Your Next Listen: Fear Thy Neighbor

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Fear Thy Neighbor"
Episode: Your Next Listen: Fear Thy Neighbor
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host/Author: ID

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Introduction: The Hidden Dangers of Suburban Conflicts

The episode opens with a gripping narration that challenges the common perception of violent crimes, highlighting how everyday neighborly disputes can escalate into deadly confrontations. The narrator sets the stage by questioning, “What makes a good neighbor go bad?” (00:01), drawing listeners into the unsettling premise that even the most peaceful communities can harbor deep-seated tensions.

Setting the Scene: Springfield, Virginia

The story unfolds in Springfield, Virginia, a meticulously maintained and low-crime neighborhood praised by local prosecutor Steve Descano and law enforcement journalist Jerry Lamb. Described as “the safest large community in the entire country” (01:54), Springfield appears to be an idyllic suburban haven. However, beneath its tranquil surface lies the brewing conflict that becomes the episode's focal point.

New Beginnings: Janelle Hall and Amaya Brown Move In

Janelle Hall, a single mother working as a government contractor, moves into Bedaw Court with her teenage daughter, Amaya Brown, and their two dogs, Gizmo and Tink (02:06). They are warmly welcomed by the community, with Amaya recalling, “The people in the neighborhood, they were nice from when we first met them” (03:18). Their neighbor, Sarah Hettle, extends a friendly gesture by offering homemade cookies (03:18), while her husband, Michael Hettle, remains notably reserved.

Rising Tensions: Michael Hettle's Hostility

Despite the initial warmth, Michael Hettle’s demeanor grows increasingly antagonistic. Amaya observes, “There would be times where you would pass him and he would be full on, like having conversations and laughing with all different neighbors. But when it came to us, he didn't even want to look at us” (04:42). Prosecutor Lyle Burnham describes Michael as someone who “believes in authority” and uses rules to his advantage (05:00). This tension escalates when Michael confronts Janelle about her music, calling it “crap” and implying a racial undertone by describing it as “ghetto” (05:33).

Escalation of the Feud: HOA Involvement and Pet Disputes

Michael intensifies his harassment by filing complaints to the Homeowners Association (HOA), accusing Janelle of attracting vermin and causing disturbances with her dogs (06:27). Janelle and Amaya vehemently deny these claims, with Amaya stating, “I've never once seen a rat near my house. That's a lie” (06:52). The HOA's formal admonishments compound the stress, leading Janelle to confront Michael directly, where she asserts, “Why are you spreading crap about me and my child to the neighbors?” (12:08).

New Hope: The Arrival of Javon Prather

Amid the ongoing conflict, Janelle meets Javon Prather, a 21-year-old military man, bringing a ray of hope and happiness into her life. Javon’s friendly nature contrasts sharply with Michael’s hostility, as Amaya describes Javon as someone who “would make you laugh or crack a smile” (16:35). Their swift romance and subsequent marriage inject new dynamics into the neighborhood feud.

Climax: The Fatal Confrontation

The longstanding animosity reaches its peak on March 3, 2020, when a heated altercation between Michael and Javon culminates in tragedy. Michael, feeling threatened and fearing for his safety, opens fire on Javon, resulting in Javon's immediate death (26:17). The initial police investigation supports Michael’s claim that he acted in self-defense, but evidence begins to unravel the truth.

Unveiling the Truth: Evidence and Testimonies

As the investigation deepens, crucial evidence surfaces. A key revelation comes from Michael's own security footage, which contradicts his narrative. Attorney Steve Descano highlights, “The ring doorbell shows that he took steps back to give space” (28:58), disproving Michael’s claims of Javon’s aggression. Additionally, Michael’s past as a police officer reveals troubling patterns of racial profiling and violence, including racial derogatory language directed at Janelle and Javon (30:56).

Michael’s son, Kaden, provides damning testimony about his father’s racist behavior, further undermining Michael’s defense. Prosecutor Lyle Burnham emphasizes the motive, stating, “The video footage shows that there was absolutely nothing Javon did that warranted being shot and killed in that manner. This was cold, callous murder” (29:58).

Conclusion: Justice and Aftermath

On January 28, 2022, Michael Hettle is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Javon Prather (32:05). The tragic event forces both families to leave Bedaw Court, leaving behind a community scarred by the bitter feud. Janelle and Amaya continue to honor Javon’s memory, embodying resilience amid the profound loss.

Amaya reflects on their loss, “After the passing of Javon, she just lost herself for a long time” (33:01), underscoring the enduring impact of the conflict on their lives. The episode concludes with a poignant tribute to Javon’s love for music and the friendships he forged, highlighting the tragic loss of a promising life caught in the crossfire of neighborly hatred.

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Notable Quotes:

• Narrator (00:01): “What makes a good neighbor go bad?”
• Prosecutor Lyle Burnham (05:00): “Mr. Hetley definitely is the type person who believes in authority, believes people should follow the rules...”
• Amaya Brown (06:52): “I've never once seen a rat near my house. That's a lie.”
• Janelle Hall (12:08): “Why are you spreading crap about me and my child to the neighbors?”
• Amaya Brown (16:35): “Javon was very goofy. There was never one conversation you had with him where he didn't, like, make you laugh or crack a smile.”
• Prosecutor Lyle Burnham (29:58): “The video footage shows that there was absolutely nothing Javon did that warranted being shot and killed in that manner. This was cold, callous murder.”
• Amaya Brown (33:01): “After the passing of Javon, she just lost herself for a long time.”

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Closing Remarks

"Fear Thy Neighbor" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative insights, revealing how ordinary disputes can tragically spiral out of control. Through vivid storytelling and compelling testimonies, the episode underscores the fragile nature of community harmony and the devastating consequences of unchecked animosity.

For more gripping true crime stories, check out the Fear Thy Neighbor series on Max Discovery and ID.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Most violent crimes that capture the public's imagination are about serial killers, mass shooters, crimes of passion or clashes among underworld figures. Yet some of the most shocking and deadly conflicts we encounter are between everyday neighbors in ordinary neighborhoods. Their seemingly minor quibbles escalate until violence erupts and it impacts an entire community. What makes a good neighbor go bad? We may never truly know. But heed this warning about the terrible things that can happen when even the pettiest disagreements pass the point of no return and good neighbors become worst enemies. How can you sleep at night when the person you fear or hate the most lives right next door?

[Journalist]

We're a half hour drive from the nation's capital in a well manicured neighborhood that's been under the meticulous care of a local homeowners association for years. The rows of picturesque townhomes are where a single black mother has worked tirelessly to afford a place in hopes of improving life for herself and her teenage daughter. It's a dream come true until they fall under the disdainful eye of the man next door. Things don't improve when the mom finds a new romantic partner. If anything, it fuels more animosity with her neighbor. This is fear thy neighbor intimidation tactics. Springfield, Virginia is a peaceful hidden gem in the heart of Fairfax County, 15 miles outside of D.C. prosecutor Steve Descano and law enforcement journalist Jerry Lamb spoke speak to its charms.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

It is incredibly low crime. It is the safest large community in the entire country.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

There's a community pool, decent amount of shared space. The residents consider it to be quiet.

[Journalist]

And that's exactly what draws Janelle Hull, her daughter Amaya Brown, and their dogs Gizmo and Tink to a house on Bedraw Court. Homeownership is a significant achievement for Janelle, a single mother working as a government contractor in Washington D.C. when my mom.

[Amaya Brown]

Bought that house, she felt very accomplished for it. The neighborhood was very nice and quiet. So she was excited because we came from somewhere that wasn't too nice.

[Journalist]

That's Amaya, Janelle's daughter. As she explains it, the two women were immediately welcomed by the community on Bedstraw Court in part due to Janelle's warm personality.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom, she is a very strong willed lady. She's very outgoing. She's really friendly, she's very funny. We were really happy to be there.

[Journalist]

Hi, you must be Janelle Hall. Welcome to the neighborhood.

[Janelle Hall]

Thank you so much. We're excited to be here. This whole part town is so beautiful.

[Journalist]

We do our best to keep it looking beautiful and we're sure you will too?

[Janelle Hall]

Absolutely.

[Amaya Brown]

The people in the neighborhood, they were nice from when we first met them. They made sure to always say hi.

[Journalist]

The newcomers are also welcomed with a box of handmade treats by their next door neighbor. Hi, I'm Sarah Hettle. I'm your neighbor, just to the left.

[Janelle Hall]

With my husband, Michael Jenelle. Nice to meet you.

[Journalist]

Nice to meet you too.

[Janelle Hall]

These look delicious.

[Journalist]

They are. As Janelle accepts the cookies, her husband Michael appears in the doorway to catch a glimpse of his new neighbor.

[Amaya Brown]

Hi, Michael. Thanks for the cookies.

[Journalist]

But he just stares at her blankly. His wife Sarah, is quick to apologize for his apparently chilly demeanor. I have to excuse my husband. He's a little reserved.

[Janelle Hall]

No worries. Thank you.

[Journalist]

Michael Hettle is a federal employee working for NASA, while Sarah is an administrator for the local school board. The couple live a mostly quiet life on their suburban street and enjoy occasional weekend visits from Michael's son.

[Amaya Brown]

Caden Hedl wasn't a talkative person at all. The most you would get was a smile from him.

[Journalist]

Journalist Jerry Lam furthers Amaia's observation.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Hettle was never formally introduced to Janelle. Most of their interactions were just, you know, passing by.

[Journalist]

Early on, as Janelle and Amaia settle in, their encounters with the Heddles fall into a consistent pattern. A wave and a smile from Sarah, while Michael remains aloof. Yet Amaya can't help but notice his lack of engagement appears selective.

[Amaya Brown]

There would be times where you would pass him and he would be full on, like having conversations and laughing with all different neighbors. But when it came to us, he didn't even want to look at us.

[Journalist]

Michael is a stickler for community standards, annoyed by even the smallest transgressions. Here's prosecutor Lyle burnham.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

To elaborate, Mr. Hetley definitely is the type person who believes in authority, believes people should follow the rules, and believes that he can use rules and authority to his advantage when he wants to.

[Journalist]

And one evening, as Janelle pulls into her adjoining driveway, she gets a direct taste of Michael's high standards towards others behavior.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom was sitting in her car for a few minutes, like, listening to music and like the radio. It wasn't like blaring, blasting loud. That's when Heddlehead came out of his house.

[Michael Hettle]

Turn that down. I said turn that crap down. We don't like that kind of music here.

[Janelle Hall]

What did you just say?

[Michael Hettle]

You heard me.

[Janelle Hall]

What kind? What kind of music? What kind of music?

[Journalist]

According to Amaia and Janelle, Michael went so far as to describe the music in a way they view as disparaging.

[Amaya Brown]

In the moment when he had called my mom and the music ghetto, it was instant anger.

[Journalist]

He.

[Amaya Brown]

He has no right to do that. I mean, it was just music.

[Janelle Hall]

What kind?

[Journalist]

To Janelle and Amaia, Michael's words hint at a racial slight. But even though Janelle is offended, she tries her best not to dwell on the incident. But Michael does. He now keeps a watchful eye over the mother and teen daughter next door. And the more he sees, the more aggravated he becomes. Lyle Burnham explains.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mr. Headley wrote a memo to the HOA about what he claimed was vermin in or around his backyard or his home, including squirrels and mice. He claimed that they were a result of the trash at the neighbor's household not being kept tidy.

[Journalist]

While Michael remains adamant that Janelle is to blame for the vermin, Amaia Brown disputes this assertion.

[Amaya Brown]

I've never once seen a rat near my house. That's a lie. The trash that he claimed we left everywhere, obviously that's absurd, so.

[Journalist]

And it's not long before the homeowners association gets involved in the dispute. As she's getting ready for work, Janelle is stunned to receive a formal letter admonishing her for the supposed state of her yard.

[Janelle Hall]

Unbelievable.

[Journalist]

And though she has no proof, she's fairly certain she knows who's behind it. Jerry Lam explains, Mr. Hettle is very.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Active in terms of keeping in touch with the hoa, filing complaints, whereas Janelle seemed to not really care that the HOA existed at all. You're just talking about two diametrically opposed Personas.

[Journalist]

Clashing and clash is exactly what these neighbors do. And it's not just accusations about loud music and rats. Mr. Heddle now takes umbrage with Janelle and Amaya's dogs.

[Amaya Brown]

Tink, Gizmo, out you go.

[Journalist]

Come on.

[Amaya Brown]

I had been home by myself. I went to let the dogs out back, which we always did. I go back upstairs because I let them, like, sit out there for a while and, like, soak up the sun.

[Journalist]

In this increasingly dog eat dog war between households, it seems that trouble is inevitable. When Michael comes out to his backyard with his dog, the rival canine start barking up a storm. And just like that, Janelle receives another formal written complaint from the homeowners association. This time, the letter alleges that her dogs got loose and threatened Michael and Sarah's family pet, Lyle Burnham explains.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mr. Attlee claims that the dogs came towards him and his dog, and he was concerned that they would cause his dog some harm.

[Journalist]

And just like the last letter, Amiyah Brown disputes these claims.

[Amaya Brown]

Gizmo was a little black pug. Tink was a pit bull terrier mix. They were great, great dogs. Yes. They would bark. I mean, all dogs bark. But they were literally the family's best friend when it came to Tink. She was scared of a fly. There's no way she would have ran out to even try to do that. No.

[Journalist]

But Michael continues to claim that the Browns pets are terrorizing his. And it's not long before he brings the issue to a higher authority than the homeowners association.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

Yes, ma'am, we received several complaints from your neighbor about your dogs barking all night long, defecating on others properties.

[Janelle Hall]

My dogs haven't done anything like that.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Janelle was obviously upset about Mr. Hatley calling the police. There was no documentation ever that the dogs ever caused any harm to Mr. Hetley or his animals.

[Journalist]

The pet issues eventually recede, but that doesn't stop the onslaught of complaints from the homeowners association. In fact, they seem to be increasing. And as Amaya puts it, the reason for many of the complaints are increasingly erroneous.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom's reaction throughout all the accusations were embarrassment, anger. She just felt like this is getting out of control, and I don't know how to stop this.

[Journalist]

And while she can't prove it, Janelle believes she knows exactly who's behind the HOA's complaints.

[Amaya Brown]

We just kind of put two and two together. It was Michael Hiddle.

[Journalist]

Mother and daughter are convinced Michael is weaponizing both the HOA and law enforcement against them. And what's worse, there doesn't seem to be any end in sight.

[Amaya Brown]

That's when the police started to get annoyed themselves. He's just calling the cops on literally anything.

[Journalist]

Prosecutor Lyle Burnham confirms Michael's animosity for mother and daughter.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mike Hetley did not care for Janelle and did not want them as neighbors.

[Journalist]

And though no charges ever stick, Michael's complaints have set a poisonous narrative in the whole community. And the women next door suffer because of it, says Jerry Lamb.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

One neighbor did describe them as being the problematic house on the block.

[Journalist]

To Amaia, it seems she can't leave her mother's house without catching a snide comment from one of the neighbors.

[Amaya Brown]

I was walking my dog, Gizmo. Gizmo went to the bathroom. I did have a poop bag on me.

[Journalist]

Are you going to clean up after that dog?

[Amaya Brown]

She yelled. Make sure you pick your dog's shit up. We all know all the shit in this neighborhood is from you and your dogs. Sorry.

[Journalist]

I've heard all about you and Your mom. The neighborhood's growing animosity weighs heavily on Amaia. In her eyes, it's entirely unjustified.

[Amaya Brown]

We all hate us, Mom.

[Journalist]

Everyone hates us here.

[Janelle Hall]

No, no, no.

[Journalist]

For Janelle, seeing the effect the growing animosity has on her daughter is devastating. After all, this new neighborhood was supposed to be an improvement. A place that would provide a bright and hopeful future for both women. Reaching the end of her rope, Janelle decides to take action against the man she thinks is responsible.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom just honestly couldn't handle it anymore. She did walk over, knock on his door.

[Janelle Hall]

Why are you spreading crap about me and my child to the neighbors?

[Michael Hettle]

I don't know who you're talking about.

[Janelle Hall]

I know it's you, Michael. You're unhinged.

[Amaya Brown]

She did, you know, cuss him out.

[Janelle Hall]

You need to mind your damn business. Quit calling the HOA and the cops on us.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Any one of these encounters could escalate, could turn into a violent encounter.

[Journalist]

Undeterred, Janelle tries to live her best life, despite the constant monitoring from her next door neighbor.

[Janelle Hall]

That was really good.

[Amaya Brown]

Thank you guys for coming.

[Janelle Hall]

You should definitely join this.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom would have her best friends over. We would play, like, card games and board games, and they would cook naturally.

[Journalist]

Janelle's socializing infuriates Michael.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Mr. Heddle also complained there were loud parties, more unruly than what they'd been used to.

[Amaya Brown]

It was nothing big. It wasn't a party. It was just a gathering. When they would come over, that's when the noise complaints were to happen. A lot.

[Journalist]

And once again, Janelle and Amaia are paid a visit by law enforcement.

[Janelle Hall]

Can I help you, officer?

[Law Enforcement Officer]

We received a noise complaint.

[Janelle Hall]

Ma'am, we're not being loud. This is my house. I'm allowed to have people over.

[Amaya Brown]

We weren't even being loud. And now they see that the cops are here. It was embarrassing.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

Just keep the noise levels down.

[Amaya Brown]

But it was never as he tried to make it seem.

[Journalist]

Janelle puts on a brave face for her family and friends. But underneath it all, she's living in a constant state of unease. And things are about to get worse. As she's leaving her house one day, Janelle is greeted by a strange man standing in her driveway.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

Janelle Hall?

[Janelle Hall]

Yes?

[Journalist]

You've been served.

[Janelle Hall]

What?

[Journalist]

Due to unresolved complaints filed against her, the homeowners association sues Janelle.

[Amaya Brown]

The lawsuit accused us of leaving our dog poop all over the neighborhood. Also the loud music and the yelling.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Janell did acknowledge that some of the complaints may have had merit. But said that many of them were misrepresented.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

The repeated phone calls, repeated documentation to the hoa all appear to me to be someone who is trying to weaponize those systems against Janell.

[Journalist]

Overwhelmed by what she sees as persecution, Janelle lashes back at Michael when she next sees him.

[Janelle Hall]

Harm is a bitch, and you're gonna get it.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom, she had a lot of anger built up. She's not going to live her life having to tiptoe around.

[Journalist]

Michael isn't fazed by his neighbor's threats, But Janelle is dead serious. She hires an attorney to fight back and determines not to let the stress of an ongoing lawsuit wear her down.

[Amaya Brown]

It gave her some sort of empowerment. She felt like she was not the bad guy in the situation.

[Journalist]

Yet as much as Janelle tries to take the high road, the constant stream of petty grievances get the better of her. One night, as another of her gatherings disperses, she makes an uncharacteristically bad decision.

[Amaya Brown]

She just exploded.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

What the hell are you doing?

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

She was pelting his car with bottles. That caused some damage. There was glass breaking on the driveway. The police came, and Janelle was at this point charged with destruction of property. She later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor crime. And I believe she had to pay about $1,800 in restitution.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom, at the time, she felt embarrassed and she was sad about it.

[Journalist]

Michael views this as a victory and vindication of his disdain for his neighbor. Meanwhile, a chastised Janelle hall wonders if this fight is even worth it.

[Amaya Brown]

There were some thoughts about moving away, but your life is here, and you bought this house. You deserve it. Don't let anyone try to tear you away from that.

[Journalist]

Then a burgeoning romance suddenly changes everything.

[Javon Prather]

I got you some cupcakes. Open up. Open up. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.

[Journalist]

Janelle finds herself head over heels in love with 21 year old military man Javon Prather.

[Amaya Brown]

Javon was very goofy. There was never one conversation you had with him where he didn't, like, make you laugh or crack a smile.

[Janelle Hall]

I love you, Javon.

[Javon Prather]

I love you too.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom and Jayvon's relationship, in the beginning, it honestly was blissful.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

At the time he moved in, Javon worked at a giant grocery store. Before that, he was in the Maryland national guard. He was a specialist and also spent four years as an infantryman.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Seemed to be fun loving, type of interested in music and got along really well with his family.

[Journalist]

And soon after Javon enters the picture, he has his first encounter with Michael.

[Amaya Brown]

Hey, Javon.

[Journalist]

Oh, I love this song.

[Amaya Brown]

Turn it up.

[Javon Prather]

Ko Maya. Ko Maya.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

The first interaction between Heddle and Javon. Heddle said that he was in his house looking out of the window when he saw the two of them dancing in the driveway.

[Journalist]

Michael comes outside, and at the latest addition to the street, not sensing any ill will, Javon is quick to introduce himself and asks for a neighborly favor.

[Javon Prather]

Hey, Mr. Heddle. I'm Javon, Jenelle's boyfriend. I was wondering, could I use your hose? I need to wash my car real quick. And the one in the back can't reach.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

No, they got off on the wrong foot immediately.

[Journalist]

In light of this interaction, Janelle decides it's time to sound the alarms with her new bow.

[Janelle Hall]

It's best to keep your distance.

[Journalist]

He's insane.

[Javon Prather]

I mean, he's not that bad.

[Janelle Hall]

He's been out to get us since day one. I think he's the one who initiated that HOA lawsuit. He worries me.

[Javon Prather]

John, listen, no one's gonna hurt you or Amaya now that I'm around, okay?

[Amaya Brown]

He tried to do whatever he could to keep her safe and, you know, wasn't gonna let Heddle walk all over her.

[Journalist]

The couple tie the knot within a few months, and Janelle takes her new husband's last name. But the newlywed bliss doesn't last. It's only a matter of time before the tension in the neighborhood leeches into their relationship.

[Janelle Hall]

I hate you. Get out.

[Javon Prather]

What was done with you?

[Amaya Brown]

There was a lot of ups and downs to it.

[Janelle Hall]

No I'm here yet. Enough.

[Amaya Brown]

I'm not gonna lie. There was quite a few arguments.

[Javon Prather]

What is wrong with you?

[Journalist]

Me?

[Janelle Hall]

What's wrong with you? Besides everything.

[Javon Prather]

Oh, please.

[Janelle Hall]

Wish I never met you.

[Javon Prather]

I wish I never met you.

[Janelle Hall]

Get out of my house.

[Journalist]

Next door. Michael uses their arguments as another pretext to summon the authorities.

[Michael Hettle]

Yes, police. I need you to get to my house now. Neighbors are having a house dispute.

[Journalist]

Prosecutor Lyle Burnham is familiar with the tense dynamic.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

The Prathers and the Headleys were a little like oil and water. Their relationship strained the longer they lived next to each other. They called the police under the auspice of being worried about the neighbors.

[Journalist]

Janelle contends it's straight up harassment. But attending officers inform her their hands are tied.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Essentially, they told her that they couldn't really stop the Hetleys from continuing to call law enforcement.

[Journalist]

Michael is relentless. Determined to discipline Janell for perceived wrongdoings. He escalates the feud to a disturbance disturbing new level. He gets a protective Order against Janelle. Fairfax county prosecutor Steve Descano lays it out.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

The protection order that Mr. Hetley was able to get against Janell stipulated that Janelle was not allowed to speak to Mr. Hetley, Mrs. Hetley, or Mr. Hetley's son.

[Amaya Brown]

She had to stay up 10 to 15ft away from him. She couldn't be anywhere near close to him. Even though we were like next door neighbors, she was just very shook.

[Journalist]

According to Amaya, with his protective order in place, Michael steps up his antagonistic behavior towards her family.

[Michael Hettle]

How's that for karma?

[Amaya Brown]

Heddle would try to, like, taunt my mom and, like, talk to her to kind of get a reaction out of her.

[Michael Hettle]

I see you.

[Journalist]

Janelle knows that if she responds in any way, she risks being thrown in jail. But to Janelle and Amaia, it seems as though he's goading her into a fight.

[Michael Hettle]

Got something to say?

[Javon Prather]

Huh?

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

At one point, Janelle did actually report Hettle to the police for trying to get her to violate the protective order.

[Amaya Brown]

The police basically said, there's nothing we can do about it. You just have to ignore him.

[Journalist]

With no other option, Janelle keeps her distance. But someone has other plans. One morning, Michael comes out to his car and sees that it's been splashed all over with something.

[Michael Hettle]

I saw Javon loitering by the car last night. He did this to get back at me. I'm calling the cops.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

When the police responded, they did document what looked appeared to be ranch dressing on the headley's vehicle.

[Michael Hettle]

This is really just cross the line for us. Here's the vandal now.

[Javon Prather]

Vandal, what's going on?

[Law Enforcement Officer]

You know anything about this, sir?

[Javon Prather]

No, why would I?

[Law Enforcement Officer]

I'm just trying to figure out what happened here.

[Javon Prather]

Well, it wasn't me, but if you want to be helpful, you can tell this jerk to leave me, my family, alone.

[Michael Hettle]

You're the one that showed up out of nowhere. You're the one that no one in the neighborhood likes. You're the one that had the cops called on you again. Stay away from my property. Stay away from us.

[Javon Prather]

I'm gonna kick your ass.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

There were a lot of angry words exchanged on both sides. The prathers and the Hetleys.

[Journalist]

No charges are laid in the ranch dressing incident, which Jevon insists he had no part in. But the incident is enough to upset Javon, who now wonders if his family should move out of the neighborhood for their own protection. And on the other side of the property line, as Jerry Lam and Steve Descano note, Michael seeks protection of his own.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

After this Incident where there were no witnesses to what happened to the car. Hetl had security cameras installed.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

It was our view that he installed those cameras to try to catch Jevon committing The misdeeds that Mr. Headley claimed were occurring.

[Amaya Brown]

He had directed his cameras exactly at my front door. It's like he bought the cameras just for us.

[Journalist]

Unlike Janell, Jevon is not under a protective order. With nothing stopping him, he decides to address the man that has his family living in a constant state of fear.

[Javon Prather]

You're pathetic, you know that?

[Michael Hettle]

And you don't belong in this neighborhood.

[Javon Prather]

Get out your neighborhood, huh? You're the boss now.

[Michael Hettle]

Get out.

[Javon Prather]

You're the boss of Noah. You're just a fat ass.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

There were instances that were documented on camera where Mr. Elite would curse out Javon Prather and Javon Prather would call him names.

[Journalist]

The raging storm between these neighbors is now primed to become a full blown catastrophe. March 3, 2020 is a special day for now, 24 year old Javon with Jenelle in tow. It's his first time voting in a presidential primary election. Amaya recalls, he was very proud of.

[Amaya Brown]

Himself when they came back from going to vote. Jayvon had taken a selfie with his voting sticker in the car and was like, very proud of it and, you know, had the radio playing.

[Journalist]

The mood quickly sours when the couple looks over to see Michael standing in his doorway. Here's prosecutor Lyle Burnham.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

When Javon and Janell returned home that day, Jevon was sitting in his vehicle. Mr. Headley called toward Jevon Prather and told Javon that the police were going to come and speak with him.

[Journalist]

Yo, yo, yo, cops are coming.

[Javon Prather]

We literally just got home. What can you possibly be calling them about, you jerk? You really are the world's biggest loser.

[Journalist]

While Janelle and Javon are shrugging off what they perceive as another illogical complaint, Michael is ADAMANT his latest 911 call was justified. Michael informs the police that Javon is intoxicated behind the wheel.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mike Hetley believed Javon was under the influence and decided to call 911 to report that.

[Journalist]

Incensed at the accusation, Javon gets out of the car and confronts Michael.

[Javon Prather]

Why don't you and I have a conversation?

[Michael Hettle]

Stay off my property.

[Journalist]

Javon doesn't advance further. Instead, he and Janelle retreat into their home. Michael does likewise. From here, things take a tragic and brutally violent turn. But the stories told by either side are vastly different. Recounting his version to the police, Michael reports that not long after he returned inside a Raging. Javon showed up at his door.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mr. Edley was going to be servicing his gun that day, so he had it in his living room. That's where it was when he claimed the banging that shook his walls of his home happened.

[Journalist]

Journalist Jerry Lamb and prosecutor Steve Descano speak to Michael's stated alarm at seeing Javon outside his door and the fear it struck in him.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Heddle said that he was terrified at this point. He believed that Javon was coming over to do something violent.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

He saw pure rage on Javon Prather's face. He was scared that Javon was going to attack him.

[Michael Hettle]

Get back.

[Journalist]

In that moment, Michael claims to see Javon reach for a weapon.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

He was in fear for his life.

[Journalist]

In pure survival mode, Michael Hedle opens the door and opens fire. There are several steps leading up to Michael's front door. Javon falls down all of them and collapses in Michael's driveway.

[Amaya Brown]

Javon died at the scene. He didn't even make it to the hospital.

[Journalist]

Janelle is understandably devastated and furious about her husband's sudden and violent passing. When the police look to Janelle to corroborate the story of what happened, she tells a completely different tale. She explains to law enforcement that she and Javon were both very upset about their latest altercation with Michael and that Javon decided to go over to see if they could finally talk things out.

[Amaya Brown]

My mom had been in the house at the time, but then she had heard it.

[Journalist]

Janelle runs outside, but it's too late. Javon is dead, and Michael is waiting for her. What follows is actual audio of their confrontation as Janelle tries to haul Javon's body away from Michael's driveway while he trains his gun on her. A warning. What you're about to hear is upsetting.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Get away. Get away. Get away. Get away.

[Janelle Hall]

I am. I am.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mr. Hetley claimed that he was concerned that Janelle had a knife when she came and tried to drag Javon's body. Janell may somehow cause him harm.

[Journalist]

Michael is taken to jail while police investigate. And it doesn't take long before they determine that Janell never had a knife to threaten Michael, as he claimed.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

There was no documentation that Janell Prather had any weapons. When the police arrived to sort out.

[Journalist]

The truth of what happened that March night, police began tirelessly combing through evidence within Michael's home.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

When the police responded to the shooting, they executed a variety of search warrants for documentation, electronic evidence.

[Journalist]

And no one is more concerned about what gets seized than Michael, as actual audio indicates.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

In Recorded phone calls to the jail. Mr. Hetley called his wife Sarah and asked what all was taken by the police when they arrived.

[Amaya Brown]

They took everything, including the cameras and.

[Janelle Hall]

The password, to the campus, which was.

[Amaya Brown]

You know, conveniently enough, on the refrigerator.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Shit.

[Journalist]

Yeah.

[Janelle Hall]

Yeah.

[Journalist]

The doorbell camera Michael had installed to keep an eye on his neighbors now holds the truth about what led up to the horrific slaying of Javon Prather. Here's attorney Steve Descano.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

What really happened in the case is as plain as day when you take a look at the ring camera video. There was no loud banging on the door. There was no angry face. As a matter of fact, the ring doorbell shows that he took steps back to give space. There was no interaction when the door opened. And instead of taking the defensive posture that Mr. Headley claimed that he was taking, he actually followed Javon out into the landing, continued to fire, followed him down the steps. What happened at the end of the day is Jevon Prather knocked on his neighbor's door, and his neighbor, Mr. Hetley, answered with seven shots in six seconds. I don't think that anybody thinks something like that is going to happen in their neighborhood.

[Journalist]

Lyle Burnham, lead prosecutor in the case, adds his thoughts.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

The video footage shows that there was absolutely nothing Javon did that warranted being shot and killed in that manner. This was cold, callous murder.

[Journalist]

Jevon Prather's death has already left Janelle devastated. And knowing the truth about her husband's innocence only compounds the grief.

[Amaya Brown]

She stayed to herself and cried a lot. A lot.

[Journalist]

As the trial drags on, more facts are revealed that make matters even worse for the grieving widow. The courtroom soon learns details of Michael Hedel's past from his former career as a cop in Washington state. Here's Jerry Lam to explain.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

While he was an officer with the Bellevue police department, there were three particular incidents involving Hettle that were of note. In two of the instances, he shot and killed someone. He was cleared of wrongdoing in both of them.

[Journalist]

However, to many familiar with the case, A third and final event speaks to the root of the animosity between Michael and the Prathers.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Another incident with possible racist motives for Hettle was a traffic stop. He stopped an Ethiopian woman.

[Journalist]

Steve Descano and Lyle Burnham. Further Jerry Lam's story.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

He received a written reprimand for racially profiling a Ethiopian member of the community.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

According to his written complaint, it was stated that he had made several comments and was going to call immigration in regards to her.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

Hettel resigned in 2003.

[Journalist]

In a shocking twist. Michael's son Kaden takes the stand in court and confirms the awful truth about his father.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

Mr. Hetley's son very, very clearly and explicitly testified that Mr. Headley regularly used racially derogatory language towards Siobhan Prather.

[Law Enforcement Journalist]

It definitely seemed like he was motivated by racial animus.

[Journalist]

Kaydn's testimony is almost enough to convince the jury. But one final piece of evidence seals the deal.

[Prosecutor Lyle Burnham]

Mr. Haley, the morning of the incident, sent an email to the hoa.

[Law Enforcement Officer]

He told the HOA, this situation could, quote, unquote, result in tragedy. And of course, we saw that tragedy play out just a few hours later when he shot Mr. Prather seven times.

[Journalist]

On January 28, 2022, Michael Hedle is sentenced to life in prison.

[Amaya Brown]

He did try to get that forgiveness back from everyone and the judge. My mom knew everything he said was wrong.

[Journalist]

Shortly after the tragedy, both families move out of their homes on Bedstraw Court. The homeowners association and Janelle reach an agreement and their lawsuit is dropped. Sadly, it does little to soothe her heartbreak.

[Amaya Brown]

After the passing of Javon, she just lost herself for a long time.

[Journalist]

Janelle and Amaia continue to honor Javon's memory.

[Amaya Brown]

The one thing that if anyone could remember him by it would be music. He loved it and to like express that to everyone else. He did create a lot of friends and people he called family. He was just very humble and down to earth.

[Journalist]

This podcast is produced by Cream Productions in association with Fremantle Media and id. You can check out Fear Thy Neighbor on Max Discovery and id.