Crime Analyst

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       

X (Twitter): @thecrimeanalyst, @laurarichards999       

TikTok: @crimeanalystpod       

Website: www.crime-analyst.com       

If you found this episode valuable, please consider leaving a five star review wherever you listen.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Event

Paris's Law Campaign  https://www.parislaw.co.uk  

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

#ParisShears #ParissLaw #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #NonFatalStrangulation #BehaviouralAnalysis #Victimology #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #ViolenceAgainstWomen #MaleViolence #HomicidePrevention #TrueCrime #Podcast 

  Clip  

https://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.com     

Crime Analyst YouTube, Socials and Website     

YouTube @crimeanalyst      

Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast     

Instagram @crimeanalyst @laurarichards999     

Threads @crimeanalyst     

X @thecrimeanalyst @laurarichards999      

TikTok @crimeanalystpod     

Website www.crime-analyst.com      

Leave a 5* Review https://www.crime-analyst.com/reviews/new/ 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-murder-of-gabby-petito-part-21/id1545830333?i=1000604839544

Sources 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-murder-of-gabby-petito-part-11/id1545830333?i=1000574727688

https://twitter.com/BrianEntin/status/1661547045751230464?s=20

https://www.foxnews.com/us/gabby-petito-parents-slam-roberta-laundrie-leaking-letter-family-says-potential-source-evidence.amp

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       

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       

If you found this episode valuable, please consider leaving a five star review wherever you listen.   
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.uk

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

#ParisShears #ParissLaw #CoerciveControl #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #NonFatalStrangulation #BehaviouralAnalysis #Victimology #CrimeAnalyst #LauraRichards #ViolenceAgainstWomen #MaleViolence #HomicidePrevention #TrueCrime #Podcast

Clip 

https://fb.watch/IOcYRotX2B/



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

Visit TAKELEAN.com and enter CRIMEANALYST for your discount.

Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/crime to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.

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    

Website www.crime-analyst.com     

Leave a 5* Review https://www.crime-analyst.com/reviews/new/ 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.



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.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       

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       

If you found this episode valuable, please consider leaving a five star review wherever you listen.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices