Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: Lennie Paul Tracy

Podcast Host: Oxygen
Date: January 11, 2026

Episode Overview

This gripping episode of Snapped chronicles the violent and tragic culmination of an eight-year neighborly feud between Lenny Paul Tracy and Tony Davis in Santa Clarita, California. Through interviews, official statements, and first-hand accounts, the episode explores how seemingly small disputes between once-similar neighbors escalated to harassment, paranoia, and ultimately, a fatal shooting. The episode not only follows the night of the murder but also delves deep into the long, toxic history between the Davis and Tracy families, the subsequent investigation, trial, and aftermath.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background: Two Lives, One Street

• Two families, many similarities:
  • Both men, Lenny Tracy and Tony Davis, were near-identical in age, had suffered setbacks due to disabling injuries, and once had potential for close friendship.
  • “They were both similar in age and they both went through terrible tragedies in their lives.” — Neighbor or Friend [01:05]
• Initial good relations dissolve:
  • The relationship soured over seemingly minor property disputes such as a tire on a fence and worries about pets escaping.

The Feud Escalates

• Petty complaints become routine:
  • Repeated police involvement over minor neighborhood infractions: lawn watering, trash cans, vehicle parking, and more.
  • "There are two huge volumes at the station of petty complaints." — Investigator or Police Officer [01:18]
• Attempts at reconciliation fail:
  • The Davises try for mediation and even file restraining orders, but matters only worsen.
  • Harassment tactics by the Tracys escalate to using floodlights, loud noises, and even custom-made derogatory signs aimed at the Davises.
  • “They took a directional speaker and they pointed it at my aunt, my uncle's house. And so all night there was extremely loud bird noises playing.” — Family Member (Nephew/Niece) [22:48]

The Fatal Night

• Shooting occurs on September 24, 2011:
  • Just before 3am, Tony Davis approaches the Tracy home to ask for an infrared light to be turned off.
  • He is shot at close range—once in the chest, once in the back—by Lenny Paul Tracy.
  • Paramedics are delayed due to a standoff with Tracy, preventing immediate aid.
  • "He had two gunshot wounds close up, one in the back and one in the chest." — Detective or Law Enforcement [04:41]
  • Family and neighbors attempt CPR while tension and chaos reign as police negotiate Tracy’s surrender.
  • "Sandra was screaming at the police to shut the door so that her cats don't get out. That was just crazy to me." — Family Member (Nephew/Niece) [16:10]

Investigation & Evidence

• Crime scene and behavioral clues:
  • The scene is littered with evidence of the long-standing feud—professional signs with insults, unusual fences, and video surveillance systems on both properties.
  • "Mr. Tracy had been a long term graphic designer and used his talents as a sign maker to make these vulgar signs." — Detective or Law Enforcement [19:15]
• Key physical and video evidence:
  • Investigators recover tapes that were hidden after the shooting, undermining any self-defense claim.
  • Surveillance footage shows Tony never forced entry and was shot while trying to flee.
    • “When you're confronting someone and you shoot them in the chest... but after you shoot someone in the chest and the person turns around and runs away from you and you shoot him again, it no longer becomes self-defense.” — Investigator or Analyst [35:01]
• Forensic inconsistencies:
  • No evidence of a struggle as Tracy claimed; autopsy did not align with his account.

Conflicting Accounts

• Cindy Davis’s account (victim’s widow):
  • Describes escalating paranoia and harassment by Tracy.
  • Recounts the night of the shooting, her attempt to help her husband, and being threatened by Tracy.
• Sandra Tracy’s account (suspect’s wife):
  • Blames the Davises, alleges stalking and provocation.
  • Claims the shooting was in response to a forced entry, refuted by evidence and police findings.
  • Most of her accounts are based on secondhand information from Lenny Tracy.

Legal Proceedings

• Lenny Tracy’s defense:
  • Claims he thought Tony was a burglar; maintains innocence and pleads self-defense.
  • Video and physical evidence discredit this, showing premeditation and consciousness of guilt.
  • His actions post-shooting (hiding evidence, aggressive behavior) further undermine his case.
  • "If it was a legitimate self defense and you had the tape to prove it, you would say, please come see the tape." — Investigator or Police Officer [33:28]
• Jury verdict and sentencing:
  • Tracy is convicted of first-degree murder and assault for threatening Cindy Davis.
  • Sentenced to 50 years to life, plus 14 years for assault.
  • Appeal was unsuccessful.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Petty Disputes to Deadly Feud

• "You'd think that this would be something that people would bond over." — Neighbor or Friend, on both men’s tough lives [09:31]

Attempts at Intervention

• "The Davises were willing and they really wanted to sit down and discuss the problems and how could they resolve them? And each time the Tracy's refused." — Family Member (Nephew/Niece) [11:23]

Exposing the Escalation

• "Lenny and Tony were a lot alike... but instead of becoming best friends, the two men turned into enemies." — Narrator [09:47]

The Harassment's Toll

• "The Tracy's would take floodlights and they would strap them to the side of their house and they would shine them directly into the bedroom windows. All night my uncle started sleeping in the living room on the couch to try to escape that." — Family Member (Nephew/Niece) [22:48]

Bitter Irony of Outcomes

• "The most tragic part of this case is that they could have been best friends. And instead, one person lost his life and the other one will be spending his life in prison." — Detective or Law Enforcement [42:56]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Initial context and setup of feud – [01:03] to [10:26]
• Breakdown of escalating harassment – [11:05] to [22:48]
• Night of the shooting and standoff – [02:29], [14:11] to [16:49]
• Crime scene discoveries and evidence gathering – [17:16] to [19:34], [32:03] to [35:28]
• Contradictions in Sandra Tracy’s narrative – [28:21] to [30:59]
• Legal analysis and trial evidence – [36:03] to [41:46]
• Verdict, sentencing, and aftermath – [41:51] to [43:59]

The Aftermath

• Lenny Paul Tracy is imprisoned for life; appeal fails.
• Sandra Tracy leaves the neighborhood; Cindy Davis remains, supported by family and neighbors.
• The case stands as a warning about the dangers of escalating neighborhood disputes and the fatal consequences of unchecked bitterness.

Closing Reflection

The tragic story of Lenny Paul Tracy and Tony Davis stands as a chilling example of how anger, suspicion, and an unwillingness to forgive or let go can destroy lives. As the episode reveals, beneath every neighborhood squabble can lurk unspoken pain, and the refusal to reconcile can yield irreparable tragedy. The voices of family and neighbors, and stark lines from those involved, bring the human costs into sharp relief.

Note: This summary omits ads, podcast intros/outros, and focuses strictly on the core content and discussion.