I grew up primarily in Rancho Cucamonga. HARRIS and where is that in relation to San Diego?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM it's northeast of it.

[Pat Harris]

So I spent most of the time with my mom, and then I spent.

[Woody Overton]

Every other weekend with my dad. And he lived in Idlewild for most of my childhood, which is east of where I grew up.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and that's about what, an hour, an hour and a half or so from San Diego. Hour and a half, two hours from San Diego.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah, around there.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS where do you live now?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I live in Costa Mesa.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS and what do you do for a living?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I'm an environmental educator. So I teach science for grade school children. In schools or out in the field programs, yes.

[Pat Harris]

You have a brother and a sister? Excuse me, Two brothers and sisters, is that right?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Two brothers and a sister? Actually, I have two brothers and two sisters. One that's not a LATHAM. HARRIS okay, got it.

[Pat Harris]

Where do you fall, where do you.

[Woody Overton]

Fall in the family lineup? LATHAM I'm the oldest.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS where do you fall in terms of relationship to Scott Age wise, if.

[Woody Overton]

You work in quality control at a candy factory, you know, strict safety regulations come with the job. It's why you partner with Grain Grainger. Grainger helps you find the high quality and compliant products your business needs to inspect, detect, and help correct issues. And the sweetest part is everyone gets a product that's as safe to eat as it is delicious. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop.

[Select Quote Representative]

By Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM I'm about two years younger than Scott. Harris.

[Pat Harris]

As you were growing up, did you have the opportunity to see Scott?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Yep. We've always grown up together, shared memories. In fact, even shared a crib.

[Pat Harris]

Scott's crib became mine when I was born. And then we from then on, we.

[Woody Overton]

We played together as kids. And we would get together. Either they would come to Idlewild or.

[Pat Harris]

We would go down to San Diego and spend weekends there. And when we were with my dad.

[Woody Overton]

Playing around the house.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS what kind of things would you do as kids?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM we played games together and we'd play out in the backyard. This is the best place because they kind of lived in a rural area that backed up to hillside with lots of rocks. So they always had elaborate forts out there. And we play out in the forts and we play inside the house. We, Scott and John developed even a magic game that we would play when, well, they could only fool us a couple times with it. But I remember one time when we got there, they would hide out in.

[Pat Harris]

The closet and pull, pull the closet clothes. And then we would sit outside and.

[Woody Overton]

John would say the magic words. And then Scott, unbeknownst to us, we climbed through the ceiling out, out and then run out of the house and.

[Pat Harris]

Then John would open the door, Scott would be gone.

[Woody Overton]

So we we'd play, you know, kids games like that.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Teach you how to try and catch crayfish?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Yep. There was a little area with a stream nearby and Scott would take us.

[Pat Harris]

Down and teach us how to pick.

[Woody Overton]

Crayfish up out of the stream without getting pinched.

[Pat Harris]

And our Uncle Patrick had told us.

[Woody Overton]

They would pinch our toes off. So Scott taught us how to use tennis rackets to pick them up and look at them.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Growing up with Scott, you saw him as a fun person?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah, and we always had a good time together.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS I see the word quiet has been used a lot. Was was always quiet to you? LATHAM well, he was always quiet when.

[Woody Overton]

You first get there and once you kind of break that down, once you would start playing together, then he was.

[Pat Harris]

A lot of fun and he's out of way now.

[Woody Overton]

He's very quiet, but still a lot of fun.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS you at some point, your relationship with Scott sort of took a hiatus, right? You didn't see him for how long?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Right. When my dad moved overseas, then we live with my mom only, and so we didn't get together with the Petersons at all or even the other Lathams.

[Pat Harris]

So it wasn't until I was coming.

[Woody Overton]

Back from being overseas and I was a young adult that I saw Scott.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Once you reckon once you reconnected later, did anything change?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Not a lot of change in our relationship. We had changed, obviously, as people because we weren't kids anymore. We were adults and Scott was still the quiet kid, but now he was an adult and so he I remember.

[Pat Harris]

The first time I saw him, I.

[Woody Overton]

Hadn'T seen him in like six years and he is kind of quiet and didn't know if he was, you know.

[Pat Harris]

Quiet still because he was a shy.

[Woody Overton]

Kid or if he's unapproachable. But that's the same old Scott. Once you get up there and Scott hanging out with him and having conversations with him, then he's a real great guy. HARRIS where would you see him? LATHAM we saw him at family gatherings. The first time I saw him was Jackie and Lee's 25th wedding anniversary. And then from then on, everybody seemed to be in the same place at the same time. Ann and Rachel were living with I mean, living down in San Luis Obispo, and our family was all down basically in California now in the States. And so we always got together down in La Jolla for the family gatherings at least once a year when Uncle John was down.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS did you also have a chance to get to know Lacey a little bit?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah, I remember the first time I met her was at Aunt Jackie's and Uncle Lee's 25th wedding anniversary, but I didn't actually get a chance to talk to her until one of the family gatherings after that. And she's I remember I remember the first impression I have of her was that she was the perfect match for Scott.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS why?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Scott's very quiet and seems a.

[Pat Harris]

Bit standoffish, kind of reserved, and it.

[Woody Overton]

Takes and it took somebody like Lacey.

[Pat Harris]

To bring him out to get him to kind of crack that shell on him. HARRIS he told me about a time when Lacey and Scott were down in San Diego for a family reunion and didn't show up on a Sunday.

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM yeah, they they should they didn't show up on Sunday. That was the time we usually got together for breakfast as a family. And I I hadn't seen Scott in a while, so we were wondering where Scott was and Aunt Jackie had told.

[Pat Harris]

Me that he had actually gone out.

[Woody Overton]

Early and would be meeting us later because he was taking I guess was an older friend of his, an older woman, and Lacy was going with them.

[Pat Harris]

He's going to take her to Mass.

[Woody Overton]

In the morning and he'd be joining us later.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS Is that the kind of things you heard or saw that Scott and Lacey would do?

[Woody Overton]

LATHAM Absolutely.

[Pat Harris]

Scott's always been very generous.

[Woody Overton]

Even as we were kids, he was I mean, always you know, they always had the cool toys and, you know, the cool games and things like that that, you know, we were always interested in playing with. And Scott was always generous with his toys, but also generous with his time. As for adults.

[Pat Harris]

HARRIS as you sit here today, what are things that you feel like Scott.

[Woody Overton]

Has made is a positive impact on your life? Like well, I think about the type.

[Pat Harris]

Of person that Scott is as far.

[Woody Overton]

As we can all I think all of us can say in our family.

[Pat Harris]

That we think Scott is a great guy and a real good person.

[Woody Overton]

But one of the qualities that's great.

[Pat Harris]

Is his quietness and his he doesn't.

[Woody Overton]

Want to be the center of attention.

[Pat Harris]

But he does a lot of good things on the side. You have to really dig around to find out he's doing like he never told us tonight that we're together, that he's going to leave early in the morning to take everybody to Mass, you know, couldn't drive themselves and he wouldn't.

[Woody Overton]

Have mentioned it any other time, but Aunt Jackie did.

[Pat Harris]

So he's very giving, but in a way that he doesn't want to be.

[Woody Overton]

Recognized for it necessarily. And he's very loving. Very loving individual, very fun, very much the man that I hope my son becomes.

[Pat Harris]

Harris, the last question I'll ask you is that you told me that although he was quiet when he would smile. What effect did that have on you?

[Woody Overton]

Latham? He kind of lights up the room. He's got a great smile. I haven't seen it in a while.

[Pat Harris]

But he's got a twinkle in his eye.

[Woody Overton]

And everybody smiles along with him.

[Pat Harris]

His whole face smiles with him.

[Woody Overton]

His eyes, especially Harris.

[Pat Harris]

Thank you.

[Woody Overton]

That's all I have. All right, y'all. Wrapping up this episode of Scorched again. Obviously, you know why I think it's scorched. She likes to smile. His eyes twinkle. You know that she. He taught him how to crayfish. Crawfish. In other words, get a crawfish out of the ditch with a tennis racket so it wouldn't pinch their toes off. The. That got to do with him cutting baby Connor out of Lacey's stomach and murder, or maybe even cut her out of stomach, but murdering the both of them. So Scorch again. I said it once, I'll say it a thousand more times. They better pray to God that nobody's DNA but his comes back on that piece of duct tape, otherwise this dude is going to walk. So almost done. Finally. But y'all are following it, so thank you all for following and listening and liking and sharing and all that good stuff. And we have. Literally. Let me count them. 1, 2, 3, 4. We have. We have two more days of testimony, y'all. December, Tuesday the 7th. Just December 7th. The Tuesday and December 8th of Wednesday. And then they rest and. And give the final arguments. Okay. And then you get the vote. So. Lopa Louisiana Oregon Procurement Agency. You know, it's my jam. I will be guest bartending at Walk Owens Restaurant bistro in Zachary, Louisiana, on. I think it's April 8th. Look at and see. It's during an LSU baseball game. And make sure marshmallows. April 8th is a Tuesday, y'all. And it'll be in the. In the Evening Times. I don't know the hours exactly yet, but we're going to post them. The Walcorns is going to share it, but Kevin Garrick, I call him affectionately, Kool Aid and I are going to be bartending, and any tips we get are going straight to Louisiana Oregon Procurement Agency. So. And they're going to have a representative there and hopefully some of y'all who aren't organ donors can sign up yet. And you don't have to be an organ donor from the state of Louisiana to sign up for LOPA. You could be from Iowa. Just go to lopa.org, take two minutes, fill it out. Sign up to be a hero people. People are dying every single day needing organs. Lopa helps the families of the heroes and the recipients, and they help them afterwards. They're just. It's an amazing organization and they're a nonprofit and that's why I support them. But thank y'all for listening, liking and tuning in. Don't forget, hashtag justiceforhalie. Goodness gracious, if we can get the murder indictment on this or just at least get it brought for the grand jury, which is what Ms. Barbara wants. And then of course, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, you get true crime time for with Cindy and I thank y'all for liking and sharing that. That's awesome. It's pretty fun. If you have any ideas for stories or what have you, just let us know. And I'm Woody Overton, your host of Real Life, Real Crime, the podcast. Until next time or ever. Don't let me catch you down on murder by you. Peace. Yeah. The right to remain silent any days can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney prior to or during any question. If you can't afford one, the court appoint one for you. Do you understand your rights?

[Commercial Voiceover]

And the wolf is at your go. You're running so. But that's for sure. Already knows all about you. Cut you down, no matter about you. Now you better wonder when you think about businesses that are selling through the roof like Aloe or Allbirds or Skims. Sure, you think about a great product, a cool brand and brilliant marketing. But an often overlooked secret is actually the business behind the business making selling simple for millions of businesses. That business is Shopify. Nobody does selling better than Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet. And the not so secret secret with shop pay that boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning way less carts going abandoned and way more sales going. So if you're into growing your business, your commerce platform better be ready to sell wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling on the web, in your store, in their feed, and everywhere in between. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout allbirds use. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com try all lowercase go to shopify.com try to upgrade your selling today shopify.com try.