Snapped: Women Who Murder
Episode Summary – “Neal Zumberge”
Original Air Date: January 4, 2026
Podcast by: Oxygen
Episode Theme:
A decades-long, simmering feud between neighbors in New Brighton, Minnesota explodes into violence, ending in gunfire, the death of Todd Stevens, and the wounding of his partner, Jennifer Clevin. The episode examines the deepening conflict, the events leading up to the shooting, and the investigations and trials that followed.
Main Theme and Purpose
The episode delves into the tragedy that resulted from a years-long neighborhood feud—ostensibly over feeding deer and a string of personal grievances—that ended in murder. Through police records, survivor interviews, and court proceedings, “Neal Zumberge” examines how everyday disputes can become deadly, focusing on the escalation of hostilities, the attempts at intervention, and the pursuit of justice.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Crime and Immediate Aftermath
- [03:13-07:01] The peaceful suburb of New Brighton is shattered on May 5, 2014, when a 911 call comes in: Jennifer Clevin and Todd Stevens have been shot by their neighbor, Neal Zumberge.
- Police rush to the scene but are cautious due to uncertainty about the shooter’s location.
- Todd is found dead in the yard; Jennifer is alive but seriously wounded.
- Quote: Jennifer Clevin, desperate and in pain on the 911 call:
“I've been shot. Yes. I think he killed Todd. Hurry.” (03:28)
2. The Background – Two Families, One Escalating Feud
- [07:01-11:30] Introduces Todd Stevens and Jennifer Clevin, respected and happy members of the community, living in harmony until the Zumberge family moves in across the street in 1997.
- Initial neighborly interactions sour over years, particularly after the Zumberges cut off relations between their son Jacob and Jennifer’s son Ryan, triggered by concerns over drinking in the Stevens/Clevin house.
- The rift grows into open hostility, marked by complaints, harassment, and mutual animosity.
3. The Deer Feeding Dispute
- [19:26-23:15]
- After their children drift apart, Todd and Jennifer develop a deer-feeding hobby, installing a feeder in their yard.
- Neil Zumberge becomes fixated on stopping this, claiming the deer attract disease-carrying ticks.
- The Zumberges blame their family’s health issues, including Neil’s Lyme disease, on the deer and, by extension, Jennifer and Todd.
- Quote: Expert/Analyst, summing up Neil’s fixation:
“He blamed them for his inability to find a job. He blamed them for getting Lyme disease. He blamed them for a lot of the problems in his life.” (24:07)
4. Harassment, Restraining Orders, and Escalation
- [24:37-28:26]
- Jennifer and Todd find dead animals and animal parts left in their yard; they suspect Neil, but he denies it.
- Neil campaigns against the deer feeder in the neighborhood, circulating accusatory letters and posting mocking signs.
- Police are called dozens of times (44 in nine years) but intervention is unsuccessful. Jennifer obtains a restraining order against Neil a year before the shooting.
- Quote: Jennifer Clevin:
“I told the cops, he said he was going to kill me 100 times…‘We can’t do anything about it.’ That’s why I put a restraining order.” (27:48)
5. The Final Confrontation
- [28:42-31:39]
- The week prior, a confrontation at a local bar between Jennifer and the Zumberges' son, Jacob, escalates hostilities further.
- On the night of the shooting, emotions run high after Jacob is arrested following Jennifer's report.
- Paula Zumberge, Neil’s wife, confronts Jennifer at home; Neil arms himself, then opens fire as Todd approaches, killing him and severely injuring Jennifer.
- Jennifer claims Paula urged Neil to “shoot, shoot, shoot” (31:06).
6. The Investigation
- [12:19-17:58, 31:39-38:21]
- SWAT and multiple law enforcement agencies respond; Neil refuses to surrender to local police, demanding to talk only to the county sheriff (15:02).
- Both Neil and Paula are taken into custody. Paula is charged with aiding and abetting.
- Security camera footage shows much of the altercation but lacks audio—no evidence corroborates Jennifer’s claim that Paula incited the shooting.
- Video and forensic analysis point toward premeditation by Neil.
- Quote: Law Enforcement/Investigator:
“It appears to be a premeditated planned execution of Todd Stevens.” (38:30)
7. The Trials
- [39:13-44:31]
- Paula’s trial results in acquittal due to lack of corroborating evidence (40:08).
- Neil’s defense claims self-defense—he alleges Todd threatened Paula and reached for a gun, but video and forensic evidence refute this. Todd was unarmed.
- Jury convicts Neil of first-degree premeditated murder and attempted murder (42:20).
- During sentencing, Neil recants prior claims, admits to lying about possessing lip-reading skills and that the shooting was not accidental.
- Quote: Police Officer/Investigator quoting his closing argument:
“This was not a whoopsie. This was intentional.” (41:46)
8. Aftermath and Reflections
- [44:31-45:05]
- Both families are forced to move from the neighborhood, the Zumberges selling their home to pay for Neil’s defense.
- The scars on the community remain, with neighbors and children traumatized by the public, violent conflict.
- Quote: Jennifer Clevin, at verdict:
“All I could say to him is, I don't forgive you. I never forgive you, and I hope you rot in hell.” (43:24)
- Quote: Friend of Todd Stevens:
“In all the years I knew him, that's all he wanted to do, was help people.” (44:41)
Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- “I've been shot. Yes. I think he killed Todd. Hurry.” – Jennifer Clevin, 911 Call ([03:28])
- “They began finding animal parts and animals in their driveway.” – Expert/Analyst ([10:50])
- “I told the cops, he said he was going to kill me 100 times…‘We can’t do anything about it.’ That's why I put a restraining order.” – Jennifer Clevin ([27:48])
- “He blamed them for getting Lyme disease. He blamed them for a lot of the problems in his life.” – Police Officer/Investigator ([24:07])
- “Paula kept telling Neil, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot. So I think they had it panned out.” – Jennifer Clevin ([31:06])
- “It appears to be a premeditated planned execution of Todd Stevens.” – Law Enforcement/Investigator ([38:30])
- “This was not a whoopsie. This was intentional.” – Police Officer/Investigator ([41:46])
- “All I could say to him is, I don't forgive you. I never forgive you, and I hope you rot in hell.” – Jennifer Clevin ([43:24])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 03:13 — First 911 call and emergency response
- 11:30 — Feud timeline and Jennifer’s injury
- 19:26 — Deer feeding backstory
- 24:37 — Animal carcass harassment begins
- 27:48 — History of threats and restraining order
- 31:00 — Shooting incident
- 36:10 — Security camera evidence
- 39:25 — Paula’s trial
- 40:30 — Neil’s trial and his claims
- 42:20 — Verdict
- 43:24 — Sentencing & Jennifer’s statement
- 44:31 — Community aftermath; remembering Todd
Flow, Tone, and Takeaway
The episode maintains a cool, investigative tone, blending narration, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis. It powerfully illustrates how petty grievances can escalate when left unresolved and when authorities and social systems fail to mediate effectively. The tragedy is amplified by the sense of inevitability, as friends, neighbors, and law enforcement all foresaw the possibility of violence but were ultimately unable to prevent it. The emotional heart sits with Jennifer Clevin’s survival, her loss, and her speech at Neal’s sentencing, reflecting the devastation such violence leaves in its wake.
Final Note:
This episode stands as a warning about the dangers of unchecked hostility, highlighting the importance of community, early intervention, and, tragically, the consequences when conflict turns deadly.