Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – "Making A Murder Meal - Jeffersonville, Indiana"
Episode Information:
- Title: Making A Murder Meal - Jeffersonville, Indiana
- Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmy Whisman
- Release Date: July 24, 2025
- Description: Two comedians delve into the intricacies of a small town, uncovering what makes it tick and exploring a chilling murder case with their signature comedic perspective.
Introduction to Jeffersonville, Indiana
The episode begins with James and Jimmy setting the stage for a deep dive into Jeffersonville, Indiana—a town with a population of approximately 50,000, located just minutes from Louisville, Kentucky. They highlight Jeffersonville's transition from a Civil War-era supply center to a mid-20th-century hub for gambling and nightlife, earning the nickname "Little Las Vegas."
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [06:11]: "He kills a lot. Yeah, he kept all. He's the i5 killer."
Demographics and Community Insights
The hosts provide a comprehensive overview of Jeffersonville's demographics, including racial composition, median age, household income, and housing costs. They emphasize the town's reputation for safety and its appeal as a place to raise a family, despite some critics labeling it as "boring."
Notable Quotes:
James Petragallo [08:18]: "Dog tracks, pussy."
Jimmy Whisman [09:15]: "If you require no excitement, this place is fine for you."
Profile of Joseph Albert Oberhansley
Central to the episode is the tragic story of Joseph Albert Oberhansley, a man whose troubled past and mental health issues culminated in a horrifying crime. Born in 1981 in Utah, Joseph faced significant trauma in his teenage years with the suicide of his half-brother and the death of his father due to a drug overdose. These events profoundly impacted his mental state, leading to substance abuse and erratic behavior.
Family Dynamics: Joseph's relationship with his family is complex. While his mother, Brenda Self, and grandmother, Norma Dodge, are depicted as supportive, Joseph's actions suggest deep-seated psychological issues.
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [24:08]: "If someone decides I think I can get away with murder, I'm going to make fun of that person."
The Crime: Murder of Tammy Jo Blanton
On September 11, 2014, Joseph's violent tendencies erupted tragically when he murdered his girlfriend, Tammy Jo Blanton. The crime scene was gruesome, with signs of forced entry, multiple stab wounds, and dismemberment. Joseph's interactions with Tammy prior to the murder—marked by quick courtship and escalating tensions—set the stage for the tragic event.
Details of the Crime:
- Date: September 11, 2014
- Victim: Tammy Jo Blanton
- Method: Stabbing and dismemberment using kitchen utensils
- Crime Scene: Tammy's apartment, with blood and body parts scattered throughout
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [36:22]: "He pulls out the gun, aims it on Sabrina, yelling at her, saying, it's not my fucking kid and you're a liar."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Joseph's arrest led to a tumultuous legal battle characterized by mental health evaluations, plea bargains, and multiple trials. Initially charged with murder and attempted murder, Joseph's legal journey was marred by procedural mishaps and his ongoing mental instability.
Key Legal Events:
- Initial Charges: Murder and attempted murder
- Plea Bargain: Joseph pled guilty to manslaughter and attempted murder, serving up to 15 years instead of potential 30 years.
- Parole Attempts: Multiple parole hearings highlighted Joseph's erratic behavior and unresolved mental health issues.
- Second Trial: Complications arose due to procedural errors, leading to mistrials and further delays.
Notable Quotes:
Jimmy Whisman [51:37]: "He said, I feel that it's kind of. It's really. It's made me calm down, made me a lot mellower."
James Petragallo [60:56]: "He's out of it."
Mental Health and Recidivism
Throughout the narrative, Joseph's mental health remains a central theme. His diagnosis of schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations, and delusional behavior played a significant role in both the crime and his subsequent legal struggles. Despite brief periods of competency, Joseph consistently displayed signs of severe mental illness, complicating his ability to stand trial and receive appropriate sentencing.
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [94:25]: "A lawyer who's real good at finding shit other than that."
Impact on the Community and Families
The murder of Tammy Jo Blanton had a profound impact on both her family and Joseph's. Tammy's family expressed deep anguish and frustration over the legal outcomes, feeling that justice was not fully served. Conversely, Joseph's family grappled with their conflicting feelings of loss and the horror of his actions.
Notable Quote:
Tammy Jo's Father [135:44]: "I wish they'd kill him tomorrow. I want him gone. I want him dead."
Interstate Compact and Legal Loopholes
A significant aspect of Joseph's case is the failure of the Utah-Parole Board to adequately monitor his parole violations due to jurisdictional complications. This loophole allowed Joseph to evade stricter supervision, ultimately leading to his release and subsequent repeat offenses.
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [82:04]: "Everyone has Instagram and a fucking iPhone. There should be a real easy way to do this."
Conclusion and Reflections
James and Jimmy conclude the episode by reflecting on the systemic failures that allowed Joseph to continue his violent behavior despite multiple red flags. They emphasize the importance of mental health support and robust legal systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [160:21]: "I don't know if he's legally crazy or not, but just general. If you saw that person on the street corner acting like this, you go look at that crazy guy across the road."
Final Thoughts: "Making A Murder Meal - Jeffersonville, Indiana" offers a harrowing exploration of a tragic crime intertwined with systemic oversights and deep psychological trauma. Through their comedic lens, James and Jimmy shed light on the complexities of small-town dynamics and the dire consequences of neglecting mental health in the criminal justice system.
Additional Resources:
- Host’s Website: shutupandgivemurder.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/CrimeInSports
- Social Media: Follow Small Town Murder on Instagram and Facebook for updates and bonus content.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key points discussed in the podcast episode. For full context and nuanced discussions, listening to the original episode is recommended.