Crime Analyst

Latest Episodes:

Ep 366: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito with Nichole Schmidt Part 24 Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

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:  

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2026 Masterclasses and Crime Analyst Resources and Community       

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Ep 365: Breaking Down Economic Abuse with Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, OBE, CF Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

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 #Podcast

More from Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs OBE:
Website: All things economic abuse

Book: 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

  
Clip   

  https://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:   
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Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website      

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Ep 364: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito with Nichole Schmidt Part 23 Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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       

www.dashriskchecklist.com   www.thelaurarichards.com       

Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst       

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Threads: @crimeanalyst       

X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999       

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Ep #363 The 530-Day Trap: Coercive Control, Strangulation, and the Fight for Paris’s Law with Paris Shears, Part 2  Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

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.uk

Parliament Petition
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764553

Clip 

https://fb.watch/IOcYRotX2B/

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Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website    

YouTube @crimeanalyst     

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Ep 360: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito, Part 21 Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

In this remastered episode, In this special episode, which was originally released on what would have been Gabby’s 24th Birthday, Laura highlights the latest developments in Gabby’s case regarding the two ongoing lawsuits Gabby’s family have filed against Moab City Police and Brian’s parents, Roberta and Christopher Laundrie.

Laura discusses three key updates including: Judge Danielle Brewer’s decision to add the Laundrie’s former lawyer, Steve Bertolino, as a defendant to the lawsuit filed by Gabby’s parents against the Laundries; the selfie that Gabby took on her mobile phone just minutes before the 911 call to police, and; Roberta Laundrie’s ‘Burn After Reading Letter’ to Brian and her attempt to stop this letter being entered into court evidence. If you have followed the series and case, you will not want to miss this. Trigger warning: Listener discretion is advised.

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.

Clips   

https://www.newsnationnow.com/banfield/gabby-petito-photos-domestic-call-released/

Sources 

Beyond the Headlines: Gabby Petito Lifetime Documentary

https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/gabby-petito-missing-case/laundrie-lawyer-steven-bertolino-gabby-petito-lawsuit/

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/judge-ruled-brian-laundries-family-lawyer-can-be-named-in-civil-lawsuit

https://www.parkerandmcconkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Gabby-Petito-Injuries.pdf

https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/brian-laundries-mother-explains-why-she-wrote-burn-after-reading-on-letter-sought-in-gabby-petito-lawsuit/

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       

www.dashriskchecklist.com   www.thelaurarichards.com       

Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst       

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X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999       

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Ep #359 Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche - Murder or Manslaughter? with Linda Westcarr  Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

In April 2024 25-year-old Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche was a social media marketer and mother from East London who was found murdered in her car. She had been strangled and stabbed.

Days before her death, Kennedi told a friend she was “on a break” from her relationship with Gogoa Lois Tape. But Tape lured her to meet him under false pretences and strangled her in the driver’s seat of her own car—for eight minutes.

Tape was charged with murder, but prosecutors ultimately accepted a guilty plea to the lesser offence of manslaughter by diminished responsibility. He was sentenced to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act with a restriction order under Section 41. This means he will not serve a day in prison.

In this episode, Laura applies her expertise in behavioural analysis to determine whether there were coercive and controlling behaviours prior to Kennedi’s death and examines Tepe’s post offence behaviour where he confesses to murder. Did he have clarity of mind and a consciousness of guilt? Did the court get it right? Just five months after sentencing, there was a move to apply for escorted leave for Tape. Linda is aggrieved and shares and why this is not justice.

In this episode Laura and Linda discuss:

Victimology: Kennedi's life and the person she was beyond the headlines;

The antecedents to Kennedi’s death;

Behavioural patterns and warning signs that should never be ignored;

The impact of coercive control and escalating abuse;

The family's experience of the investigation and court process;

The intersection of violent offending, mental illness and public safety;

Why victims and families deserve to be heard;

What needs to change to better protect women and prevent future homicides.

#KennediWestcarrSabaroche #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #DomesticAbuse #CoerciveControl #MaleViolence #Femicide #Expert #Analysis #Victimology #HomicidePrevention #TrueCrime #Podcast

Clip 

https://www.tiktok.com/@yeamasaphar3/video/7607190671186726166?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Support Crime Analyst 

For exclusive episodes, live events and behind-the-scenes content, join the Crime Analyst Squad on Patreon. 

Laura’s Resources and Training information: 
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Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website    

YouTube @crimeanalyst     

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Ep 358: Remastered: The Murder of Gabby Petito, Part 20 Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In this remastered episode, Laura highlights key events, witnesses and evidence in the timeline and sequence of events, revisiting Gabby and Brian’s Instagram and what friends have said about Gabby and Brian’s relationship.

Laura also breaks down the 9-minute video footage that was released on October 19 2022 of Gabby and Brian’s trip to Whole Foods on August 27 2021 and explains why it is so significant. Laura highlights the lessons that must be learned from Gabby’s case and what needs to happen next. You won’t want to miss this.

Trigger warning: Listener discretion is advised. This episode may be upsetting and/or triggering and it will be angry making. 

Clips   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4MzXIPCOR4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixu4OpYBpJQ

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/gabby-petito-the-untold-story/#x

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eozcPt4i9Bc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uElNO4EXx7Y

Sources 

Beyond the Headlines: Gabby Petito Lifetime Documentary

https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/when-was-brian-laundrie-reported-missing/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY_M0Sa2j50

https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/laundries-file-to-limit-depositions-in-gabby-petito-lawsuit-protect-themselves-against-annoyance-embarrassment/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9993619/Last-text-message-missing-van-life-woman-Gabby-Petitio-sent-mother-revealed.html

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       

www.dashriskchecklist.com   www.thelaurarichards.com       

Subscribe to Crime Analyst YouTube: @crimeanalyst       

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Ep #357 The $176,500 Contempt Order & The Never Ending Murdaugh Saga with Mandy Matney Part 1 Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Investigative journalist Mandy Matney is best known for doggedly pursuing and unraveling Alex Murdaugh's financial crimes against his 100-year-old family law firm and its clients in the low country of South Carolina. Mandy’s coverage of and in-depth investigation into Murdaugh’s legal dynasty family began in 2019, when a boat crash involving 19-year-old Paul Murdaugh resulted in the death of 19 -year-old Mallory Beach. Mandy's relentless reporting continued through 2021 with the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh and extensive trial of former attorney Alex Murdaugh, who was eventually found guilty of their murders. However, in 2026 he was granted a new trial.

Mandy told the story via the hugely successful "Murdaugh Murders Podcast" which led to the Hulu miniseries "Murdaugh: Death in the Family", on which Mandy served as executive producer.

On 7/13/26, Judge R. Keith Kelly, Hampton County, SC, issued a contempt order against Mandy and ordered her to pay $176,500 in attorneys' fees and a fine for "wilfully" failing to appear for a deposition on March 27 2026 in the case of Beach v Parker, et al, in which she is a non-party. Of note is that the deposition did go ahead 11 days later.

In this episode, Laura and Mandy carefully examine the timeline of events, the courtroom proceedings and the wider implications-not only for Mandy, but for investigative reporting more broadly. Laura also shares her analysis of patterns of behaviour of those who stalk and harass and how common it is for courts not to understand motivation, threats and the ‘dripping tap’ power and control related intimidation tactics used by men against women.

#MandyMatney #Murdaugh #PressFreedom #InvestigativeJournalism #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Stalking #Fixation #Obsession #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast #Crime

More from Mandy Matney and LunaShark
Support Mandy directly: Go Fund Me

LunaShark
LunaShark Premium
Links:

Youtube https://youtube.com/channel/UC6t_kdvrDw2p1F79IBnnNWQ

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/truesunlightpod

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/109188244940222

Tiktok https://tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia

Clip

https://www.youtube.com/live/0wmHESgSHSA?si=ASJBdEm_VAvkqGKI

Sources

https://www.fitsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Matney-Contempt-Order-13July2026.pdf

S.C. Judge Finds Murdaugh Podcaster in Contempt of Court - FITSNews

https://www.foxnews.com/us/judge-unloads-176k-penalty-murdaugh-podcaster-mandy-matney-finding-subpoena-defiance

https://www.youtube.com/live/0wmHESgSHSA?si=slGeBV12-u6ZeV8M

www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article277634293.html

https://qcnerve.com/james-seidel-carolina-fish-market/

TSP #156 [Part One] - A Dark Day At The House Of True Sunlight After $176,500 Contempt Sanction
TSP #156 [Part Two] - Reasonable Fear of an Unreasonable Justice System: More on Mandy's $176,500 Punishment Without Process

TSP #155 [Part One] - Judge McCaslin Takes the Wheel: Murdaugh Retrial Hearing Recap

TSP #155 [Part Two] - Pink in the Courtroom: Why Greg Parker Apparently Fears Free Speech

Thank You to Crime Analyst Sponsors Who Make the Show Possible. Support The Show Through the Sponsors:

Upgrade your everyday. Go to Quince.com/CRIMEANALYST for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

Amplify your summer 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.com   

Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website   

YouTube @crimeanalyst    

Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast   

Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999   

Threads @crimeanalyst   

X @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards999    

TikTok @crimeanalystpod   

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