Real Life Real Crime — True Crime Time For October 21, 2025

Episode: The Cold Case of Teresa Fusco, Nursing Home Abuse, and Family Crimes That Shocked Us All
Hosts: Woody Overton & Cindy Overton
Release Date: October 21, 2025

Overview

In this gripping episode, Woody and Cindy Overton delve into a series of disturbing and thought-provoking true crime stories, ranging from a dramatic cold case breakthrough in New York, shocking abuse at a New Jersey nursing home, to chilling tales of family violence and neglect around the globe. With his signature mix of biting commentary, dark humor, and impassioned advocacy, Woody—joined by Cindy—delivers both hard-hitting facts and unforgettable moments that underscore the ongoing quest for justice and accountability in the true crime world.

Key Stories & Insights

1. The Cold Case of Teresa Fusco

[02:33 – 08:34]

• Setting: Lynbrook, New York, 1984. 16-year-old Teresa Fusco vanished walking home from her job at a local roller rink. Weeks later she was found raped and strangled.
• Early Investigation: Three local men were convicted but later exonerated by DNA.
• Years Later: In 2024, cold case detectives employed advanced forensic genealogy tools. DNA pointed to Robert Bilodeau, who lived near the rink at the time but maintained a quiet life since.
• Breakthrough: Detectives collected Bilodeau’s DNA from a discarded smoothie cup, matching it to the crime scene sample.
• Arrest & Statement: Confronted, Bilodeau chillingly remarked, “People got away with murder back then.” (06:33)
• Current Status: Bilodeau indicted for second-degree murder and first-degree murder during rape, facing 25 years to life if convicted. He pled not guilty.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Shout out to any department that has enough resources to have a cold case unit. Shout out to everyone who ever cracks…well, not—should I say cracks cold case—to anyone who ever even reviews a cold case file, whether you solve it or not, at least you’re trying to do it right.” – Woody [07:31]
  • “People got away with murder back then.” – Robert Bilodeau, as relayed by Cindy [06:33]

2. Nursing Home Abuse: The Crystal Lake Incident, New Jersey

[10:02 – 16:57]

• Story: Patricia Linda Ahono, director of the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, was indicted for violently assaulting a resident with a broom, causing bleeding.
• Key Details:
  • Incident filmed by a nurse showed Ahono hitting the victim and threatening, “Call whoever…before I kill this man.” (12:20)
  • Ahono falsified reports, lied about the nature and date of the incident, and attempted to cover up her actions by instructing staff not to call police.
  • Staff members confirmed no weapon was present, contradicting Ahono’s claims.
  • Case discovered when the video was released to the public.
• Response: New Jersey Attorney General described Ahono’s conduct as “inexcusable” and affirmed prosecution (“Physically assaulting a resident is inexcusable. And we will not stand by and allow such conduct to go undetected and unprosecuted.” – Woody, repeating AG's statement [15:47])
• Woody’s Take: “It’s like attacking an innocent baby… Residents of adult care facilities need to be treated with respect and dignity and be safe.” [15:00]
• Cindy’s Comment: “Yeah, you don’t start… that’s not the first time.” [16:24]

3. Family Imprisonment in Poland: The Case of Mirella

[22:52 – 27:30]

• Location: Southern Poland. Neighbors heard odd noises in July, prompting a welfare check.
• Discovery: Police found Mirella, missing for 27 years, emaciated, gravely ill, and locked in a small dark room by her parents.
• Background: Parents had long claimed she ran away or moved with other family.
• Condition: Mirella was “frail, trembling and emaciated to the point of near collapse” (24:04–24:45); recovery expected to take months physically, years mentally.
• Community Response: Local fundraisers launched for her recovery and care.
• Reflections:
  • “27 years of dying and abuse and whatever. Right. 27 years of evil. I don’t get it.” – Woody [27:10]
  • “She didn’t even remember her name.” – Cindy [27:26]
  • Woody’s grim commentary: “You think evil doesn’t exist. We tell these stories every day. People getting murdered and in cases like this. And it’s just stories. These are real people.” [27:38]

4. Tragedy at Taco Bell: Robbery and Death in West Palm Beach, Florida

[28:45 – 34:43]

• Incident: On New Year’s Eve 2018, 55-year-old Jacqueline Buford was killed during a robbery at a Taco Bell.
• Perpetrator: Ian Patrick Preston robbed Buford of her wallet, causing injuries that led to her death seven months later.
• Justice: Preston plead guilty to manslaughter and robbery, sentenced to eight years (much of which he’d already served awaiting trial). Could be released after serving just over three years.
• Woody’s Rant: Outrage at justice delays (“What the fuck ever happened to right for a speedy trial?” [31:48]), and the use of drug addiction, insanity, or trauma as “excuses” for violent crime.
• Memorable Quote: “It’s a Taco Bell. …She is dead because of it. Him.” – Woody [39:17]

5. Family Crimes Around the Globe

a) Attempted Filicide in Australia

[40:00 – 43:10]

• Perpetrator: Rita Khatri, under personal and financial strain, attempted to set herself and her 7-year-old on fire after dousing them in kerosene.
• Remarkable Escapes: Boy broke free, called for help, and survived with assistance.
• Sentence: Four years and eight months without parole, pending deportation.
• Cindy’s Summary: “Not a game I’ve ever heard of…” [41:00]; Judge called it an “unfathomable breach of trust.”

b) Child Neglect & Violence in West Virginia

[44:18 – 48:44]

• Case: Three unsupervised children (8, 10, 10) left alone for 12+ hours, engaged in knife fights, used chemical spray, had access to a gun and meth.
• Arrests: Parents Kenneth Neal Conley and Tamara Ann Conley charged with gross neglect and other felonies.
• Woody’s Family Anecdote: Juxtaposes the horror with a family story about kids sneaking dog milk into coffee as a prank in the early 1900s, with a cameo call-in from Woody’s mother for colorful retelling. [51:01 – 52:58]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Cold Cases:
  "Shout out to anyone who ever even reviews a cold case file, whether you solve it or not, at least you’re trying to do it right." – Woody [07:31]
• On ‘Smart Criminals’:
  “Special kind of asshole and smart criminal. He got away with it, right? People got away with murder back then.” – Woody [08:32]
• On Elder Abuse:
  “Physically assaulting a resident is inexcusable. And we will not stand by and allow such conduct…” – Woody quoting AG [15:47]
• On Excuses for Crime:
  “How do you find someone guilty on the lesser charges… but his defense was I’m crazy.” – Woody [35:59]
• Storytelling as Relief:
  Lighter notes on fast food nostalgia and family pranks balance the heavy content, e.g., the Taco Bell bean burrito story and the dog milk coffee prank [28:23, 50:44].

Segment Timestamps

• 02:33 – Teresa Fusco Cold Case
• 10:02 – Nursing Home Assault in New Jersey
• 22:52 – Polish Family Imprisonment
• 28:45 – Taco Bell Robbery & Death
• 40:00 – Attempted Filicide in Australia
• 44:18 – Child Neglect & Sibling Violence in West Virginia
• 50:44 – Woody's Family Story & Mother Call-in

Tone and Takeaways

Woody and Cindy blend passionate advocacy for victims, frustration with systemic failures, and wry humor to create an engaging, emotional listen. The episode is a tapestry of tragedy, justice, and the quirky resilience of human nature—reminding listeners that "these are real people, not just stories." The importance of community vigilance, persistent investigation, and holding the powerful accountable—whether cold case cops or whistleblower nurses—is underscored throughout.

For listeners wanting to support ongoing efforts:
Continue sending tips via the Real Life Real Crime hotline—every bit can help solve the next cold case.