Real Life Real Crime Podcast Summary Episode: True Crime Time For August 5, 2025 | Jessie Blodgett Case, Child Abuse in Wyoming & Family Murders
Host: Real Life Real Crime Productions (Woody Overton & Cindy Overton)
Guest: Sophia Salinas, Assistant Director Alumni at Southeastern Louisiana University, Master’s in Psychology
Release Date: August 2, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of True Crime Time For, hosts Woody and Cindy Overton, alongside special guest Sophia Salinas, delve into a series of harrowing true crime cases. From the chilling murder of Jessie Blodgett in Wisconsin to disturbing instances of child abuse in Wyoming, and unsettling family murders, this episode offers a deep dive into the darkest corners of human behavior and the complexities of the legal system.

Jessie Blodgett Case: A Tragic Loss and Legal Proceedings

Overview The episode opens with the heart-wrenching story of Jessie Blodgett, a vibrant 19-year-old college student from Hartford, Wisconsin, whose life was brutally taken in July 2013. Jessie was found strangled and sexually assaulted in her bedroom, leading investigators to suspect someone within her close circle.

Investigation Details Sophia Salinas provides a detailed account of the investigation, highlighting the critical evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of Daniel Bartlett, Jessie’s ex-boyfriend:

• Suspicious Behavior and Evidence:
  Cindy Overton recounts, “[...] one of her credit card companies had been sending me messages with codes to my phone saying you try to verify or log into your account...” indicating potential tampering with accounts post-trial.
  Sophia Salinas adds, “Forensic testing revealed that both Daniel Bartlett's DNA and Jesse's DNA were on that evidence. And the rope matched the ligature marks on Jesse's neck and wrist.” [13:02]

• Digital Footprint:
  Sophia Salinas explains, “When his digital history was analyzed, they found disturbing online searches. He had researched serial killers, restraint techniques, and rape fantasies, showing that all that he did was premeditated.” [13:25]

• Trial and Conviction:
  The trial moved swiftly, with prosecutors presenting undeniable evidence. In October 2014, Bartlett was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Notably, during sentencing, Jesse’s father, Buck, made an extraordinary statement:
  Citizens often stunned: “I not only forgive you, I love you. And I want you to know that as long as you're alive, you still have the chance to own what you did, to make amends and bring healing into this sick world.” [24:40]

Legacy Jessie’s family established the Love is Greater Than Hate Project, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness about male violence against women, ensuring that Jessie’s legacy continues to foster positive change.

Child Abuse in Wyoming: The Middlestadt Family Case

Case Overview Next, the hosts turn their attention to a deeply troubling case from Wyoming involving Derek Middlestadt, a fire chief, his wife Angela, and their adopted 13-year-old son. Discovered in June 2025, the boy was found emaciated, weighing only 50 pounds, and suffering severe neglect and abuse.

Details of Abuse Cindy Overton provides a harrowing description:
“They found the boy in his bedroom, locked from the outside with heavy items. He was only fed white bread, ham, vegetables, and a zero Gatorade once a day. According to police, he hadn't left the property in years and was prohibited from leaving his room, watching TV, or playing with his brother.” [27:36]

Investigation and Charges The investigation unveiled a pattern of cruelty:

• Forensic Evidence:
  Sophia Salinas notes, “Forensic testing revealed that both Daniel Bartlett's DNA and Jesse's DNA were on that evidence.” Though this seems to be a mix-up with the Jessie Blodgett case, the Middlestadt case similarly centers on forensic evidence linking the parents to the abuse.

• Parental Admission:
  Both Derek and Angela admitted to their failings, expressing remorse. Angela stated, “That was my mistake for thinking I could help him,” highlighting their awareness of their misconduct.

• Legal Consequences:
  Both parents were charged with aggravated child abuse and conspiracy to commit aggravated child abuse, culminating in their surrender to authorities on July 28. The Laramie County Fire District has since called an emergency board meeting to address the fallout.

Family Dynamics and Discussion The hosts and Sophia delve into the psychological aspects of such abusive behavior. Sophia Salinas ponders, “How do you go from... this wasn't his first time getting punished, getting sent to his locked in a room for years and not being fed?” [34:40]

Cindy Overton adds her frustration and disbelief, questioning how prominent, seemingly responsible individuals could commit such heinous acts:
“...they are prominent people, your fire chief and the wife... they hold functions and they are prominent members of society and you lock him in the room for years.” [34:40]

Family Murders and Child Abuse Cases

Nebraska Child Deaths The discussion shifts to multiple cases of child deaths in Nebraska, emphasizing the tragic frequency and the dire need for awareness and preventive measures:

• Hastings Case:
  A five-month-old baby was left in a car on a sweltering hot day in Hastings, Nebraska, leading to the child’s death from extreme heat exposure. The father, Jeremy Hansen, was arrested and charged with negligent child abuse resulting in death.
  Cindy Overton highlights, “On a day like this, ... temperatures inside the car can reach 135 degrees. The baby cooked,” underscoring the lethal conditions faced by the child. [53:08]

Australia Child Fatality Another case from Australia involves Monique Ellen Burden, who was sentenced for interference with a corpse and fraud related to a GoFundMe campaign:

• Incident Details:
  Sophia Salinas narrates, “Burden gave birth in 2022 before leaving the baby boy in a garbage bag behind a couch. Her partner placed the bag into a chest freezer.” The baby was later found in poor condition, leading to Burden’s conviction.

• Legal Outcome:
  Burden received a 19-month suspended sentence, which includes a treatment program. The judge criticized her actions as involving “a degree of indignity and callous disregard and moral repugnancy,” but acknowledged her remorse and psychological conditions.

Discussion on Legal System and Recidivism The hosts express frustration with the leniency of sentences in cases involving child abuse and neglect, questioning the effectiveness of the judicial system in deterring such behaviors:

Cindy Overton states, “19 months is ridiculous. She's going to do it again.” [47:40]

Sophia Salinas echoes the sentiment, adding, “She's already done it. How many times?” [47:40]

Conclusion

In this episode, True Crime Time For underscores the pervasive issues of abuse, neglect, and systemic failures across different regions. Through detailed case studies and expert insights, the hosts and their guest shed light on the intricate and often tragic dynamics that lead to such crimes. The episode serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, awareness, and robust legal frameworks to protect the vulnerable.

Notable Quotes:

• Buck (Jessie’s Father):
  “I not only forgive you, I love you. And I want you to know that as long as you're alive, you still have the chance to own what you did, to make amends and bring healing into this sick world.” [24:40]

• Cindy Overton on Middlestadt Case:
  “They have a 13-year-old adopted son... he was discovered ... weighed 50 pounds.” [27:36]

• Cindy Overton on Legal Outcome:
  “19 months is ridiculous. She's going to do it again.” [47:40]

• Sophia Salinas on Abuse Patterns:
  “How do you go from like, obviously this wasn't his first time getting punished...” [34:40]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the discussed cases, the investigative processes, and the broader implications on society and the legal system.