The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi

Gloria Choi, a devoted single mother and hotel manager, was gunned down by her ex-boyfriend Billy Rickman on January 2, 2022, after months of escalating abuse and stalking that police failed to halt despite multiple reports. Her final 911 call captured the terror: a man—whom she identified as her boyfriend—forces her truck off a snowy road, approaches with a gun, and fires rapidly. This episode traces how Rickman's initial charm gave way to possessive violence, culminating in her murder and a wrongful death lawsuit against law enforcement.

From Love Bombing to Control

Rickman met Gloria in May 2021 at her parents' Oyo Hotel in Washington state, where she worked. Friends described him as charismatic with "masculine energy," quickly showering her with affection—texts declaring "My heart is yours," gifts, and bonding with her young son. This "love bombing," as family lawyer Megan Driscoll called it, drew in the shy but passionate Gloria, who craved love. Within weeks, they coupled up; he moved into her hotel apartment despite her father's disapproval, boldly claiming her as "his."