About this episode

The episode discusses the path from coercive control to domestic violence homicide, highlighting warning signs and offender behavior.

Let’s discuss one of the most important and uncomfortable subjects in true crime, the path from coercive control to domestic violence homicide. Using the work of forensic criminologist Dr. Jane Monckton Smith, we’re breaking down the eight-stage pattern she identified after reviewing hundreds of domestic homicide cases. This is not about blaming victims. It’s about understanding offender behavior, escalation, and the warning signs people too often miss until it’s too late. We’ll start with two cases that are making headlines right now. In Ohio, Caleb Flynn has been charged in the shooting death of his wife, Ashley Flynn, and has pleaded not guilty. In Colorado, Barry Morphew has been indicted again in the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, has pleaded not guilty, and is awaiting trial. Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. What matters for this discussion is not pre-judging guilt but understanding why intimate partner homicide so often follows recognizable patterns of control, separation, stalking, fear, and escalation. We’ll also talk about the difference between immediate fear and chronic fear, why separation can be the most dangerous moment…

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Profiling Evil podcast page.