Real Life Real Crime: True Crime Time For June 19, 2025

Host: Woody Overton & Cindy Overton
Episode Title: Matthew Perry Death Investigation, Kenneth Ray Cook Abuse Case, and Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of True Crime Time For, hosts Woody Overton and Cindy Overton delve into three harrowing cases: the heinous sexual abuse by Kenneth Ray Cook, the tragic death of beloved actor Matthew Perry, and the audacious con of Victor Lustig who famously sold the Eiffel Tower. The episode seamlessly intertwines these stories, providing listeners with in-depth analysis, emotional insights, and compelling narratives that underscore the dark facets of human behavior.

1. The Kenneth Ray Cook Abuse Case

Timestamp: [02:39] - [08:29]

The episode opens with the disturbing account of Kenneth Ray Cook, a father from Raleigh County, West Virginia, who sexually abused his daughter over a decade. Starting in 2012 when she was just nine years old, Cook's abuse continued until she turned 21, resulting in the birth of three children. The severity of the case is highlighted by the staggering 149 counts of incest to which Cook has been indicted as of June 2024.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Overton: "[...] Cook, now 44, was first charged with sexual abuse, sexual assault and child neglect, as well as three counts of incest back in April." [03:47]
• Cindy Overton: "She killed him." [03:47]
• Woody Overton: "The 10 years he's raping that baby girl led to the birth of three children." [04:27]

The case emphasizes the challenges in prosecuting such prolonged abuse, with Cook being held on a $500,000 bond since March. The hosts discuss the broader implications of such crimes, particularly the ripple effects on the victims and their families. They also touch upon the absence of the death penalty in West Virginia, juxtaposing it with other states like Louisiana where capital punishment is still a contentious issue.

2. The Death of Matthew Perry

Timestamp: [16:04] - [35:12]

Woody and Cindy transition to the heartbreaking story of Matthew Perry, the star of the iconic TV show Friends, who passed away at the age of 54 due to an accidental drug overdose involving ketamine. The initial investigation by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office concluded in December 2023, but the case was reopened by the LAPD in May 2024 to trace the source of the ketamine.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Overton: "Matthew Perry died at 54 years old after an accidental drug overdose." [16:15]
• Cindy Overton: "It's so sad. Think about those babies." [07:00]
• US State's Attorney Martin Estrada: "We will hold drug dealers accountable for the deaths they caused."

Five individuals have been charged in connection with Perry's death, including two doctors and his personal living assistant, Kenneth Wasma. The prosecution alleges that these defendants prioritized profit over Perry's well-being, leading to his untimely demise. The narrative delves into the illicit distribution of ketamine, its dangers, and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur.

3. Horse Tragedy in North Carolina

Timestamp: [10:10] - [15:02]

The hosts briefly discuss a tragic accident involving a horse named Alexander in North Carolina. On June 14, a driver named Shannon Seamster, under the influence, struck and killed the five-year-old stallion. The incident occurred on a beach, leading to Alexander's identification posthumously. The hosts express frustration over the minimal charges against the driver—only a misdemeanor—and the lack of accountability, contrasting it with the severe consequences faced by human offenders.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Overton: "You could run over a horse in North Carolina and it's okay." [12:18]
• Cindy Overton: "Alexander was a very special young horse and had a lot of extra help." [13:57]

This segment underscores the disparity in how animal and human victims are treated within the justice system, highlighting societal and legal blind spots.

4. Worldwide Crime: Jamie Varley in England

Timestamp: [46:52] - [55:35]

Expanding the scope internationally, the episode covers the gruesome case of Jamie Varley, a 36-year-old man from England accused of murdering and sexually assaulting a 13-month-old boy he was in the process of adopting. The authorities discovered the bodies of the mother and child in Rome's Villa Pamphili Park on June 16, 2024.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Overton: "This dude is 36 years old, his name is Jamie Varley and he's now been charged with murder." [37:33]
• Cindy Overton: "It's crazy he was a teacher when he did it." [40:44]

Authorities utilized video surveillance, witness testimonies, and fingerprint evidence to track Varley down. The segment delves into the investigative process, emphasizing the meticulous efforts to bring such a predator to justice. The absence of the death penalty in England is noted, with hosts speculating on local sentiments towards the accused.

5. The Con of Victor Lustig: Selling the Eiffel Tower

Timestamp: [56:20] - [60:02]

Concluding the episode with a historical twist, Woody recounts the infamous tale of Victor Lustig, a master con artist who successfully sold the Eiffel Tower twice in 1925. Operating under numerous aliases and armed with forged official documents, Lustig deceived top French scrap metal companies into believing he had the authority to dismantle the iconic structure.

Notable Quotes:

• Woody Overton: "He sold the Eiffel Tower. He didn't only sell it one time, he sold it twice." [56:28]
• Cindy Overton: "So did he even know his real name?" [59:12]
• Woody Overton: "He was sentenced to 20 years in Alcatraz." [59:08]

The segment highlights Lustig's cunning methods, including the use of fake government stationery and strategic meetings to lure his victims. His eventual capture and imprisonment in Alcatraz underscore the enduring battle between law enforcement and sophisticated criminals.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Woody and Cindy Overton navigate through complex and emotionally charged true crime stories, offering listeners a blend of factual reporting and personal reflections. Their candid discussions on topics ranging from familial abuse and celebrity tragedy to international murder cases and historical cons provide a multifaceted exploration of crime and its profound impacts on individuals and communities.

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the systemic issues within the justice system, the vulnerabilities of high-profile individuals, and the lengths to which criminals will go to deceive and harm. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of crime and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Real Life Real Crime for more in-depth analyses and compelling true crime stories, and to follow the hosts on their social media platforms for updates and additional content.