Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time For – April 10, 2025

Hosts: Woody Overton and Cindy Overton

1. Justice for Hailey: Ongoing Advocacy and Updates

[00:00 - 03:11]

In the episode's opening segment, Woody Overton passionately addresses the ongoing campaign #JusticeForHailey. He commends the listeners' unwavering support and efforts in advocating for Hailey's case. Woody emphasizes the impact of collective actions, stating:

“There's nothing more satisfying than getting justice and putting some asshole in prison that thinks he got away with murder.”
— Woody Overton [00:34]

Cindy Overton echoes this sentiment, highlighting the resilience of the families involved and the importance of respectful advocacy despite the frustrations:

“Or be like Luigi and go kill somebody to get attention. This is the right way to do it.”
— Cindy Overton [02:17]

Woody updates listeners on recent developments, including media interviews and statements from the District Attorney's office, signaling progress in their quest for justice. He also teases future episodes dedicated to other families seeking closure, reinforcing the show's commitment to justice advocacy.

2. Austin Metcalf Stabbing at Kirkendall Stadium, Frisco, Texas

[03:24 - 12:55]

Incident Overview:
On April 2nd, a tragic event unfolded at Kirkendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a high school track meet. Seventeen-year-old Austin Metcalf, a promising junior at Memorial High School, was fatally stabbed by Carmelo Anthony, a student from Frisco Centennial High School.

Details of the Incident:
The dispute began over seating arrangements under the team tent. Austin requested Carmelo to move, to which Carmelo responded aggressively:

“Touch me and see what happens.”
— Cindy Overton [05:38]

Escalating swiftly, Carmelo produced a knife from his backpack and stabbed Austin in the chest. First responders arrived promptly and attempted CPR, but Austin was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

Aftermath and Community Response:
The incident sent shockwaves through the school district, prompting the board of trustees to issue statements of sorrow and support for Austin's family. A vigil was held in his honor, showcasing the community's grief and solidarity.

Misinformation and Police Response:
Woody highlights the emergence of fake accounts spreading misinformation about the stabbing. Frisco Police Chief David Schislon condemned these false narratives, emphasizing their criminal nature:

“Those taken to social media deliberately spread misinformation, hate, fear, and division.”
— Woody Overton [07:48]

The police stressed that any online claims diverging from the official account are false, reiterating that Carmelo admitted to the act and questioned whether it was self-defense.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims:
Carmelo's attorney, Derek Walpole, hinted at a potential self-defense argument but remained non-committal pending further fact-finding. Meanwhile, fundraising efforts by Carmelo's family have amassed over $150,000 for his defense, despite the family's insistence that the prevailing narrative is unjust and harmful.

Woody reinforces the gravity of the situation, underscoring the heinousness of the crime and the community's ongoing pursuit of justice.

3. Michael Tanzy Execution Case in Florida

[12:55 - 24:36]

Case Background:
Michael Tanzy, a 48-year-old inmate on Florida's death row, is scheduled for execution on April 8th for the 2000 rape and murder of Janet Acosta, a newspaper employee. Tanzy was convicted of first-degree murder after a brutal attack that included rape, torture, and execution of Acosta.

Legal Challenges and Defense Claims:
Tanzy's legal team argues that his obesity (6 feet 3 inches, 383 pounds) and health conditions, including sciatica, could result in a botched lethal injection that might leave him paralyzed but conscious:

“The lethal injection procedure might not work because of his weight and would leave him paralyzed but aware.”
— Woody Overton [16:54]

Despite these claims, Florida Attorney General's office maintains that the state's lethal injection protocol remains effective, labeling the defense's assertions as unfounded:

“Tanzy fails to offer any support for his groundless assertion that the massive dose of Etomidate will not work on him.”
— Woody Overton [16:54]

Tanzy's attorneys have sought to halt the scheduled execution, but Florida courts have denied these appeals. The only remaining avenue is clemency from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has already signed Tanzy's death warrant. Woody expresses skepticism about the prospects of clemency, given the circumstances.

Community and Legal Implications:
Woody critiques the legal defense strategies, questioning their effectiveness and integrity:

“How in the you can get on there as the chief, act like chief of police to put out some disinformation that is a dumb criminal.”
— Woody Overton [12:55]

He underscores the severity of capital crimes, distinguishing Tanzy's actions from lesser offenses, and supports the application of the death penalty in such extreme cases.

4. Brittany Hopkins Murder in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

[24:36 - 33:03]

Incident Overview:
On February 28th, Brittany Hopkins, a 34-year-old mother of three (ages 14, 4, and a baby under two), was brutally murdered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Brittany was expecting her fourth child and was described by her family as a loving mother who had recently expressed fear, indicating she sensed impending danger.

Circumstances of the Murder:
Police reports detail that Brittany was bludgeoned repeatedly with a hammer. Her body was then concealed inside a comforter, placed into a shopping cart, and discarded as garbage. This gruesome evidence led investigators to suspect and ultimately arrest Donnie Dunnell White, a 51-year-old man from Nevada.

Investigation and Arrest:
Authorities discovered blood spatter, traces of Brittany's hair on the hammer, and skull fragments at White's residence. Surveillance footage confirmed White's presence at the storage facility on February 22nd, linking him directly to the crime scene.

Legal Proceedings:
Donnie Dunnell White has been charged with first-degree murder and additional charges related to the non-consensual termination of Brittany's pregnancy. Cindy and Woody discuss the improbability of executing White in Iowa, given the state's abolished death penalty status:

“Iowa has carried out 46 executions between 1834 and 65... but they abolished it a second time in 1965.”
— Cindy Overton [27:46]

Woody adds that current legislative efforts in Iowa to reinstate the death penalty are narrowly focused and unlikely to impact White's case. He sarcastically suggests extraditing White to a state like Arizona to pursue harsher penalties, highlighting the complexities and limitations of the justice system.

5. International Incident: Attempted Airplane Door Opening by Jordanian Passenger

[33:03 - 37:23]

Incident Overview:
On April 5th, an Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Sydney, Australia, was disrupted when a 46-year-old Jordanian man attempted to open the rear emergency exit door mid-flight. The passenger, later identified as Shadi Tassier Ayad Alas, was reportedly under the influence of pseudoephedrine, a sleeping pill, and alcohol during the incident.

Sequence of Events:
Once the first attempt to open the door was thwarted by cabin crew intervention, the passenger escalated his actions by assaulting a flight attendant. Despite being restrained and moved to a central seat on the aircraft, the passenger persisted in his attempt, jeopardizing the safety of all onboard.

Response and Legal Actions:
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) commended the cabin crew's professionalism in handling the situation, emphasizing that no passengers or crew members were harmed:

“AirAsia has a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior of any kind.”
— Woody Overton [34:16]

Upon landing in Sydney, Alas was arrested and faced charges including endangering the safety of an aircraft and assaulting crew members. Detectives expressed relief that the situation did not result in casualties, acknowledging the potential for "tragic consequences" had the passenger's actions succeeded.

Expert Commentary:
Woody and Cindy discuss the absurdity and potential motives behind such reckless behavior. Woody speculates on possible underlying issues, including undisclosed ties or personal motivations, while Cindy humorously suggests that Alas should refrain from mixing substances that impair judgment:

“Don't mix… it's a little buzz and alcohol that does all... you can get off that.”
— Cindy Overton [36:58]

They conclude by highlighting the importance of trained crew in maintaining flight safety and preventing disasters.

Conclusion

Woody and Cindy Overton deliver a compelling episode filled with intense true crime stories, ranging from local tragedies to international incidents. Their dynamic interplay, combined with detailed analyses and emotional insights, provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of each case's complexities and broader implications. The hosts maintain a balance between informative narration and candid commentary, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the "Real Life Real Crime" series.

“Everything tells a story, but not everyone listens to it.”
— Woody Overton [39:03]

Hashtag: #JusticeForHailey

Thank you for tuning into this episode of True Crime Time For. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and continue supporting the pursuit of justice.