Real Life Real Crime – “True Crime Time For January 21, 2025 | Fundraising for Justice, Cold Cases & Exploitation Crimes”
Original Air Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Woody Overton & Cindy Overton
Episode Overview
In this episode of “True Crime Time For” — a special segment of the “Real Life Real Crime” podcast — Woody Overton and Cindy Overton tackle multiple issues ranging from fundraising for justice in cold cases, high-profile fraud, and exploitation, to stunning examples of professional misconduct. Their trademark banter, sense of justice, and first-hand law enforcement insight give a unique, authentic, and sometimes wild ride through these stories.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Fundraising for Justice – Community, Cold Cases, and Advocacy
Timestamps: 03:44–09:35
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GoFundMe for Justice: Cindy updates listeners on the progress of a GoFundMe set up for the case of Haley, expressing gratitude for even the smallest donations. The fund aims to hire an expert from the Evidence Room to reconstruct what is believed to be Haley's murder scene.
- Quote (Cindy, 04:16): “If you haven’t donated — and you can donate anything…I know we will be so very grateful for a dollar, whatever it is, anything that we can do to get justice for Haley.”
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Woody’s Commitment to Justice: Woody reaffirms the show’s ongoing efforts in the cold cases of Haley, Bradley, and AO.
- Quote (Woody, 06:26): “Hashtag just Bradley. Hashtag just for AO... Call them in, people. Keep it... I know the case is being worked and I’m thankful for that. But besides, by us.”
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Call for Useful Tips: Woody requests that tipsters include a summary and context with their submissions, especially when sending lengthy recordings.
- Quote (Woody, 06:54): “If you’re going to send me two hours of recordings…please give me a brief summary and who it is that you recorded so I don’t have to listen for two hours in case it’s not pertinent.”
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Criticism of Law Enforcement Inaction: Woody criticizes the Cobb County DA in Georgia for not funding critical forensic analysis.
- Quote (Woody, 07:25): “It’s a shame that we’re having to raise money for Ms. Barber to hire this expert and that the state of Georgia isn’t doing it.... Shame on the state of Georgia—or specifically Cobb County D.A.—for not doing it themselves.”
2. True Crime News Roundup: Noteworthy Cases
Cold Case Highlight: Lisa Au (Hawaii)
Timestamps: 07:35–09:35
- Lisa Au Case Recap: Woody discusses the unsolved 1982 murder of 19-year-old Lisa Au in Hawaii, highlighting evidence that suggested police involvement or impersonation, and lamenting the lack of justice.
- Quote (Woody, 08:22): “Witnesses reported seeing blue flashing lights behind Au’s car…Police believe the killer either impersonated a police officer or actually was a police officer…No one has ever been charged. There’s another cold case for y’all."
Wisconsin Crime and 90 Day Fiancé Fraud
Timestamps: 09:35–12:10
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Leeta Margaretha, Reality Star Charged: 24 felony counts including wire fraud and theft are filed against former “90 Day Fiancé” star Leeta Margaretha.
- Quote (Cindy, 10:56): “Margaretha is facing six counts of wire fraud against a financial institution, ten counts of forgery, seven counts of bail jumping, and one count of theft of between $10,000 to $100,000 from a business…”
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Banter on Wisconsin Demonym: Fun interlude as Woody and Cindy debate “Wisconsinians” vs. “Wisconsinites,” calling an actual Wisconsinite to confirm (“Cheeseheads” is also acceptable).
- Quote (Woody, 14:02): “You know what, I guess I should have called somebody that’s actually from Wisconsin, huh?”
London: Extreme Policing Over Pigeons
Timestamps: 15:20–27:37
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Woman Arrested for Feeding Pigeons: In Harrow, London, a woman is fined and handcuffed for feeding pigeons, with multiple police and council officers responding.
- Quote (Woody, 16:08): “A woman has been handcuffed and slapped with a 100-pound fine after feeding pigeons…surrounded by at least six police officers and two council enforcement workers…”
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Hosts Debate Use of Force: Both Woody and Cindy question the proportionality and rationale behind such a heavy-handed response.
- Quote (Woody, 18:02): "Multiple passerbys stopped … to express concern about the woman’s detention. Question why handcuffs had been used for such an offense. I agree with that.”
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Legal Oddities: The term “de-arrested” gets mocked.
- Quote (Woody, 25:34): “I’ve never heard that word in my life — de-arrested… dealt with by council officers. I’m de-arresting you.”
Alabama Family Tragedy: Funeral Shooting
Timestamps: 27:48–32:29
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Family Dispute Turns Deadly: Jasmine Allen is charged with capital murder after firing 10 shots through a closed apartment door during a family gathering following a funeral, killing two relatives and injuring her sister.
- Quote (Cindy, 28:06): “Jasmine Allen, 35…charged with capital murder…the shooting came about because there was an argument between Allen and one of her sisters…After the fight, Allen said she was going to get her gun…shots blasted through the door.”
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Legal Arguments: Prosecutors cite intent; defense claims recklessness; the case is bound for a grand jury.
Maine Bus Tragedy
Timestamps: 32:29–36:09
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Negligence on School Bus: A five-year-old is killed after getting his arm caught in bus doors and being dragged 280 feet.
- Quote (Woody, 33:28): “A five-year-old student approached the bus from the right rear…[his] arm became pinned between the doors…[he] was dragged about 280ft before he became dislodged...and was run over by the bus. The boy suffered fatal injuries...”
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Open Investigation: The bus driver hasn’t been charged, leading hosts to question the handling and culpability in such cases.
West Virginia YouTuber Exploits Vulnerable Family
Timestamps: 36:21–44:35
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Exploitation of the Whitaker Family: YouTuber John Roark is arrested for fraud and exploitation after raising money in the Whitakers' name (a family with significant disabilities) and pocketing the funds.
- Quote (Cindy, 37:52): “Roark, the YouTuber, acted as an agent for the family...Prosecutors allege that Roark also posed as a liaison...giving his Venmo, Cash app, and PayPal...collected over $10,000.”
- Quote (Cindy, 43:22 – quoting a family member): “‘They didn’t do it. They took the goddamn money and left.’ That is a direct quote.”
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Controversy and Conflicting Claims: Both Roark and his collaborator blame each other; the family maintains that neither delivered on promises.
Michigan Judge’s Racist Rant Exposed
Timestamps: 44:35–51:48
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Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan: Forced into retirement after being caught in audio recordings using racist, homophobic language and boasting about her immunity from discipline.
- Quote (Woody, 46:53): “Calling Black Americans lazy pieces of… and making homophobic statements. Some judge in a courtroom.”
- Quote (Woody, 47:24): “‘I really kind of am untouchable…they can’t touch my salary, they can’t touch my job…Good luck.’”
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Systemic Failure: Despite the damning evidence, the judicial tenure commission takes no action, and Ryan remains on paid leave for 15 months.
- Quote (Woody, 48:07): “Kind of tells you where they’re at too.”
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Impact Statement: Woody rails against racism and the idea of judges with bigoted mindsets making lasting impacts on people’s lives.
- Quote (Woody, 45:52): “Racism sucks…Be [a] judge [of] people for who they are, not the color of their skin, how they treat you, how they act, etcetera. Being a racist for any form, it’s just stupid.”
Notable Quotes & Lighthearted Moments
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Classic Woody Bluntness: Regarding the London pigeon incident:
- (Woody, 26:07): “That’s called pop pissing off the police, ma’am…. Stop feeding the birds. Fuck you. I’m still feeding them.”
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Audience Engagement: Cindy directly addresses and thanks listeners who contribute to fundraising efforts, making justice personal and inclusive.
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Banter: The “Wisconsinites vs. Wisconsinians vs. Cheeseheads” call-in (13:55–15:09) provides comic relief in the middle of serious true crime tales.
Topic Timestamps at a Glance
- Fundraising and Call for Justice: 03:44–09:35
- Cold Case: Lisa Au: 07:35–09:35
- Wisconsin Reality Star Financial Crimes: 09:35–12:10
- London Pigeon Incident: 15:20–27:37
- Alabama Funeral Shooting: 27:48–32:29
- Maine School Bus Fatality: 32:29–36:09
- YouTube Fraud (Whitaker Family): 36:21–44:35
- Racist Judge in Michigan: 44:35–51:48
Episode Takeaways
- Advocacy for Victims & Families: The episode repeatedly stresses that community fundraising and public pressure are sometimes necessary to seek justice when institutional systems fail.
- Systemic Flaws: Stories showcase serious failures: from negligent bus drivers, to professionals exploiting the vulnerable, to openly racist and insulated judges.
- Cindy & Woody’s Dynamic: Their blend of blunt analysis, humor, personal stories, and audience engagement makes even the darkest tales approachable.
- Persistence Pays: Woody’s ongoing call for tips, and transparent criticism of law enforcement reluctance, serve as a call-to-action for grassroots justice.
For Listeners Who Missed the Show
This episode is jam-packed with gripping, occasionally outrageous true crime items, but always returns to its core ethos: “Justice, no matter what.” Whether you care about cold cases, systemic failures, or just what exactly is up with Wisconsin cheeseheads, this episode is vintage Woody and Cindy — sharp, funny, and full of heart.
