Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder Episode #586 - "Never Trust Your Cousin - Clanton, Alabama"

Release Date: April 11, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman

Introduction

In episode #586 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman delve into the chilling case of Tracy Brown's murder in Clanton, Alabama. Combining in-depth research with their signature comedic perspective, the hosts unravel the disturbing events that transpired in this seemingly quiet small town.

Background of Clanton, Alabama

Clanton, located in Chilton County, Alabama, is a small town with a population of approximately 8,715. Situated about 40 minutes from Montgomery and an hour from Birmingham, Clanton is known for its strong sense of community and its primary industry: peach farming. The town's peach water tower, constructed in 1993, stands as a local landmark.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (07:29): "Population here is 8,715 in this town. So pretty small little area..."
• Jimmy Whisman (09:34): "Every time I hear this about a Southern town. I'm like, yeah, but you know."

The Victim: Tracy Brown

Tracy Brown, a resident of Clanton, worked at a local healthcare company alongside her cousin, Tanya Renee Van Dyke. On October 13, 2012, Tracy failed to show up for work, prompting her employer to check on her well-being, which ultimately led to the discovery of her murder.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (27:05): "She lived at the Martin Trailer Court off County Road 24..."
• Jimmy Whisman (11:42): "This sounds like someone's like the beginning of a novel."

The Accused: James Lee Osgood and Tanya Renee Van Dyke

James Lee Osgood
Born on August 28, 1969, James Lee Osgood had a troubled upbringing marked by severe abuse and neglect. His biological parents abandoned him and his sister, Ann Marie, leading to adoption by Richard and Peggy Osgood, who continued the cycle of abuse. Throughout his life, James struggled with addiction, diagnosed disorders, and criminal behavior, including a history of sexual misconduct.

Tanya Renee Van Dyke
Tanya, born in 1971, was James's girlfriend and also Tracy's first cousin. She worked with Tracy at the Clanton healthcare company and became intricately involved in the planning and execution of Tracy's murder alongside James.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (13:48): "Jimmy, Oh yeah."
• Jimmy Whisman (21:00): "He's a mess."

The Crime

On October 13, 2012, Tracy Brown was found brutally murdered in her trailer. She had been sexually assaulted, raped, and stabbed multiple times, with a handgun discovered at the scene. The crime scene suggested a prolonged and violent attack, indicating premeditation and extreme cruelty.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (27:30): "Clanton's population is 8,715..."
• Jimmy Whisman (17:37): "No one else in the bar thought that was a fucking problem."

The Investigation

Initial suspicions fell on a local man named Richardson, who harassed Tracy in the weeks leading up to her murder. However, alibi verification and DNA evidence cleared him of involvement. Focus then shifted to James Osgood and Tanya Van Dyke.

During interrogations, James initially denied involvement but later confessed to participating in a consensual threesome that escalated into murder. He detailed how he and Tanya brutally assaulted Tracy, culminating in her throat being slit multiple times.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (33:07): "Unfortunately, this guy's clean."
• James Pietragallo (43:38): "This is disturbing, by the way."

Trial and Verdict

James Osgood pled not guilty, maintaining his innocence despite his detailed confession. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including his own admissions and DNA links, leading to his conviction for capital murder. Tanya Van Dyke pleaded guilty to related charges to avoid the death penalty.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (53:18): "Went to trial."
• Jimmy Whisman (61:21): "Yeah, he said it."

The jury recommended the death penalty for James Osgood due to the heinous nature of the crime and the fact that it was committed during an act of rape. The judge upheld the recommendation, sentencing James to death.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (68:07): "He deserves that fucking head."
• Jimmy Whisman (68:13): "She's like, well, he didn't."

Appeals

In 2016, James Osgood appealed his death sentence on multiple grounds, including claims that his constitutional rights were violated during police interrogations. Despite arguments from his defense team regarding his traumatic upbringing and psychological state, the appeals court upheld his conviction but ordered a resentencing for the penalty phase.

By March 2025, Osgood had requested a final execution date, expressing a desire to end his life, which led to his scheduled execution on April 24, 2025. A movement emerged advocating for the cessation of his execution, citing concerns about Alabama's capital punishment processes.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo (71:03): "You have to go fight your issues first."
• Jimmy Whisman (74:40): "Now you're understanding what the death penalty is about."

Conclusion

The murder of Tracy Brown in Clanton, Alabama, stands as one of the most gruesome crimes covered in Small Town Murder. Through meticulous research and candid discussions, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman shed light on the dark underbelly of a small town, the complexities of criminal psychology, and the intricacies of the legal system surrounding capital punishment.

Final Thoughts:

• James Pietragallo (77:35): "They just... wouldn't it be fun to torture somebody and kill them? Fucking gross."
• Jimmy Whisman (78:07): "Unbelievable."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James Pietragallo (14:43): "What scurvy too. Did they have any other preventable things you could."
• Jimmy Whisman (34:20): "Yikes."
• James Pietragallo (43:38): "This is disturbing, by the way."
• Jimmy Whisman (54:02): "We just... do it, but do it fast."
• James Pietragalo (61:24): "He says, you Honor, the death penalty has no place in Alabama..."

Additional Information

For more in-depth exploration of similar cases and to support the podcast, listeners are encouraged to visit shutupandgivemerder.com and consider supporting through platforms like Patreon.

Content Warning: This episode discusses graphic details of sexual assault, torture, and murder. Listener discretion is advised.