Crime Analyst

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:

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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   

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In this remastered episode, Laura concludes her analysis of the 99-page Moab City Police Investigative Review by detailing and breaking down Captain Ratcliffe’s conclusion and recommendations.

Laura shares her professional thoughts about why the conclusion makes little sense and why the recommendations will not create the change that’s urgently required to save the next Gabby’s life.

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

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 #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #DomesticAbuse

Clips   

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

Sources 

https://nypost.com/2022/08/27/new-witness-to-gabby-petito-and-brian-laundrie-fight-says-she-was-hit-with-closed-fist/

https://www.the-sun.com/news/6077506/gabhttps://www.the-sun.com/news/6077506/gabby-petito-fight-witness-brian-laundrie-hit/by-petito-fight-witness-brian-laundrie-hit/

https://www.utcourts.gov/courts/just/docs/DomesticViolence101.pdf

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title77/Chapter36/77-36-S2.2.html

https://le.utah.gov/~1998/bills/hbillenr/HB0148.htm

https://moabcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/3432/Combined-Statement-and-Investigative-Report---Petito-Laundrie-Incident

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP7GEVr7wmIqTUY_s52LKgs5bfUD9rK-F&si=DUnjCxaK9tEzzM9p

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP1gvj3JzHLE&si=EGFZMZVU1bi4TZrh



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.   
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In this episode, Laura interviews pioneering human rights lawyer and CEO of the Centre for Women's Justice, Harriet Wistrich, whose groundbreaking work has helped transform the way the justice system responds to male violence against women and girls.



Together, Laura and Harriet analyse landmark cases including John Worboys and Sally Challen, the campaign to criminalise coercive control, and the legal mechanisms used to keep dangerous offenders behind bars.



Harriet also shares the realities of fighting for systemic change through strategic litigation, the legacy of the botched investigation into serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the role feminism has played in exposing institutional misogyny, and why behavioural patterns-not isolated incidents -must remain central to understanding male violence against women.



This is a fascinating conversation about justice, accountability, law reform, and the power of persistence in changing systems that have historically failed women. For a deeper dive in to the John Worboys case and Harriet’s successful legal challenge, listen to the Ringleader and Lifer live interview in the Crime Analyst Squad. The legal judgments and documents referenced during that discussion are also available exclusively in the episode post.



Listen to The Forgotten Victims. Laura’s investigative series about serial killer Peter Sutcliffe and the botched investigation: https://www.crime-analyst.com/case-001-the-forgotten-victims/ Listen to the Joanna Simpson Case : This series examines the brutal killing of Joanna Simpson by her estranged husband Robert Brown, the shocking manslaughter verdict and planned automatic release, and the campaign led by her family, friends and Crime Analyst listeners that helped keep him behind bars. Listen and learn about Sally Challen and the extraordinary story behind the landmark case that changed the legal landscape for victims of coercive control.

36: The Crime Analyst | Ep 36 | Deconstructing Coercive Control with Jess Hill, Part 1

Ep 261: The Unthinkable: A Story of Control, Violence and My Mother with David Challen Ep 323 Coercive Control: A Child's Unthinkable Journey with David Challen

Ep 325: Coercive Control: A Child’s Unthinkable Journey with David Challen, Part 2



In This Episode

Harriet Wistrich's journey into law and women's rights advocacy

How feminism shaped her career and influenced legal reform

The legacy of Peter Sutcliffe and institutional misogyny

Understanding coercive control and why behavioural patterns matter

The campaign to criminalise coercive control

Sally Challen precedential case

The two successful legal challenges to stop the release of serial sex offender John Worboys and hold the police accountable

Strategic litigation and holding institutions accountable for failures

The future of protecting women and girls through legal reform



#HarrietWistrich #CoerciveControl #SallyChallen #JohnWorboys #PeterSutcliffe #DomesticAbuse #MaleViolence #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast #Crime



More from Harriet Wistrich Harriet's acclaimed book, Sister in Law: Fighting for Justice in a System Designed by Men

Centre for Women’s Justice



Clip

https://youtu.be/ygyObQ7249c?si=fMZGcRHcpdtA1wQ3

Sources

DSD High Court Judgment (2014)

DSD & NBV & Others Judgment (2018)

UKSC Judgment (2018)



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 continues to analyze the police report filed by Officer Pratt and Officer Robbins and the 99-page Moab City Police Investigative Review of the Police Stop was published on 12th January 2022.

Laura reveals that another witness came forward and stated Brian hit Gabby with a closed fist, as well as a number of bizarre revelations made by Officer Pratt on interview with Captain Ratcliffe. Laura also takes a deeper dive into the DV 101 Manual for Police and Prosecutors in Utah and what it lists regarding male and female factors as well as religious factors that contribute to domestic abuse.

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

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 #Psychology #WomenMatter #Prevention #MaleViolence #Femicide #Intervention

Clips   

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

https://kutv.com/news/local/exclusive-father-of-brenda-lafferty-talks-about-her-life-after-the-death-of-her-killer

https://www.euronews.com/2022/10/01/solidarity-with-iran-as-worldwide-protests-staged-over-death-of-mahsa-amini

Sources 

https://nypost.com/2022/08/27/new-witness-to-gabby-petito-and-brian-laundrie-fight-says-she-was-hit-with-closed-fist/

https://www.the-sun.com/news/6077506/gabhttps://www.the-sun.com/news/6077506/gabby-petito-fight-witness-brian-laundrie-hit/by-petito-fight-witness-brian-laundrie-hit/

https://www.utcourts.gov/courts/just/docs/DomesticViolence101.pdf

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title77/Chapter36/77-36-S2.2.html

https://le.utah.gov/~1998/bills/hbillenr/HB0148.htm

https://moabcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/3432/Combined-Statement-and-Investigative-Report---Petito-Laundrie-Incident

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

Joanna Simpson was brutally killed by her estranged husband, British Airways pilot Robert Brown, just one week before their divorce was due to be finalised. Brown pre-dug a grave and hid her body in Great Windsor Park. He finally admitted killing Joanna with a claw hammer, but he was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter which meant he was eligible for release after 13 years. Following years of campaigning by Joanna's mother Diana Parkes, best friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, Laura Richards and thousands of Crime Analyst listeners, Brown’s automatic release was stopped in 2023.

He came up for parole in April 2026. In this episode, Laura interviews Hetti Barkworth-Nanton and they take you behind the Parole Board Hearing sharing new details about Brown's psychopathic behaviour and ongoing risk.

Laura analyses and discusses with Hetti the significance of the evidence considered by the panel, including the relevance of coercive control, the importance of judicial sentencing remarks, and why understanding behavioural patterns - not simply convictions - is imperative when assessing dangerousness and risk.



In this episode Laura and Hetti discuss:

The significance of the fact-finding process prior to the Parole Board Hearing.

What the panel learned about Robert Brown's behaviour and psychology from a 330 page dossier.

Why psychopathy and behavioural patterns matter in risk assessment.

The importance of coercive control when assessing risk and dangerousness.

The knife incident and why it remained significant despite no criminal conviction.

Why the original sentencing remarks became crucial evidence years later.

The difference between criminal convictions and behavioural evidence.

What "retained culpability" means and why it mattered at the Parole Board Hearing.

Lessons for professionals assessing high-risk perpetrators.

Why understanding coercive control saves lives.



This episode continues Crime Analyst's landmark series examining Joanna Simpson's murder, the campaign that prevented Robert Brown's release, and the lessons every professional -and every listener - can learn about coercive control, risk assessment and the importance of understanding dangerous behaviour before tragedy occurs.



If you haven't already listened to Laura's landmark Joanna Simpson series, start here: https://www.crime-analyst.com/case-004-joanna-simpson-a-miscarriage-of-justice/



#JoannaSimpson #HerNameWasJoSimpson #RobertBrown #BritishAirwaysKiller #CoerciveControl #Stalking #PreventMurderInSlowMotionä #WomenMatter #ChildrenMatter #DomesticAbuse #MaleViolence #CrimeAnalyst #Expert #Analysis #Behaviour #TrueCrime #Podcast #Crime #DomesticHomicide #NotAnotherJo





Clip

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1494827995475239



Sources

View the Judicial Review

Crime Analyst Episodes on Joanna Simpson’s case:

Ep 105: Joanna Simpson: A Miscarriage of Justice, Part 1

Ep 107: Joanna Simpson: A Miscarriage of Justice, Part 2

Ep 110: How to Save a Life with Hetti Nanton, Part 3

Ep 111: Reflections of Joanna Simpson, Part 4

The Case of Joanna Simpson: the British Airways killer who must stay behind bars

The Case of Joanna Simpson: killer pilot Robert Brown planned every detail of killing Jo

Ep 189: The British Airways Killer to Remain in Prison: The Judicial Review, Part 5



SIGN the petition for serial domestic abusers and stalkers to be on the same register as sex offenders and ensure they are proactively assessed and monitored.



https://www.jsfoundation.org.uk/

https://refuge.org.uk/



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