Podcast Summary: Real Life Real Crime – "True Crime Time For September 4, 2025 | Cold Cases, Dirty Cops & Dumb Criminals" Hosted by Woody Overton & Cyndi Overton | September 4, 2025

Overview

In this week’s episode of "True Crime Time For," Woody and Cyndi Overton deliver a fast-moving, candid discussion of recent crimes, publicized cases, criminal mishaps, and notorious cold cases. The couple’s easy banter and Woody’s law enforcement expertise provide both levity and gravitas to stories ranging from "dumb criminal" antics to disturbing cases of public corruption and abuse. Listeners are treated to Woody’s behind-the-scenes stories, breaking case news, and a blend of humor and hard truths about the American justice system and its flaws.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. Justice for Cold Cases & Ongoing Investigations

• Advocacy & Updates

  • Woody reminds fans that, despite public perception, work on cases like #JusticeForBradley and #JusticeForAO is ongoing, and he won’t be intimidated or swayed from his efforts. (01:00–02:30)
  • The justice process can be slow, but active investigation is happening, sometimes involving late-night calls and preparations for "boots on the ground." (02:49–03:25)
  • Quote: “Sooner than later, boots will be on the ground, and that’s when we kick it into the whole next gear.” – Woody Overton (03:15)

• Football Interlude (lighthearted intermission regarding NFL season as backdrop to episode drops) (02:28–03:00)

II. Worldwide Crime Segment: Minor Infractions and Major Consequences

1. London Fare Dodger – A Law Student’s Bad Choice

• Cyndi recounts the case of a UK university law student caught fare-jumping at Clapham Junction – a split-second poor decision, followed by a desperate attempt to cover it up.
  • The student tried to buy a ticket on his phone in front of the inspector but was caught due to the purchase timestamp. (05:58–06:21)
  • The student, fearing professional ruin, pleaded, “I study law, and I fear that even the hint of wrongdoing could derail my future... I don’t want to get a criminal record, my life is finished.” – (08:09)
  • Woody’s commentary: Remorse only comes after being caught. "When getting the juice out of bad guys... she’s just crying because you got caught.” (08:56–09:06)

2. "Dumb Criminals": The ID’d Bank Robber in Texas

• A tale of criminal ineptitude as a convicted robber in Texas is foiled by a bank teller who manages to get his full identification before completing the robbery.
  • The robber, Nathan Wayne Pugh, hands over his ID and debit card during the heist, making for an easy arrest. (13:15–13:26)
  • Pugh tries to take a hostage on his way out, but police intervene and subdue him. He is now serving a long sentence for multiple robberies. (14:00–15:00)
  • Quote: “He eventually got caught and was sentenced to 102 months behind bars, running concurrently with two 25-year sentences for previous robberies he had done.” – Woody Overton (13:49)
  • Cyndi: “Why is he even out?” (13:52)

3. Celebrity Mistaken for a Robber – Ryan Coogler Story

• Brief mention of director Ryan Coogler’s experience of being mistaken for a robber while discreetly withdrawing a large sum at the bank. (17:46–18:37)

III. Cold Case Spotlight: Minnesota Car Pulled from River

• Cyndi describes a genuine cold-case breakthrough: Two fishermen in Minnesota discover a sunken ’63 Buick Electra in the Mississippi, leading to the closure of a 57-year-old disappearance.
  • Victim: Roy George Ben, missing since 1967, last seen with cash after leaving a supper club.
  • The car is pulled from 20 feet underwater with human remains inside; identification is underway. (20:09–23:22)
  • Woody highlights the rarity and importance of such discoveries. (23:18–23:59)
  • Quote: “That’s why I never give up hope… unless they did a Breaking Bad in the bathtub.” – Woody Overton (23:58)

IV. Dark Hero Exposed: The Unraveling of Sheriff Buford Pusser

• Woody shares his personal connection to Chief Russell and fascination with Buford Pusser, subject of "Walking Tall." Recent re-investigation casts Pusser not as hero, but as suspect in his wife’s 1967 murder.
  • TBI’s new findings contradict Pusser’s story; evidence suggests he killed his wife and staged the scene. (27:26–29:09)
  • Quote: “If he were alive today, [we’d] present an indictment... against Buford Pusser for the murder of his wife Pauline.” – District Attorney, reported by Woody (27:46–27:55)
  • Woody’s reflection: “If you’re a dirty cop, you’re a dirty cop. I hate dirty cops.” (30:03)
  • Discussion of how fame can delay accountability and the hope for similar resources on lesser-known cold cases. (30:03–32:14)

V. International Crime: Heinous & Bizarre Cases

1. Longtime UK Child Predator Finally Jailed

• Case of Lester Sharp, medical receptionist and repeat offender, finally sentenced after avoiding prosecution for decades.
  • Early investigation in 2003 found material on his work computer but resulted in no charges; only after 2022 did renewed evidence lead to an eight-year sentence. (33:11–36:26)
  • Cyndi’s outrage: “That’s not enough. He’s gotten away with it for 20-something years and he’s not even going to do 20 years.” (36:27)
  • Woody: “Better than nothing. Better than out there raping babies, right?” (36:49)

2. Airline Mayhem in London

• Chaos on a Saudi flight to Heathrow as a passenger punches a crew member and tries to open the cabin door while taxiing.
  • Large emergency response; man arrested for "danger in an aircraft." (39:48–41:54)
  • Woody: “How do you think that’s going to end well for you?” (41:48)
  • Brief cultural note on stricter laws in Saudi Arabia vs. UK. (37:53–39:54)

VI. Comical Crimes: Walmart Millionaires & Art World Absurdities

• Counterfeit Million-Dollar Bill at Walmart (43:11–45:40)

  • Atlanta woman brings three $1M counterfeit bills to pay for $1,675 in gift cards; claims authenticity, asks for change.
  • Woody: “There's never been a $1 million bill printed in US history. What do you think is the highest bill ever printed?” (45:54)

• Bonus: Banana Art Sells for Millions

  • Woody and Cyndi riff on the famous case of a banana duct-taped to the wall selling for $6.2 million. (49:19–51:00)
  • Woody: “Selfie seeking crowds became so thick, Comedian was withdrawn from view… the bananas rot.” (50:55)
  • Cyndi: “So anyway, is it a fresh banana? Do they have to keep reductaping it?” (50:14)
  • Ends with playful ideas about their own possible "art" projects and nod to the connection of money/counterfeit crimes to unresolved cases. (51:12–52:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice:
  “Sooner than later, boots will be on the ground, and that’s when we kick it into the whole next gear.” – Woody (03:15)

• On Criminal Remorse:
  “She’s just crying because you got caught. You’re not sorry about anything.” – Woody (08:56–09:06)

• On Law Enforcement Corruption:
  “If you’re a dirty cop, you’re a dirty cop. I’ve always said I hate dirty cops and bleed blue, but I hate dirty cops.” – Woody (30:03)

• On Absurdity of Crimes:
  “Three $1 million bills? You actually asked for change?” – Woody, on the Walmart case (45:15)

• On Never Giving Up on Cold Cases:
  “That’s why I never give up hope… unless they did a Breaking Bad in the bathtub.” – Woody (23:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:00 – Justice for Bradley & AO / Casework updates
• 05:40 – London law student fare dodger
• 09:44 – Texas bank robbery foiled by teller’s request for ID
• 17:46 – Ryan Coogler bank misunderstanding
• 20:09 – Minnesota cold case breakthrough: car found in river
• 27:29 – Sheriff Buford Pusser and the reopened 1967 murder case
• 33:11 – UK child abuse case: Net finally closes
• 39:48 – Saudi airline passenger chaos at Heathrow
• 43:11 – Walmart counterfeit million-dollar bills
• 49:19 – Banana duct-taped to wall sells for millions

Tone & Dynamic

The episode blends Woody’s matter-of-fact, occasionally blunt lawman perspective with Cyndi’s empathetic, sharp-witted approach. Humor—sometimes dark, often self-aware—undercuts the heaviness of the subject matter, while their personal anecdotes and bits of banter create a sense of camaraderie with "lifers" and new listeners alike.

Closing Remarks

Woody and Cyndi close by reaffirming their commitment to cold case advocacy and justice, hinting at new developments on the horizon, and poking fun at the week’s surreal criminal news stories. The episode is a quintessential blend of investigative experience and off-the-cuff humor—a must-listen for true crime fans who appreciate grit, humanity, and a dash of absurdity.