- 1 hour 2 secondsEp 371: Mica Francis: How to Manage a Coercive Controller with Attorney Regina Ward Part 1
Mica Francis was taking steps to reclaim her life and freedom. Then, on April 27 2024, she was found dead at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. Since Mica’s death, Laura has extensively analysed the pattern of coercive control, stalking and post-separation abuse Mica reported experiencing, as well as the circumstances leading up to her death.
Mica’s story is the focus of the Netflix documentary The Death of The Pastor’s Wife. Attorney Regina Ward was Mica’s divorce lawyer, and she appears in the documentary. John Paul Miller called her repeatedly following Mica’s death. Regina shares unique insight into John-Paul’s behaviour around the time of Mica’s death, the manipulation Mica was navigating and some of what did not make it into the Netflix documentary.
Together, Laura and Regina unpack what was happening behind the scenes as Mica took steps to divorce from John-Paul Miller, the strategies used to manage his behaviour, Mica’s mindset during those final months and what Regina witnessed as Mica worked to regain control of her life.
Learn how women are further entrapped in South Carolina owing to archaic and dangerous patriarchal legal processes that intentionally prevent women from leaving men who abuse them, leaving them at high risk of suicide and femicide. It’s by design and they are not even trying to change it.
Laura and Regina share unique insights about:
Mica’s mindset leading up to her death
John-Paul Miller’s behaviour around the time of Mica’s death
How best to manage a coercive controller
Post-separation abuse, sexual coercion, coercive control, stalking and economic abuse
Archaic laws in South Carolina leading to it being one of the top 10 dangerous states in the US for women
Problematic restraining orders and ‘orders of protection’ in South Carolina
Mica’s List and the behaviours Mica documented
Details and context that did not make it into The Death of the Pastor’s Wife
Why coercive control must be understood as a pattern of behaviour.
Coercive control correlates significantly with femicide, homicide and suicide. Mica’s List matters... Look at the pattern.
Watch The Death of the Pastor’s Wife
More from Attorney Regina Ward
Website
YouTube
TikTok
Crime Analyst Coverage
Crime Analyst: Mica Francis Series
Mica Francis: Breaking Down the Federal Charges Against JP Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Huge News in Mica Francis’ Case. John Paul Miller Has Been Indicted Finally…TAKE ACTION: Mica’s Law: Coercive Control and Stalking Laws in South Carolina
You can contact South Carolina state Senators and Representatives and ask them to support stronger legal recognition and protection for victims experiencing coercive control, stalking and post-separation abuse. WRITE to South Carolina lawmakers and make your voice heard just below. There is a letter template and all links and addresses available in the Squad here.
Find and contact South Carolina legislators:
Official Legislature note
Senator Luke A Rankin P.O. Box 142, Columbia, SC 29202
Official Sponsors: Senators Goldfinch and Grooms
Senator Stephen Goldfinch
P.O. Box 823
Murrells Inlet 29576
Senator Goldfinch Email form link
Senator Larry Grooms
131 Indian Field Drive
Bonneau 29431
Senator Larry Grooms email form link
Additionally you can sign the petition. Enforce South Caroline Law#MicaFrancis #MicaMiller #JusticeForMica #CrimeAnalyst #CoerciveControl #Stalking #DomesticAbuse #PostSeparationAbuse #SexualCoercion #EconomicAbuse #MicasList #ThePreachersWife #ReginaWard #Femicide #DomesticViolence #PowerAndControl #AbuseIsAPattern #LauraRichards #BehaviouralAnalysis #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #ExpertAnalysis
Join the conversation on social media and in the Crime Analyst Squad www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst#MicaFrancis #MicaMiller #JusticeForMica #CrimeAnalyst #CoerciveControl #Stalking #DomesticAbuse #PostSeparationAbuse #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #ExpertAnalysis
Clips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wgC1XVGolESources
Watch The Death of the Pastor’s Wife
Link to Cross Over episode with Mandy and Laura on Cup of Justice Ep #86:Spotify Link
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10P6t5LmMxF3YHUdgxPcm9?si=e3832e105dc1430d
Links to Episodes about Mica Francis
Mica Francis separated from John Paul Miller. She was desperate for help..
Mica Francis: Have you heard the term coercive control?Thank You to Crime Analyst Sponsors Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsors:
Visit TAKELEAN.com and enter CRIMEANALYST for your discount.2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
For more insight and knowledge, advocacy and professional development join The Crime Analyst Squad. It’s a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events: www.Patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com
Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst
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14 September 2026, 5:00 am - 56 minutes 20 secondsEp 370: Remastered: Mica Francis (Miller) : Analysing the Digital Evidence and Mica’s List, Part 2
Mica Francis’ case is now being widely talked about due to the Netflix documentary, The Death of The Pastors Wife. Laura analysed Mica’s case as it unfolded. In this episode Laura takes a more in-depth look at the available evidence of what life was like for Mica prior to her death using the lens and framework of coercive control and stalking.
Importantly, Mica died trying to leave John Paul Miller. That is significant because leaving with finality the relationship is over is the most dangerous time for a woman. In this remastered series you will learn much more about what he did to Mica as well as what was left out of the documentary.
All the evidence shows how Mica was failed when she was alive. Listen to this episode if you want to understand how and why and you want justice for Mica.
Join the conversation on social media and in the Crime Analyst Squad www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
#MicaFrancis #MicaMiller #JusticeForMica #CrimeAnalyst #CoerciveControl #Stalking #DomesticAbuse #PostSeparationAbuse #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #ExpertAnalysis
Clips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsuI0VyRFPYLink to Cross Over episode with Mandy and Laura on Cup of Justice Ep #86:
Spotify Link
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10P6t5LmMxF3YHUdgxPcm9?si=e3832e105dc1430d
Links to Episodes about Mica Francis
Mica Francis separated from John Paul Miller. She was desperate for help..
Mica Francis: Have you heard the term coercive control?Ep 303: Mica Francis: Analyzing the Federal Charges Against John Paul Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Mica Francis: Breaking Down the Federal Charges Against JP Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Huge News in Mica Francis’ Case. John Paul Miller Has Been Indicted Finally…2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
For more insight and knowledge, advocacy and professional development join The Crime Analyst Squad. It’s a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events: www.Patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com
Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst
Facebook: Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram: @crimeanalyst, @laurarichards999
Threads: @crimeanalyst
X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999
TikTok: @crimeanalystpod
Website: www.crime-analyst.com
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10 September 2026, 5:00 am - 43 minutes 37 secondsEp 369: How To Safely Leave a Coercive Controller with Grace Stuart, Part 2
As the violence escalated, Grace finally called 911. She describes the police officer who recognised something Grace could not yet fully see herself. She reveals why and how he identified how dangerous the abuser was.
Grace describes the successful strategy she used to leave. Laura examines why victims may continue to protect, defend or return to the abuser - and why these behaviours need to be understood within the wider pattern of coercive control by EVERYONE.
Grace shares how her ex-partner pressured her to become pregnant and how his sense of entitlement extended to her reproductive choices. Laura unpacks reproductive coercion and how perpetrators can use pregnancy and children to increase dependency, entrapment and control.
Laura and Grace explore how an abuser can use a program and those running them as another means of manipulation and re-grooming.
Laura and Grace discuss:
Successful strategies for leaving
Reproductive coercion and entrapment
Trauma bonding and re-grooming
Escalation and high-risk behaviours
The weaponisation of therapeutic and recovery language
Why victims may protect or defend the abuser
The importance of informed police responses
Why leaving is a process, not an event
Accountability versus apologies
Grace's journey from survivor to advocate
Coercive control correlates significantly with femicide, familicide, homicide, and suicide. Never tell the abuser you are leaving.
#GraceStewart #WhySheStayed #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #SurvivorVoices #SurvivorStories #TraumaBond #EmotionalAbuse #PsychologicalAbuse #SexualCoercion #ReproductiveCoercion #PowerAndControl #AbuseIsAPattern #TrustYourInstincts #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #BehaviouralAnalysis #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #Podcast
More from Grace Stuart
Why She Stayed Podcast on SpotifyWhy She Stayed Podcast on Apple
Clip
https://fb.watch/JqIfBK4k3q/?mibextid=wwXIfrSupport Crime Analyst
If you value these conversations, please follow, rate, and review Crime Analyst wherever you listen to podcasts. Sharing episodes helps us educate more people about coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse, and homicide prevention.
For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon.
Laura’s Resources and Training information:
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.comCrime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website
YouTube @crimeanalyst
Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999
Threads @crimeanalyst
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7 September 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 37 minutesEp 368: Remastered: Unraveling Mica Francis (Miller) Death and Coercive Control Cross Over with Mandy Matney, Part 1
Mica Francis’ case is now being widely talked about due to the Netflix documentary, The Death of The Pastors Wife. Laura talked about Mica and all the red flags she saw in 2024. Mica died trying to leave John Paul Miller – a man who calls himself a Pastor. In this remastered series you will learn much more about what he did to Mica as well as what was left out of the documentary.
Mica was failed when she was alive. She’s been failed in death - up until now.
Mica’s case raises urgent questions about justice, accountability, lessons about intervention and prevention for future women and the urgent need for coercive control laws.
*****************************************************************************************Listen as Laura and award-winning journalist and creator and host of the True Sunlight and Cup of Justice podcasts, Mandy Matney unravel in granular detail the timeline leading up to 30-year-old Mica being found dead from a gunshot wound to the head in North Carolina’s Lumber River State Park on April 27 2024. Mica’s death came days after she told a police officer she was ‘scared for her life’ after she found a GPS tracker on her car and razor blades in her tyre and just two days after John Paul Miller was served with divorce papers.
Join the conversation on social media and in the Crime Analyst Squad www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
#MicaFrancis #MicaMiller #JusticeForMica #CrimeAnalyst #CoerciveControl #Stalking #DomesticAbuse #PostSeparationAbuse #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #ExpertAnalysis
Clips
https://www.tiktok.com/@therobbieharvey/video/7364765211661798702?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYOjVP6uS8E
Sources
Link to Cross Over episode with Mandy and Laura on Cup of Justice Ep #86:Spotify Link
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10P6t5LmMxF3YHUdgxPcm9?si=e3832e105dc1430d
Links to Episodes about Mica Francis
Mica Francis separated from John Paul Miller. She was desperate for help..
Mica Francis: Have you heard the term coercive control?Ep 303: Mica Francis: Analyzing the Federal Charges Against John Paul Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Mica Francis: Breaking Down the Federal Charges Against JP Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Huge News in Mica Francis’ Case. John Paul Miller Has Been Indicted Finally…2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
For more insight and knowledge, advocacy and professional development join The Crime Analyst Squad. It’s a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events: www.Patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com
Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst
Facebook: Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram: @crimeanalyst, @laurarichards999
Threads: @crimeanalyst
X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999
TikTok: @crimeanalystpod
Website: www.crime-analyst.com
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3 September 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 5 minutesEp 367: What You Need to Know About Coercive Control with Grace Stuart, Part 1
Why doesn't she just leave?
It's a question survivors of domestic abuse hear again and again. But it places the focus in entirely the wrong place.
Laura interviews Grace Stuart, survivor and host of Why She Stayed podcast, to examine how coercive control can develop gradually - and why it can be so difficult to recognise when you're living inside it.
Grace was just 20 when she met her former partner, who was 14 years older. What initially felt intense and intoxicating became a complex spider's web of grooming, manipulation and control.
Grace shares how apparent honesty and vulnerability built trust, while her boundaries were crossed incrementally and each violation explained away. Laura unpacks the pattern: the love bombing, age and power imbalance, gaslighting, isolation, sexual coercion and the gradual erosion of Grace's trust in her own instincts.
They also explore how addiction became an explanation for behaviour that Grace did not yet have the language to identify as domestic abuse.
Laura and Grace discuss:
Grooming, love bombing and accelerated intimacy
Age and power imbalances
Boundary testing and incremental erosion
Gaslighting and self-doubt
Isolation and dependency
Sexual coercion and violence
Addiction versus abusive behaviour
Why recognising the pattern matters
The question isn't why did she stay? It's what did he do that made staying make sense?
#GraceStewart #WhySheStayed #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #SurvivorVoices #SurvivorStories #TraumaBond #EmotionalAbuse #PsychologicalAbuse #SexualCoercion #ReproductiveCoercion #PowerAndControl #AbuseIsAPattern #TrustYourInstincts #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #BehaviouralAnalysis #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #Podcast
More from Grace Stuart
Why She Stayed Podcast on SpotifyWhy She Stayed Podcast on Apple
ClipThank You to the Crime Analyst Sponsor Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsors:
Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers or go to Quince.com/CRIMEANALYST. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.
Amplify your fall look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/ANALYSTS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.
Support Crime Analyst
If you value these conversations, please follow, rate, and review Crime Analyst wherever you listen to podcasts. Sharing episodes helps us educate more people about coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse and homicide prevention.
For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon.
Laura’s Resources and Training information:
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.comCrime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website
YouTube @crimeanalyst
Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999
Threads @crimeanalyst
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31 August 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutesEp 366: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito with Nichole Schmidt Part 24
In this remastered episode which drops on the five year anniversary of Gabby's murder, Laura continues to interview Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mum. Laura and Nichole discuss the significance of 24 days Gabby was missing for, why men need to lead the charge stopping male violence to women, lawsuits, and why new coercive control laws and training are urgently needed.
In honour of Gabby, listen to the conversation and share the episodes with family and friends. It might just save a life. If you want more in-depth conversations and to join the Ringleader Happy Hour with Nichole, join the Crime Analyst Squad: www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
Wyoming Crime Scene Visit:
Laura recently recorded an exclusive episode based in Wyoming where she retraces Gabby Petito's final footsteps, shares new crime scene observations and behavioural analysis, and compares Brian Laundrie's so-called confession letter with what most likely happened in Gabby's final days. Join the Crime Analyst Squad and Listen here.#GabbyPetito #DomesticAbuse #CoerciveControl #CrimeAnalyst #TrueCrime #Podcast #Prevention #Education #Awareness #SavingLives #MaleViolence #BrianLaundrie #GabbyPetitoFoundation #HerNameWasGabbyPetito
Clips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCQft-lvLIE
Sources
https://www.gabbypetitofoundation.org/
Policing Domestic Violence Book https://www.dashriskchecklist.com/resources/books
Gabby Petito Facebook Virtual Run/walk page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Virtual-RunWalk-to-Change-the-World/61563612151243/
Sign the Petition to Criminalize Coercive Control in America and Complete the Victim’s Voice Survey:
https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/dv-law-reform/
Links to Episodes about Mica Francis
Mica Francis separated from John Paul Miller. She was desperate for help..
Mica Francis: Have you heard the term coercive control?Ep 303: Mica Francis: Analyzing the Federal Charges Against John Paul Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Mica Francis: Breaking Down the Federal Charges Against JP Miller with Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell
Huge News in Mica Francis’ Case. John Paul Miller Has Been Indicted Finally…Thank You to the Crime Analyst Sponsor Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsors:
Amplify your fall look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/ANALYSTS for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.
Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/CRIMEANALYST. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.
Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/crime to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.
2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
For more insight and knowledge, advocacy and professional development join The Crime Analyst Squad. It’s a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events: www.Patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com
Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst
Facebook: Crime Analyst Podcast
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27 August 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 49 secondsEp 365: Breaking Down Economic Abuse with Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, OBE, CF
You can earn your own money, pay the bills and have access to the joint account - and still be economically abused.
Economic abuse is about far more than stopping someone from accessing money. It can involve restriction, exploitation and sabotage - and it can be so deeply woven into coercive control that victims may not recognise what is happening to them.
Laura is joined by Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE, CF internationally recognised expert on economic abuse, author and founder of Surviving Economic Abuse, for a deeper examination of how perpetrators weaponise money and economic resources to establish and maintain power and control.
Nicola shares findings from her pioneering research, which found economic abuse in 89% of the domestic abuse cases studied, and explains how perpetrators restrict resources, exploit a partner's income and credit, generate debt, sabotage employment and manipulate household finances.
Laura and Nicola discuss new trends they are seeing and challenge the assumption that having a job, earning your own money or managing a joint bank account means you have financial independence. They discuss survivors who believed they controlled the household finances, only to later recognise that their partner was concealing income, exploiting their earnings or manipulating debt behind the scenes.
They also explore why economic abuse can continue - and sometimes intensify - long after separation, through property, debt, child-related costs and repeated use of the family and civil courts.
Laura and Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs also recently had a deeply insightful discussion in the Crime Analyst Squad unpacking the hidden patterns and devastating impact of economic abuse, financial control and coercive control. You can listen here.In this episode Laura and Nicola discuss:
The difference between restriction, exploitation and sabotage.
The subtle behaviours that can signal economic abuse.
How perpetrators undermine a woman's confidence in managing money.
Why earning money doesn't necessarily mean having control over it.
Hidden accounts, coerced debt and financial exploitation.
How pregnancy, motherhood and leaving the workforce can create economic vulnerability.
The intersection between economic abuse and other forms of coercive control.
How perpetrators adapt their tactics when women are financially independent.
Post-separation economic abuse and the use of property, children and the courts to maintain control.
Why economic abuse can become a major barrier to leaving — and a reason victims return.
The work being done with banks and creditors to recognise coerced debt and, in some cases, have it written off.
Why protecting access to and control over your own economic resources matters before, during and after a relationship.
Money is not simply money in an abusive relationship. It can mean independence, choice, safety and the ability to leave.
#DrNicolaSharpJeffs #EconomicAbuse #FinancialAbuse #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #PowerAndControl #FinancialControl #EconomicJustice #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #BehaviouralAnalysis #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #PodcastMore from Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE:
Website: All things economic abuseBook: Understanding and Responding to Economic Abuse (Feminist Developments in Violence and Abuse) : Sharp-Jeffs, Nicola: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Podcast: Economic Justice Monitor | Podcast on Spotify
LinkedIn: Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE, CF | LinkedIn
Instagram: @nicolajanesharpallthingsea
Cliphttps://youtu.be/HtL0w8rZbzc?is=Gv18-hvRpJA64baj
Support Crime Analyst
If you value these conversations, please follow, rate, and review Crime Analyst wherever you listen to podcasts. Sharing episodes helps us educate more people about coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse and homicide prevention.
For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon.
Laura’s Resources and Training information:
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.comCrime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website
YouTube @crimeanalyst
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23 August 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 10 minutesEp 364: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito with Nichole Schmidt Part 23
In this remastered episode, which was recorded on the three-year anniversary of 22-year-old Gabby Petito’s murder, Laura interviews Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mother.
Nichole shares what Gabby was like growing up as well as details about Brian and Gabby’s relationship and what she now knows to be the red flags.
Gabby was reported missing on September 11 2021 after her 23-year-old fiancé, Brian Laundrie, returned from a cross-country road trip without her on September 1 2021. Instead of speaking with Gabby’s family, the Laundrie family chose to lawyer up.
In honour of Gabby, listen to the conversation and share the episodes with family and friends. It might just save a life. And if you want access to more in-depth conversations and to listen to the Ringleader Happy Hour with Nichole, join the Crime Analyst Squad: www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
Wyoming Crime Scene Visit:
Laura recently recorded an exclusive episode based in Wyoming where she retraces Gabby Petito's final footsteps, shares new crime scene observations and behavioural analysis, and compares Brian Laundrie's so-called confession letter with what most likely happened in Gabby's final days. Join the Crime Analyst Squad and Listen here.#GabbyPetito #DomesticAbuse #CoerciveControl #CrimeAnalyst #TrueCrime #Podcast #Prevention #Education #Awareness #SavingLives #MaleViolence #BrianLaundrie #GabbyPetitoFoundation #HerNameWasGabbyPetito
Clips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtDVdbVJXpE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6yW8ixQOSw
Sources
https://www.gabbypetitofoundation.org/
Gabby Petito Facebook Virtual Run/walk page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Virtual-RunWalk-to-Change-the-World/61563612151243/
Policing Domestic Violence Book https://www.dashriskchecklist.com/resources/books
Sign the Petition to Criminalize Coercive Control in America and Complete the Victim’s Voice Survey:
https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/dv-law-reform/
2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
For more insight and knowledge, advocacy and professional development join The Crime Analyst Squad. It’s a growing and dynamic community offering expert insight, in-depth conversations, exclusive episodes and videos, and live events: www.Patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.com
Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst
Facebook: Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram: @crimeanalyst, @laurarichards999
Threads: @crimeanalyst
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20 August 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 14 minutesEp #363 The 530-Day Trap: Coercive Control, Strangulation, and the Fight for Paris’s Law with Paris Shears, Part 2
Imagine waiting 530 days waiting for the trial of the man who groomed, controlled, strangled and assaulted you only to walk into court on day one and be told there would be no trial. Behind closed doors a plea deal was negotiated dramatically altering the outcome of the case, resulting in Robert Hastings walking free – no prison time.
Strangulation and coercive control are high risk behaviours correlating significantly with serious harm and femicide – yet far too often abusers are rarely charged. This case was rare because it did and yet there was still no justice.
Listen as Laura and Paris explore Paris’s own experience, including how her children were targeted, how perpetrators exploit systems to maintain power and control long after a relationship has ended, and why recognising these behaviours is critical to preventing serious harm and homicide.
Paris also shares how surviving abuse has transformed her into an advocate for change through Paris's Law, her campaign to reform the criminal justice system so that victims are no longer re-traumatised by late guilty pleas in domestic abuse cases.
In this episode Laura and Paris discuss:
Why non-fatal strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of femicide;
The 530-day wait for trial and the impact of late guilty pleas on victims;
Image management and how perpetrators present themselves to others;
Grooming, manipulation and behavioural patterns used to establish power and control;
Stalking and post-separation abuse as continuing patterns of coercive control;
Why high-risk behaviours must never be viewed in isolation;
The emotional toll of navigating the criminal justice system;
Paris's Law and why legislative reform is urgently needed.
More from Paris Shears
Paris's Law Campaign
https://www.parislaw.co.ukParliament Petition
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764553#ParisShears #ParissLaw #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #NonFatalStrangulation #BehaviouralAnalysis #Victimology #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #ViolenceAgainstWomen #MaleViolence #HomicidePrevention #TrueCrime #Podcast
Cliphttps://youtu.be/nSzElsRv538?si=9fG8nozG2c--qmiy
Thank You to the Crime Analyst Sponsor Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsors:
Support Crime Analyst
If you value these conversations, please follow, rate, and review Crime Analyst wherever you listen to podcasts. Sharing episodes helps us educate more people about coercive control, stalking, domestic abuse and homicide prevention.
For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon.
Laura’s Resources and Training information:
www.dashriskchecklist.com www.thelaurarichards.comCrime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website
YouTube @crimeanalyst
Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast
Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999
Threads @crimeanalyst
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17 August 2026, 5:00 am - 43 minutes 15 secondsEp 362: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito, Analysing the ‘Burn After Reading’ Letter,’ Part 22
In this remastered episode, Laura discusses the May 24 2023, fascinating development in the lawsuit Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito filed against Roberta and Christopher Laundrie, Judge Danielle Brewer ordered Roberta and Christopher Laundrie to share the ‘Burn After Reading’ letter Roberta Laundrie wrote to Brian Laundrie with Gabby Petito’s parents.
Laura shares her analysis of the letter and her thoughts about Roberta Laundrie breaking her silence about the case by making a statement once the letter was made public. You will not want to miss this.
As a mark of respect to Gabby, please honour Gabby by taking a stand against domestic violence and spread awareness and education about coercive control and domestic abuse.
Wyoming Crime Scene Visit:
Laura recently recorded an exclusive episode based in Wyoming where she retraces Gabby Petito's final footsteps, shares new crime scene observations and behavioural analysis, and compares Brian Laundrie's so-called confession letter with what most likely happened in Gabby's final days. Join the Crime Analyst Squad and Listen here.#GabbyPetito #HerNameWasGabbyPetito #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast #BrianLaundrie #MaleViolence #Femicide #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #TogetherWeCan #SteveBertolino #RobertaLaundrie #ChristopherLaundrie
Clips
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/24/us/gabby-petito-parents-lawsuit-letter-brian-laundrie/index.html
Sources
https://twitter.com/BrianEntin/status/1661547045751230464?s=20
https://www.thelaurarichards.com/resources/coercivecontrol
Sign the Petition to Criminalize Coercive Control in America and Complete the Victim’s Voice Survey:
https://www.laurarichards.co.uk/dv-law-reform/
2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community
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13 August 2026, 5:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutesEp #361 The 530-Day Trap: Coercive Control, Strangulation and the Fight for Paris’s Law with Paris Shears
Paris Shears never imagined that the man she fell in love with would groom, physically harm and control her. What began as a seemingly loving relationship became a pattern of coercive control, intimidation and violence that left her fearing for her life.
When Paris's former partner was charged with offences including intentional strangulation and assault, he initially pleaded not guilty. After more than a year with the trial looming over her head, Paris went to court for the first day of the trial, and there was a closed meeting where he changed his plea and took a deal. The consequences have been devastating for Paris which is why she launched a petition calling for Paris's Law, and urgent reform so perpetrators cannot control victims once charged and benefit from changing their plea at the last minute in cases involving domestic abuse and coercive control.
In this episode Laura and Paris discuss:
Paris's relationship and the gradual progression of coercive control.
Grooming behaviours and how predators identify and exploit vulnerability.
The impact of people-pleasing, trauma and self-abandonment.
Red flags and behavioural patterns that should never be ignored.
Why coercive control is often misunderstood by family, friends and professionals.
The criminal charges brought against Paris's former partner and the outcome of the case.
The impact of late guilty pleas on victims and the justice process.
Paris's Law campaign and the reforms Paris hopes to achieve.
Why behavioural analysis and pattern recognition are critical to preventing violence against women and girls.
More from Paris Shears
Paris's Law Campaign
https://www.parislaw.co.ukParliament Petition
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764553#ParisShears #ParissLaw #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #NonFatalStrangulation #BehaviouralAnalysis #Victimology #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #ViolenceAgainstWomen #MaleViolence #HomicidePrevention #TrueCrime #Podcast
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