The episode examines the true story behind the infamous “Watcher” case involving Derek and Maria Broaddus, who purchased 657 Boulevard in Westfield, New Jersey, in 2014 for $1,355,657. The family planned to renovate the grand Dutch Colonial before moving in, but just days after closing, Derek discovered a disturbing letter addressed to “the new owner.” The anonymous writer claimed that the house had been watched by their family for generations, and then revealed details about the couple’s children that could only be known to someone who could see and hear what went on in the house and the yard. A second letter arrived weeks later, containing even more specific information about the children, the house’s layout and the “pain” caused by the renovations and changes, and asked what bedrooms everyone would sleep in.

The letters completely changed the family’s lives. They NEVER moved into the house, and to try and discover the identity of “The Watcher”, Derek and Maria spent months installing cameras, investigating neighbors, and paying private investigators, former FBI personnel, security specialists, and even a forensic linguist. They ultimately spent at least $100,000 trying to unmask the anonymous letter mailer, but every investigative avenue was fruitless in determining who was responsible. The family eventually listed the house for sale, but insisted that disclosure of the letters be done to not put any future owners through the same ordeal, but not surprisingly, this mostly scared away potential buyers. They sued the previous owners, claiming the Woodses knew about the Watcher and failed to disclose the threat, but the lawsuit was dismissed in 2017. Their attempt to tear down the house and divide the property was also rejected after intense opposition from neighbors.

A fourth and final known letter arrived in 2017, threatening Derek and Maria with accidents, illness, death, and harm to loved ones while revealing that the Watcher was aware of the family’s efforts to find them. Derek later admitted that he anonymously sent retaliatory letters to some hostile neighbors, but there is no evidence that he was responsible for the Watcher letters. In 2019, the house finally sold for $959,360 (nearly $400,000 below the original purchase price), and the family estimated losses closer to $700,000 when renovations, investigations, taxes, financing, legal expenses, and other costs were considered. The new owners have reportedly never received a Watcher letter, but nobody has ever been charged; the Union County Prosecutor’s Office considers the case open and inactive, leaving the identity of the Watcher unresolved.

00:00 — The Real Watcher Story

03:30 — Buying 657 Boulevard

07:00 — The First Letter

12:00 — The Watcher Knows Their Children

18:00 — The Second Letter

24:00 — Threats Without Direct Threats

28:00 — Living in Fear

32:00 — The Investigation

37:00 — The Lawsuit

42:00 — The Fight to Tear Down the House

47:00 — The Final Watcher Letter

51:00 — The House Finally Sells

54:00 — Who Was the Watcher?

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