Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time for February 23, 2026
Episode Title: Teresita Basa, Surfing Legend Death & Serial Crime
Hosts: Woody Overton & Cindy Overton (and third co-host/guest)
Release Date: February 23, 2026
Overview
In this lively installment of “True Crime Time For,” Woody and Cindy Overton (joined by a third co-host) serve up an energetic, sometimes darkly humorous review of memorable crimes and current cases, all while weaving in Woody’s deep knowledge from years of real-life policing. The episode covers chilling murders (including Teresita Basa’s infamous case and recent homicides), a slew of incompetent or “dumb criminals,” an international surf legend’s tragic end, and even the emergence of a possible serial cat killer. Throughout, advocacy for cold cases and justice for victims remains central.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Cold Cases & Advocacy Work
- Teresita Basa Case (01:50)
- Woody recounts the notorious 1977 Chicago murder of Teresita Basa. The case grew infamous because a co-worker’s wife claimed to be channeling Basa’s ghost, eventually leading to Alan Showery’s arrest and confession.
- Quote: “Police didn’t have any leads for five months until a coworker of Basa’s claimed his wife was channeling the ghost of Basa and accused Alan Showery of the murder... Showery pled guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.” —Woody Overton (01:50)
- Takeaway: Even unconventional “tips” can break a cold case.
- #JusticeFor Campaign Updates (02:58)
- Woody updates listeners on ongoing advocacy for cold cases (e.g., Bradley, AO, Haley), urging listeners to keep submitting tips or donating for forensic work.
- Quote: “Never give up, never surrender. People keep calling in your tips.” —Woody Overton (03:34)
- Fundraising efforts for scientific testing in the Haley case are ongoing (“We need $10,000... already at $6,540” (03:41)), revealing perseverance’s role in slow-moving cases.
2. Case Recaps & True Crime Highlights
South Carolina Double Murder (05:38)
- Charles Saunders: Recently sentenced to life for murdering Alicia Dykes and Bernard Lyles in front of children during a domestic dispute; arrested at a Waffle House shortly after.
- Quote: “Saunders stepped into the doorway, pulled a handgun... and opened fire... He just killed somebody, changed shirts, went to Waffle House. I’m gonna hang out here, have some coffee.” —Cindy Overton/Woody Overton (07:33, 08:29)
- Reflects the tragic intersection of family dysfunction, firearms, and the “routine” nature of senseless violence.
Dumb Criminals & “Effed Up Professionals” (08:47)
- Miami Landscaping Van Burglar: Dean Young, intent on theft, got locked in a van and panicked—then concocted a story about running from a dog.
- Memorable, darkly comedic narration of the event.
- Quote: “He climbs in the van, got locked in, and guess what? He panicked... ‘Help me, help me!’” —Woody Overton (10:00)
- Discussion veers into classic “dumb criminal” territory—“We really need a dumbass criminal section for real.” (09:09)
Ohio Parolee Murders Neighbor (14:18)
- Brian J. Los: Just 18 months out after serving time for a brutal attack on his sister, Los is now accused of killing a neighbor.
- “Nice. Let him out, they kill again.” —Woody Overton (15:35)
- Commentary reflects skepticism about rehabilitation for violent offenders.
3. Notorious & Strange Crimes
Dirty Dining Scam in Australia (21:07)
- A father plucks armpit hair, plants it in food at a luxury steakhouse to avoid the bill—caught on CCTV; similar scams reported elsewhere.
- Quote: “The father was plucking armpit hair and putting it in his food before he complained.” —Woody Overton (22:51); “How embarrassing is that?” —Cindy Overton (22:21)
- Hosts riff on the lesson for restaurant security, and parenting!
Kentucky Teen Charged with Double Homicide (26:24)
- A 17-year-old boy (unnamed) charged with murdering a woman and her 12-year-old son. Arrest follows police pursuit in Allen County; details and motive unclear, case ongoing.
4. Worldwide & Unusual Crimes
Surfing Legend’s Murder in Costa Rica (32:00)
- Kurt Van Dyke: Celebrated California surfer and hotelier, 66, murdered during a violent robbery in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, involving a home invasion and his younger girlfriend.
- Quote: “He’s been found dead under his bed with a sheet over his head and a knife next to him.” —Woody Overton (33:01)
- Insight into how even legendary or local figures can fall victim to random violence.
- Hosts reminisce on their own “almost surfing” stories, adding signature humor.
Serial Cat Killer in California (42:54)
- Multiple cats found shot or dead in a mobile home park; security footage captured the suspect, prompting fears in the community.
- Quote: “A serial cat killer maybe on the loose after two more cats were found dead... doorbell video captured moments after the shooting shows a person... placing [a cat] into a plastic bag.” —Woody Overton (42:54, 44:25)
- Speculation that a teenager with a pellet gun may be behind it, nod to the pattern of serial killers starting with animals.
5. Repeat & Sex Offenders
Florida Career Criminal Exposes Himself (37:19)
- Richard Lamar Brown Jr.: Arrested for indecent exposure (29 past convictions), found masturbating behind a Gainesville business.
- Quote: “He didn’t forget how to masturbate in public.” —Co-host (39:19)
- Discussion on the chronic failure of the system to deter or treat compulsive/public offenders through repeated, short incarcerations.
6. Recent Murder Retrial & Justice Outcome
Texas IHOP Manager Murder Case (48:05)
- Tariq Alkayali: After a successful appeal (judge’s jury instruction error), receives an even longer sentence—40 years, 17 more than the first trial—for murdering his new wife by asphyxiating her after only three days of marriage.
- Quote: “I love the fact that he appealed it... and that motherfucker got 17 more years.” —Woody Overton (55:02)
- Conversation highlights the rarity of appeals actually “backfiring,” with strong commentary against so-called “sudden passion” defenses in domestic homicides.
Timestamped Memorable Moments & Quotes
- [01:50] Woody recounts the “ghost solves murder” angle in Teresita Basa’s case.
- [03:34] “Never give up...” theme song for cold case perseverance.
- [07:33-08:29] The absurdity of murderers hiding at Waffle House, “Bye bye, no more Waffle House for you, idiot.”
- [10:00-12:16] Miami burglar’s panic: “Help me! ...I can’t breathe!” hosts joke about “dumbass” criminals.
- [22:51] Armpit hair scam at luxury restaurant: “The father was apparently plucking armpit hair and putting it on his food before he complained.”
- [33:01] Surfing legend’s murder: “Found dead under his bed with a sheet over his head…”
- [39:19] “He didn’t forget how to masturbate in public.” —On indecent exposure repeat-offender.
- [48:05] Tale of the failed murder conviction appeal that only increased the killer’s sentence: “I love the fact that he appealed it... got a new trial, cost taxpayers all that money. And that motherfucker got 17 more years.”
Overall Tone & Structure
- The hosts maintain a conversational, occasionally irreverent and darkly comic tone, alternating empathy for victims with ridicule for criminals.
- Regular segments: Updates on advocacy cases, themed news (e.g., “Effed Up Professionals,” “Family Matters,” “Worldwide Crime”), and open calls for listener submissions about dumb criminals or family crime.
- Emphasis is on community involvement in true crime—whether advocating for justice or simply appreciating the dark absurdity of criminal behavior.
Useful for Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode?
Absolutely. This summary conveys both the factual crime coverage, ongoing advocacy, and the unique flavor of Woody and Cindy’s banter—offering a rich, timestamped guide through all the most impactful cases and moments, whether you listen for the true crime insights or the personality.
