Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time For December 22, 2025

Holiday Crime, Public Safety, and the Pursuit of Justice
Hosts: Woody Overton and Cindy Overton
Release Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This holiday edition of “True Crime Time For” dives into recent true crime headlines, reflections on ongoing advocacy for cold cases, and the hosts’ personal experiences with public safety and the emotional toll of crime—especially during the holiday season. Woody and Cindy Overton’s signature blend of gritty storytelling, candid opinions, and occasional dark humor shines as they cover everything from police pursuits gone wrong to holiday travel scams and devastating family crimes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Community Reflections & Advocacy Updates

(Starts ~03:20)

• Woody describes the challenges of podcasting and the personal/emotional aspect of covering cases over the holidays, including the first Christmas without his father and the anniversary of murder cases they cover (Haley’s “murder-versary”).
• Encourages listeners (“lifers”) to focus their passion on supporting victims' families and actionable advocacy, not infighting:

  “Don’t fight amongst each other. That takes the heat off the bad people... and it’s wasted.” – Woody (05:39)

• Updates on various cold cases (e.g., Bradley, Austin, Haley) and the critical role their podcast community has played in keeping these cases in public view and prompting authorities to reopen investigations.
• Stresses the reality that justice takes time and isn’t like TV:

  “On Courtney's case, I knew in six weeks who did it, but it took damn near three years to get the conviction.” – Woody (08:38)

• Cindy voices frustration at criticism and confusion in the listener base and reiterates their commitment to their mission and the families involved.

2. Crime Stories: Public Safety and Policing

Routine Traffic Stops Gone Wrong (11:15 – 16:57)

• Cindy reports on a Newark, NJ traffic stop where a suspect, Jacques L. Cook, struck a police sergeant with a car and fled, only to be caught after a manhunt.

  “No such thing [as a routine traffic stop]. Routine traffic stops are what get you killed.” – Woody (11:30)

• They explain police procedures, dangers inherent in even standard encounters, and how law enforcement priorities shift during such incidents.
• Both emphasize increased legal consequences for attempting to harm officers.
• Woody injects gallows humor and echoes Ernest Hemingway regarding the ‘thrill’ of manhunts:

  “There’s nothing like the hunting of men…” – Woody (16:46)

3. Holiday Scams & Public Behavior

Jetway Jesus & Miracle Flights (24:18 – 34:25)

• The hosts discuss how, during the busy holiday travel season, some people fake mobility issues to skip airport lines—dubbed “Jetway Jesus” or “miracle flights.”
• Notable quotes:

  “They secure better treatment and better seats... once the flight is over, these travelers leave the plane unassisted and they don’t need wheelchairs. In effect, the flights have miraculously cured these people.” – Woody (26:22)

• Comparison to handicap parking space abuse, with Woody describing an incident ticketing a non-disabled person who parked in a reserved spot:

  “I’ll trade you my legs for your legs for my handicap ticket, and you can park in a handicap anytime you want when you can’t walk, motherfucker.” – Woody (33:21)

• Both denounce exploiting systems designed to help the vulnerable, likening such actions to theft.

4. Notorious Crimes and Sentencing

Serial Killings in Phoenix – Clefas Emanuel Cooksey Jr. (35:00 – 39:13)

• Coverage of a Phoenix, AZ killer found guilty of eight murders in 2017, sentenced to death for six counts.
• Cindy details the timeline of Cooksey’s spree and the forensic evidence linking him to the crimes (jewelry, DNA).
• Discussion of the impact on families and the appropriateness of the death penalty:

  “You killed a lot of people. It's appropriate.” – Woody (39:07)

5. World Crime Headlines

Mass Shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa (43:14 – 47:12)

• Woody describes a mass shooting at a Johannesburg bar that left at least nine dead and multiple wounded.
• Emphasis on global increase in violent, random acts during the holidays and the cyclical nature of “angels and demons” during festive times.

6. Unusual & Disturbing Family Crimes

Fecal Contamination in Georgia Rental Home (47:19 – 52:00)

• Cindy narrates the bizarre and distressing case of a Georgia mother suing her landlord for unresolved sewage issues—leading to fecal matter being blown into the home’s air.
• Woody critiques the property management’s negligence and stands up for renters unable to move, wishing financial ruin on irresponsible landlords.

Filicide & Attempted Murders in South Carolina (52:00 – 54:15)

• Heartbreaking story: Jamie Michelle Bradley Brun, sentenced to 80 years (concurrent) for drowning her 6-year-old and attempting to drown her 8-year-old, only stopped by another sibling.
• Cindy is moved to tears as Woody calls for inmate justice and highlights the horror and premeditation of the crime.

  “She held her daughter under the water and tried to do the same to her other daughter... There is no excuse.” – Woody (52:20) “All you lifers in the female prisons in South Carolina...I hope y’all give her 80 years of pure hell.” – Woody (53:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On case advocacy and audience squabbles:

  “Don’t waste your breath... I don’t give a fuck. I’m going to continue to do what I do, whether you’re mad at me or not.” – Woody (08:47)

• On exploiting handicap accommodations:

  “That’s like, in a thief category for me.” – Woody (33:21)

• On seasonality of violence:

  “Tis the season for the bodies to hit the ground... And on the other end of the spectrum, it’s people who...just blow everybody away.” – Woody (43:34 and 46:15)

• Family dynamics & dark humor:

  “18 years of pure hell... pure, pure bliss, and every pain. Bliss in every direction.” – Woody, joking with Cindy on their anniversary (55:27)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [03:20] – Show begins/holiday reflections, community updates
• [11:15] – Traffic stop gone wrong in Newark, NJ
• [24:18] – “Jetway Jesus” & travel scam discussion
• [35:00] – Arizona serial killer sentencing
• [43:14] – Mass shooting in Johannesburg
• [47:19] – Fecal contamination lawsuit in Georgia
• [52:00] – South Carolina filicide and attempted murders
• [55:19] – Hosts’ (Woody & Cindy) anniversary banter

Tone, Language, and Style

• Raw, candid, often laced with the hosts’ Southern charm and dark humor
• Occasional profanity and directness—especially from Woody
• Sincere empathy for crime victims and frustration at injustice
• Unfiltered, emotionally honest reactions from both hosts (tears, laughter, rage)

Summary

This episode offers a whirlwind tour of recent and notable crime stories—from police dangers and holiday scams to devastating murders, both domestic and international. Interspersed with personal anecdotes, dark humor, and direct appeals for decorum, support, and empathy, Woody and Cindy Overton continue to embody their podcast’s ethos: Twisted, gruesome, sometimes funny, but always true.

For listeners new and old, this is a holiday edition that pulls no punches—balancing laughter, outrage, heartache, and calls for justice.