Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time For January 2, 2026
Episode Title: Tragedy at the Start of 2026: Fires, Violence, Cruelty & a Miraculous Recovery
Hosts: Woody Overton & Cindy Overton
Air Date: January 2, 2026
Episode Overview
This inaugural 2026 episode of “True Crime Time For,” hosted by Woody and Cindy Overton, opens with the couple wishing listeners a happy new year. As they return from the holiday break, they explore a host of harrowing true-crime stories, from an international tragedy in the Swiss Alps, foiled terror plots, and heartbreaking acts of cruelty, to a miraculous “back from the dead” case in Mississippi. Through candid commentary and their trademark mixture of astonishment, gallows humor, and compassion, Woody and Cindy highlight ongoing threats and crimes—while closing out with a rare story of improbable survival.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Swiss Alps Nightclub Fire: New Year’s Tragedy
[03:03–07:53]
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Incident Recap:
Around 1:30 am on New Year's Eve, a massive fire broke out at a crowded bar in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killing roughly 40 people and injuring 100+.- The fire is believed to have started when a female bartender with a lit candle in a bottle set the wooden ceiling ablaze.
- Chaos ensued as partygoers scrambled to escape up a narrow staircase; some broke windows in desperation.
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Personal Accounts:
- A 16-year-old survivor described the scene as "total chaos" and "like a horror movie."
“He said he felt like he was suffocating … ran upstairs and tried to use a table to break a Plexiglas window.” (Woody Overton, 05:44)
- Authorities are investigating, but terrorism is ruled out.
- A 16-year-old survivor described the scene as "total chaos" and "like a horror movie."
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Cultural Commentary:
- Sparklers are common in luxury bottle service; the Overtons discuss the risks of pyrotechnics in old, wooden venues.
2. Foiled Terror Plots & Law Enforcement Vigilance
[08:22–10:31]
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Foiled Threats:
Cindy recounts law enforcement’s success in thwarting terror attacks over the holidays—including arrests in Turkey and Southern California, and a planned attack on LGBTQ+ bars in Michigan.- Many plots are stopped before becoming public:
“There’s a hundred you haven’t heard about.” (Woody, 10:00)
- Many plots are stopped before becoming public:
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Celebratory Gunfire:
Houston sees mass arrests for dangerous celebratory gunfire; authorities field hundreds of calls, and police efforts likely prevent another large-scale tragedy.
3. Animal Cruelty Incident in San Francisco
[10:51–13:13]
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Disturbing Event:
Police arrest a man in San Francisco for felony animal cruelty after witnesses saw him assault and kill a dog in public.- Woody offers a personal aside:
“Did I want to kill them? Sure I did … but I didn’t do it.” – Woody (12:34)
- Woody offers a personal aside:
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Community Reaction:
Immediate arrest made after multiple calls from concerned citizens.
4. Family Violence & Child Cruelty Cases
[13:30–16:42]
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Missouri Toddler Killed:
- A three-year-old girl, Novalee “Nova” Galloway, is killed after being horrifically abused by her father and his girlfriend, including zip-tying and repeated beatings.
- Both adults are charged with multiple counts, including abuse, neglect, and possession of controlled substances.
“That's why we build prisons for shitheads, right?” – Woody (17:07)
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Criminal Backgrounds:
Cindy notes the suspects’ prior convictions, underscoring systemic failure.
5. High-Profile Allegations: NFL Star Accused
[24:52–29:53]
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Case Summary:
Stefan Diggs, New England Patriots wide receiver, earns $69 million/year and is accused of slapping and choking a woman who worked for him after an argument over money.- The accuser initially withheld charges, then proceeded.
- Diggs denies all allegations; his attorney attributes the claim to a financial dispute.
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Woody’s Perspective:
- He relates it to historic cases where false allegations followed big contracts.
“They always came right when they signed the contract.” – Woody (29:08)
- Reminder that not all high-profile cases are as they first appear.
- He relates it to historic cases where false allegations followed big contracts.
6. Baton Rouge Child Shooting & Ongoing Gun Violence
[30:17–32:59]
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Tragic Incident:
A mother, chasing a suspected stolen car (her family’s), is involved in a roadside confrontation; a gunman from the other car shoots into her vehicle, critically wounding her two-year-old daughter.“Even bad guys don’t like kids getting shot … somebody knows who it is … they’re going to be in a f*cking world of hurt.” – Woody (32:26)
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Public Responsibility:
Both express frustration at civilians taking dangerous matters into their own hands—especially with children present.
7. Domestic Violence and Family Murder-Suicides
[33:00–37:29]
- Minnesota Attempted Murder-Suicide:
On Christmas Eve, DeMarco Jones is charged with second-degree murder after attempting to kill himself following the murder of his children’s mother. Their children were in the house during the crime.- The segment prompts reflection on the selfishness and horror of domestic violence.
8. Sibling Homicide in Los Angeles
[37:44–39:36]
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Summary:
- Civil rights lawyer Kriker Koyon Dejan, 33, is killed in a heated argument with his younger brother. The brother pleads not guilty and awaits trial.
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Legal Insight:
The hosts note that motive need not be proven—only that the crime occurred.
9. Miraculous Recovery: Walter Williams’ Return from the Dead
[39:37–47:28]
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The Story:
Woody shares a remarkable story about Walter Williams, a Mississippi farmer and grandfather who was declared dead in hospice, bagged, and transported to the funeral home—only to start moving four hours later, stunning funeral workers and his family.“He began moving … they opened the bag and dude’s moving.” (Woody, 42:57)
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Medical Explanation:
Doctors attribute it to possible medication interactions and a faulty pacemaker. -
Family’s Joy:
Williams’ family celebrates a “two-week miracle” before his eventual passing, cherishing the unexpected additional time.“Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus. It was not my daddy’s time.” – Williams’ daughter Martha (46:06)
- Woody relates the story to his own experience losing his father, culminating in an emotional exchange with Cindy.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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“It turned into a nightmare … the flames quickly spread and collapsed the ceiling.” – Woody Overton on Swiss Alps fire (03:12–04:30)
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“I mean, what a dumbass, really.” – Cindy on the animal cruelty perpetrator (12:32)
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“That's why we build prisons for shitheads, right?” – Woody, on repeat child abuse offenders (17:07)
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“Even bad guys don’t like kids getting shot … somebody knows who it is … they’re going to be in a f*cking world of hurt.” – Woody, Baton Rouge drive-by (32:26)
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“Every case I do is a learning experience.” – Holmes County Coroner Dexter Howard after Walter Williams’ ‘resurrection’ (44:20)
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“If there was anybody that was lollygagging on not going to go see their [loved one], I bet they hauled ass up there.” – Woody, on appreciating miracle chance to say goodbye (48:06)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Swiss Alps Fire & Club Safety: 03:03–07:53
- Foiled Terror Plots & Law Enforcement: 08:22–10:31
- San Francisco Dog Cruelty: 10:51–13:13
- Family Violence—Missouri Toddler: 13:30–16:42
- NFL Star Accused (Stefan Diggs): 24:52–29:53
- Baton Rouge Drive-By Shooting: 30:17–32:59
- Minnesota Murder-Suicide Attempt: 33:00–37:29
- Sibling Homicide, LA: 37:44–39:36
- Miraculous ‘Resurrection’ in Mississippi: 39:37–47:28
Closing & Looking Forward
The Overtons wrap up with aspirations for a better 2026—more solved cases, new investigative angles, and continued engagement with their community of listeners. They stress the importance of appreciation for loved ones, the bravery of law enforcement, and the strange, tragic, and sometimes miraculous nature of real-life crime.
Hashtags/Calls to Action:
#JusticeForBradley #JusticeForAO #RLRCtipline
This summary captures all critical episode topics, quotes, and emotional highlights for listeners new and old to Real Life Real Crime.
