Crime Analyst

Zoe Watts's husband had confessed to drugging and raping her throughout their marriage. When Zoe confided in her mother, she contacted the police. But that night, while the children slept upstairs, he broke into the family home. Zoe shares what happened when he found her and Laura unravels the escalating risks that are often lethal for women when they say they want out of the relationship with finality. 

In this episode, Laura and Zoe examine: 

The terrifying break-in at the family home and the danger Zoe faced; 

Escalating abuse, intimidation and the perpetrator's nee...

In this remastered Crime Analyst series, Laura Richards puts the women back at the centre of the story. For decades, the women murdered and attacked by Peter Sutcliffe (known as PS in this series) were overshadowed by the man who targeted them.  

Laura shares other attacks on women she believes are linked to PS including Marilyn Moore who survived and gave a photofit in 1977, 14-year-old Tracy Browne who saw the photofit and re-reported the man who almost killed her and Olive Smelt’s near lethal attack 12 days before Tracy was attacked. When Laura pulled all the photofits and...

Zoe Watts's husband confessed to drugging and raping her, tying her up and taking intimate photographs and videos without her consent. Yet even after he disclosed what he had done to medical professionals, Zoe still didn't understand that she was being raped. 

In Part 2, Laura continues her interview with Zoe, unravelling his sadistic and brazen behaviour that shaped their 22-year marriage. Laura examines how Zoe's husband intentionally destabilised her and how professionals who should have recognised the danger. 

In this episode, Laura and Zoe unravel: 

Sadistic cruelty, manipulation and psychological abuse and the tol...

For decades, the women murdered and attacked by Peter Sutcliffe (known as PS in this series) were overshadowed by the man who targeted them. In this remastered Crime Analyst series, Laura Richards puts the women back at the centre of the story. 

Laura deconstructs the pattern of offending, escalating risk and critical opportunities that were missed, including additional attacks she believes are linked to PS and how harmful assumptions about his victims distorted the investigation. 

The failures in this case were instrumental in why Laura’s specialist unit at New Scotland Yard was later created. It r...

Zoe Watts was shocked to discover the man she had been married to for 22-year was drugging and raping her. 

Laura interviews Zoe and asks her to take us back to the beginning of their relationship- when she was just 17 and he was 28. He was charismatic, well-liked and seemingly the perfect partner. But as Laura asks more questions, she reveals a deeply disturbing, diabolical and dangerous man who knew what he was doing. This did not come out of the blue. 

In this episode, Laura and Zoe unravel: 

Grooming, love bombing and gaslighting 

For decades, the women murdered and attacked by Peter Sutcliffe (known as PS in this series) were overshadowed by the man who targeted them. In this remastered Crime Analyst series, Laura Richards puts the women back at the centre of the story. 

Laura deconstructs the pattern of offending, escalating risk and critical opportunities that were missed, including additional attacks she believes are linked to PS and how harmful assumptions about his victims distorted the investigation. 

The failures in this case were instrumental in why Laura’s specialist unit at New Scotland Yard was later created. It r...

Laura continues her interview with former NBC investigative producer and NewsNation investigative correspondent, Rich McHugh. Together Laura and Rich unravel coercive control and the lack of laws to protect women in South Carolina and the details that trouble Rich about the day Mica died - and why he remains unconvinced Mica ended her life. 

For Rich, Laura and Crime Analyst, the focus remains where it belongs: Mica Francis, the truth about what she experienced, accountability and justice. Justice for Mica. 
Laura and Rich discuss: 

Coercive control, “murder in slow motion” and “murder by suicide” 

W...

For decades, the women murdered and attacked by Peter Sutcliffe (known as PS in this series) were overshadowed by the man who targeted them. In this remastered Crime Analyst series, Laura puts the women back at the centre of the story. 

Laura deconstructs the pattern of offending, escalating risk and critical opportunities that were missed, including additional attacks she believes are linked to PS and how harmful assumptions about his victims distorted the investigation. 

The failures in this case were instrumental in why Laura’s specialist unit at New Scotland Yard was later created. It rema...

Mica Francis died trying to leave John Paul Miller. She documented what was happening to her, called the Police at least 14 times, retained an attorney and filed for divorce. Less than a day after Mica’s death, John-Paul Miller stood before his congregation and announced her death, while simultaneously shaping a narrative about Mica and her mental health. Serious alarm bells went off for both Laura and award-winning investigative journalist and NewsNation correspondent, Rich McHugh. 

Former NBC investigative producer Rich McHugh, working with Ronan Farrow, exposed Harvey Weinstein at great personal and professional cost. You will hear mor...

In this remastered episode to conclude the series, Laura, Nichole and Tara deconstruct Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito, including new information former boyfriend Jackson shared, the last messages sent from Gabby’s phone and the early warning signs of coercive control. 

Laura honours Gabby and her amazing mum’s Nichole and Tara in this special episode which aired on International Women’s Day. 

If you are experiencing abuse The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free, confidential support: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Text “START” to 88788. Chat live at thehotline.org 

For more expert insight, in-depth conve...

Mica Francis did everything right: she documented what was happening, reported to police and repeatedly asked for help. But what happens when the behaviours creating fear, entrapment and risk are not adequately recognised by the law? 

In Laura’s interview with Mica’s attorney, Regina Ward, the focus turns to the systemic failures that left Mica without the protection she needed - and the fight to change law in South Carolina in Mica’s name. 

Laura and Regina examine why repeated attempts to introduce coercive control legislation in South Carolina have failed, the gaps that remain f...

Mica Francis’ case is now receiving widespread attention following the Netflix documentary The Death of the Pastor’s Wife. Laura analysed Mica’s case as it unfolded, documenting the pattern of coercive control, stalking and post-separation abuse Mica reported experiencing before her death. 

30-year-old Mica Francis (Miller) was found dead from a gunshot wound at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina, on April 27, 2024, two days after serving her husband, John Paul Miller, with divorce papers. 

John Paul Miller has since been federally indicted on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal...

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 shar...

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 w...

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 unpa...

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, accoun...

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 a...

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...

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 establis...

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...

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 Pari...

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...

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 con...

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 po...

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 hos...

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...

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. 

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 Pet...

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 fem...

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...

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...

In this remastered episode, Laura shares new reflections and analysis about how and why Moab police got it so wrong.   

Laura outlines how and why the predominant aggressor law in Utah has been misunderstood and misapplied including one major detail which Brian disclosed to police. This important detail appears to have been overlooked or ignored.  

Laura also details important guidance written by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, the Domestic Violence 101: A User-Friendly Manual on Domestic Violence for Police and Prosecutors, which points to Gabby being the victim and Brian the abuser. You won’t want to miss this. 

In this exclusive interview Laura is joined by Jazmine’s parents following the Court of Appeal's decision to overturn the unduly lenient sentences handed to two teenage boys convicted of 10 counts of rape of two girls in Hampshire. 

After widespread public outrage and a legal challenge by the Attorney General, the Court of Appeal ruled that the original sentences failed to reflect the seriousness of the offences. Two boys, who had initially avoided custody, were re-sentenced to four years' detention.  

Whilst the decision marked an important step towards accountability, Jazmine’s parents explain in detail wh...

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. 

Astonishingly, the report concluded that ‘several unintentional mistakes stemmed from the fact the officers failed to cite Ms Petito for domestic violence.’ Laura disagrees with this preposterous conclusion and explains why. 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. 

Wyoming Crime Scene V...

Mother of two, Joanna Simpson, was brutally killed by her estranged husband, British Airways pilot Robert Brown, on 31 October 2010. Brown smuggled a claw hammer in to Joanna's home and bludgeoned her to death before burying her body in a pre-dug grave. Despite this, Brown was acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter. He would serve just 13 years before becoming eligible for automatic release. 

Laura’s forensic analysis of Joanna's case, together with Joanna's extraordinary mother, Diana Parkes CBE, and best friend, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, ignited a grassroots movement that successfully prevented Brown's automatic release. 

But that w...

In this remastered episode, Laura analyzes the police report filed by Officer Pratt and Officer Robbins and answers a number of burning questions including: whether it was known and recorded by police that the van belonged to Gabby, and; what’s happened to the police officers involved in the case? 

The 99-page Moab City Police Investigative Review of the 12th August Gabby and Brian Police Stop was published on 12th January 2022. Laura shares the headlines of the review and begins her analysis of the review report starting with how it was communicated by the media. 

Trigger warni...

Three teenage boys were convicted of 17 sexual offences, including 11 rapes of two separate girls, one at knifepoint. They were sent home with a £26 fine. 

This case should alarm everyone – and it is far from isolated. Laura continues her analysis of Judge Nicholas Rowland’s sentencing remarks including the lack of understanding by the Judge regarding grooming, the power imbalance, vulnerability, coercion, planning and exploitation and the boys’ histories which has resulted in a flawed risk assessment and unduly lenient. Laura has examined the case in referring to the problematic sentencing guidelines and the context of rising levels of ma...

In this remastered episode,  Laura continues to deconstruct Officer Pratt’s footage of the police stop of Gabby’s van with startling revelations including how Laura believes that the Utah law was not only misunderstood but was also misapplied – and it’s probably not what you think. You might believe you have heard everything there is to say, but you really haven’t. 

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 G...

Three teenage boys were convicted of 17 sexual offences including 11 rapes of two separate girls, one at knifepoint. Despite this, Judge Nicholas Rowland determined that none of the boys should go to prison as he did not want to ‘criminalize them unnecessarily.’ 

To understand this egregious decision that has quite rightly sparked national outrage, Laura shares her forensic deconstruction of Judge Rowland’s 23-page sentencing remarks in the context of the sentencing guideline and the increasing levels of male violence to girls and women. It’s worse than you might have thought. 

This is not just...

In this remastered episode, Laura reflects on information shared by Brian Entin, particularly regarding whether there was a planned and co-ordinated strategy after Gabby was killed as well as about Brian’s finances, which provides a new perspective about what he told police. 

Laura also deconstructs information gleaned from Park Ranger Melissa Hulls in the only interview she gave. You won’t want to miss this. 

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...