Real Life Real Crime - Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Real Life Real Crime
• Host/Author: Real Life Real Crime Productions
• Description: Hosted by Woody Overton, this multi-award-winning true crime podcast delves deep into cases with unique perspectives, often drawn from Overton’s extensive experience, including his work on Dateline. The podcast not only explores riveting crime stories but also focuses on solving cold cases and advocating for justice through projects like "#JusticeFor" and "Scorched." Additionally, Woody co-hosts “True Crime Time For” with his wife, Cindy Overton, where they examine intriguing true crime stories together.

Episode: True Crime Time For May 19, 2025
Release Date: May 19, 2025

1. Recent Tornado Outbreak in the Heartland

[02:47 - 05:57]

Woody and Cindy Overton open the episode by addressing the devastating tornado outbreak that struck Kentucky, Missouri, and Mississippi. The tornadoes caused widespread destruction, particularly in cities like London and Somerset, Kentucky. Governor [Name] reported at least 18 fatalities in Kentucky alone, with the death toll possibly rising to around 27 across the affected states. Woody emphasizes the severity of the disaster, stating:

Woody Overton [04:15]: "Hearts and prayers go out to them. Right. It's just horrible."

2. Domestic Terrorism at Palm Springs Reproductive Center

[05:57 - 10:35]

The hosts discuss a harrowing incident in Palm Springs, California, where a car bomb exploded outside the American Reproductive Center's fertility clinic on a Saturday morning, resulting in one death and four injuries. FBI Director Akil Davis described the event as:

Woody Overton [07:22]: "...an intentional act of terrorism happened just before 11am at that American Reproductive Center's facility."

The explosion caused massive structural damage, but fortunately, the IVF lab and reproductive materials were spared. Investigators are treating this as a significant case of domestic terrorism, with meticulous forensic analysis underway to determine the specifics of the bomb deployment.

3. Foster Care Abuse Case in Victorville, California

[10:39 - 16:15]

Cindy Overton brings attention to a disturbing case where a 16-year-old foster child reported severe abuse, leading to the arrest of foster parents Kenneth Michael Key and Tina Marie Sheffield Key, along with their 23-year-old daughter, Caitlin Maresa Key. The children, aged between 4 and 16, endured daily physical abuse, including strangulation, starvation, and confinement. Cindy summarizes:

Cindy Overton [13:00]: "This is horrible. ... the abuse is systemic and deliberate."

The case has drawn comparisons to the notorious Turpin case of 2018, highlighting the severity and coordination of the abuse within the household.

4. Taylor Shabizness: Serial Killer's Continued Infamy

[20:30 - 26:03]

Woody Overton delves into the ongoing saga of Taylor Shabizness, a convicted serial killer in Wisconsin known for gruesome crimes, including the beheading and dismemberment of her victim. Shabizness has notoriously attacked multiple attorneys, leading to her public defender's office ceasing to represent her. Woody provides a detailed account:

Woody Overton [21:04]: "She fired her appellate attorney after missing the deadline to file her formal appeal... the public defender's office said they ain't representing her ever again."

Shabizness is currently serving a life sentence and faces additional charges for assaulting a prison nurse, underscoring her volatile behavior even while incarcerated.

5. Cold Case Solved in Maryland Using Familiar DNA

[26:03 - 29:30]

Cindy Overton recounts the resolution of the 2001 murder of Leslie Jennings Preer in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Initially, suspicion fell on the victim's husband and later her daughter, Lauren. However, advancements in forensic techniques, specifically familiar DNA genealogical mapping, led to the arrest of Eugene Gligger, Lauren's ex-boyfriend. Key points include:

• Discovery: Leslie was found beaten and strangled, with the case unsolved for 23 years.
• Breakthrough: Gligger's DNA was found at the crime scene, including under Leslie's fingernails.
• Impact: This marked the first use of familiar DNA in solving a case in Maryland.
• Outcome: Gligger pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and faces up to 30 years in prison.

6. Death of Nevada Veterinarian Dr. Sean Frayner

[31:31 - 36:53]

The episode covers the tragic death of Dr. Sean Frayner, a Nevada veterinarian known for treating horses. Frayner gained social media attention after a video surfaced showing him violently kicking a horse during treatment. Shortly after, Dr. Frayner was found dead near the Boulder Islands outside Las Vegas, with the cause of death ruled as suicide due to phenobarbital overdose. Highlights include:

Cindy Overton [33:39]: "He murdered his high school sweetheart. Time for beast mode."

Dr. Frayner's aggressive behavior toward the horse and subsequent suicide raise questions about his mental state and the pressures associated with his profession.

7. Indictment of Brian War for Child Sexual Abuse in New York

[37:32 - 39:57]

Cindy Overton reports on the indictment of Brian War, a former school custodian in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District, on 113 felony charges related to child sexual abuse. The investigation was triggered by a tip about abusive content uploaded online, leading authorities to War's residence where incriminating evidence was found. Key details:

• Charges: Multiple counts of sexual abuse, possession, and distribution of child sexual performance material.
• Discovery: Videos and images depicting the abuse were found on War's phone.
• Legal Response: War pleaded not guilty and is held on a $5 million bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for June 20.
• District Attorney's Statement: "Each view and share re-victimizes the child."

8. New Orleans Jail Escape: Nine Inmates on the Loose

[54:00 - 60:31]

The hosts discuss a significant security breach at the Orleans Parish Prison in New Orleans, where nine inmates escaped during a routine headcount. The escape occurred due to defective locks and a breached wall behind a toilet, suggesting possible inside assistance. Sheriff Susan Huston commented:

Woody Overton [55:46]: "We intend to find out exactly what happened."

Details include:

• Escape Method: Inmates used a hole cut behind a toilet to breach the facility.
• Current Status: One escapee, Kendall Miles, was quickly recaptured, while others remain at large, including Anton Massey and Corey Board, who face murder charges.
• Investigation: Ongoing efforts to identify lapses in security and potential external assistance.

Notable Quotes:

1. Woody Overton on Tornado Impact:

   "Hearts and prayers go out to them. Right. It's just horrible."
   [04:15]

2. Woody Overton on Palm Springs Bombing:

   "...an intentional act of terrorism happened just before 11am at that American Reproductive Center's facility."
   [07:22]

3. Cindy Overton on Foster Care Abuse:

   "This is horrible. ... the abuse is systemic and deliberate."
   [13:00]

4. Woody Overton on Taylor Shabizness:

   "She fired her appellate attorney after missing the deadline to file her formal appeal... the public defender's office said they ain't representing her ever again."
   [21:04]

5. Cindy Overton on Brian War:

   "Each view and share re-victimizes the child."
   [39:35]

6. Woody Overton on New Orleans Jail Escape:

   "We intend to find out exactly what happened."
   [55:46]

Conclusion: In this episode of "True Crime Time For," Woody and Cindy Overton cover a range of intense true crime stories, from natural disasters to heinous crimes and significant law enforcement breakthroughs. The discussions are candid, often interspersed with humor and candid remarks, providing listeners with a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the complexities of real-life crime and justice.