48 Hours — "The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi"
Podcast: 48 Hours | Host: CBS News | Date: May 4, 2026
Brief Overview
This episode examines the tragic case of Gloria Choi, a hardworking single mother in Washington state who was stalked and ultimately murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Billy Rickman, in early 2022. Through detailed interviews with Gloria's friends and family, prosecutors, and a survivor of Rickman’s past abuse, the episode explores systemic failures in law enforcement's response to domestic violence, the psychological manipulation known as "love bombing," and the journey for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the crime.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Gloria Choi's Life and Character
- Gloria is portrayed as a dedicated, kind, and family-oriented woman.
"She was a hardworking mom, a good role model ... kind of their angel." —Gloria’s parent (02:24)
- She worked in the family hotel business and was fiercely devoted to her young son.
"It's all about her kid. She was very fierce when it came to her son." —Brianna Eberly, friend (14:35)
2. The Relationship: Love Bombing and Escalation
- Billy Rickman met Gloria at her family’s hotel in May 2021 and quickly began "love bombing" her with gifts, affection, and persistent attention.
"He really came across as this nice guy. Love bombed her, meaning he's giving her gifts and kind of showering her with kindness." —Choi family lawyer (15:33)
- Despite initial romance, the relationship quickly soured—Rickman became emotionally and physically abusive, controlling, and financially exploitative.
"Within weeks, Gloria saw a different side of Rickman ... mean, angry, and insecure." —Narrator (18:01)
- Rickman used technology to track Gloria, planting Apple AirTags in her vehicle, further heightening her sense of being hunted.
"She found a tag in her car, an airtag." —Brianna Eberly (19:04)
3. Attempted Escape and Systemic Barriers
- With support from friends and her parents, Gloria left Rickman and pursued a domestic violence no-contact order after repeated harassment and theft.
"The officer actually tells Gloria and tells the court to issue a domestic violence no contact order." —Choi family lawyer (20:43)
- Despite the no-contact order and Rickman's arrest for vehicle theft, Rickman flagrantly violated restrictions and police failed to act decisively.
"He didn't care. He was like, so I'm still gonna talk to her." —Brianna Eberly (21:46)
- Multiple calls (four in the final 48 hours) to police for help with stalking, property damage, and direct threats went largely unaddressed.
"She called for help and she was deprived of help that she's entitled to under the law, time and time again." —Gloria’s parent (02:51)
4. The Murder
- The culmination of Rickman’s stalking was Gloria's murder on January 2, 2022.
- Rickman ran her car off the road, shot her 14 times at close range, and then fled (03:24–09:17).
"He just unloaded... And I was just in shock and saw him disappear." —Prosecutor Greer (04:00)
"He is there to kill her, he is there to kill her." —Prosecutor Greer (08:13)
- Gloria’s tragic 911 call is central to the case and reveals the terror she experienced.
"I don't know where I am. I'm scared to get out of my car." —Gloria (Recorded 911 call, 04:59–06:00)
5. Investigation and Arrest
- Key evidence included surveillance footage, phone records, and Rickman’s attempts to disguise his tracks.
"He appears in a hurry. He gets out of his vehicle and he immediately starts wiping down the side... You can see him on the phone. He's contacting people." —Prosecutor Corrine Schneff (10:47)
- Rickman evaded capture for several days, eventually arrested in Northern California after a dramatic chase (30:32–31:38).
6. Rickman's Violent History and Missed Warnings
- The episode connects with Aja, a survivor of Rickman's prior abuse, who describes years of trafficking and violence at his hands in Oakland.
“I’m a survivor of human trafficking and Billy Rickman was my trafficker.” –Aja (32:21)
- Aja had filed a criminal complaint in California, but the warrant did not reach authorities in Washington.
“I was angry and upset because he could have been stopped beforehand.” –Aja (34:01)
7. Trial, Aftermath, and Calls for Justice
- At Rickman’s trial, the prosecution’s evidence—including the chilling 911 call—led to a swift conviction. The defense claimed insufficient investigation, citing the lack of direct naming of Rickman during the call.
"The defense tried to make a case that somebody else did it." –Prosecutor Greer (39:25)
- Rickman was sentenced to life in prison without parole (39:31).
- Gloria’s family, devastated and relocated, is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and police for their repeated inaction.
"They wanted accountability... and they believed that it was mismanaged and mishandled by law enforcement." —Megan Driscoll, Choi family attorney (40:25)
- Domestic violence expert and former police trainer Russ Hicks criticizes the police response.
"Those officers failed Gloria. One example... says he left a voicemail for Rickman, which Hicks considers a mistake." —Russ Hicks (42:10)
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
- "She came off very shy and quiet, but she was nothing of those. She was passionate about her family and her son—had hopes and dreams for herself."
—Brianna Eberly (02:37)
- "He drained her. She bought everything."
—Brianna Eberly on Rickman’s financial abuse (17:54)
- "She looked at me dead in the face and said, I'm leaving."
—Brianna Eberly (19:32)
- "It's not clear if police were ever called. Three days later…Rickman confronted her in the Capitol Mall while she was shopping with her son."
—Narrator (23:50)
- "He was surveilling, he was stalking. He was hunting that night."
—Prosecutor Greer (37:39)
- "This death was incredibly foreseeable... It was as foreseeable as it was preventable."
—Choi family (41:06)
- "Plain and simple, Lakewood PD should have found Rickman and arrested him to protect Gloria."
—Choi family attorney (41:33)
- "Those officers failed Gloria... I taught the three officers that were involved in this case."
—Russ Hicks (42:05)
- "It's uma—oma—and she's just frantically, in desperation, calling for her mother. Tells you a lot about human nature. Yeah, it's one of the saddest things you'll ever hear."
—Prosecutor Greer on Gloria's last words (45:52)
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Time | Segment / Key Content |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 02:24 | Gloria Choi's background and character |
| 03:15–09:17| Surveillance, stalking, murder details |
| 14:21 | Gloria’s life as a mother and hotel manager |
| 15:33 | "Love bombing" dynamic explained |
| 17:54 | Rickman’s controlling, abusive behavior |
| 19:32–20:43| Detailed documentation of Rickman's threats |
| 23:17–24:13| Relentless stalking, police response |
| 30:32 | Rickman's arrest in California |
| 32:00–34:01| Aja's testimony and prior abuse by Rickman |
| 34:46–36:54| Trial, evidence, Gloria’s lasting impact |
| 39:25–40:07| Defense arguments, conviction, sentencing |
| 41:06–44:00| Lawsuit, police failures, accountability |
| 45:43–45:52| Gloria’s last words captured in 911 call |
The Episode’s Tone and Impact
The episode maintains a respectful, somber tone, emphasizing not only Gloria’s humanity and the irreparable loss experienced by her family and friends, but also the systemic failures in protecting victims of escalating domestic violence. It is both a remembrance of Gloria and a pointed critique of institutional shortcomings.
Final Reflections
- The case is a poignant example of how love bombing can mask abusive intent—and how warning signs are too often overlooked by authorities.
- The episode calls for broader accountability and reform in responding to domestic violence, emphasizing the need for urgency, thoroughness, and empathy from law enforcement.
- It underscores the vital importance of listening to—and acting upon—the pleas of those trapped in dangerous, abusive relationships.
For listeners seeking deeper insight into the case's complexities, the episode provides a raw, evidence-driven narrative rooted in interviews, first-person accounts, and a focus on justice for Gloria Choi.
