Trial Tuesday: She did everything we ask victims to do

She had already taken steps to protect herself. She reported the stalking. A court ordered her abuser to stay away. She tried to get away. But he wouldn’t stop. When she realized Rickman was following her, she called 911. Moments later, the dispatcher heard her crying for help as gunshots rang out.

I was one of the prosecutors who tried this case. It showed just how dangerous stalking and domestic violence can become.

Rickman was convicted of aggravated first-degree murder. He stalked his estranged girlfriend, followed her in his vehicle, ran her off the road, and shot her multiple times. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Determined and methodical

The court order barred Rickman from contacting her. The stalking continued anyway.

He rented a vehicle. He armed himself. He rented a hotel room near her workplace so he could watch her. He spent several days tracking her movements. Her friends and family even tried to help her find the tracking devices he was using.

On the night of her murder, he ran her car off the road. Her call to 911 captured her pleading for help as the attack unfolded.

How we proved it

This case relied heavily on digital evidence: surveillance video, cellphone data, and GPS information. That evidence traced Rickman’s movements and showed that he kept pursuing her.

Why “just leave” isn’t enough

Domestic violence is often far more complicated than people realize. Many victims face real barriers to getting help. They may depend on their abuser for food or housing. They may fear retaliation, worry they won’t be believed, or still love the person who is hurting them.

In this case, the victim did what we ask victims to do. She reported the abuse. She had a court order. She cut off contact. Her friends and family helped her search for the trackers. Tragically, it was not enough to stop him.

Cases like this show why experienced prosecution matters. We must hold offenders accountable, and keep doing everything we can to protect victims.

This case was featured on CBS’s 48 Hours in “The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi,” available to stream on Paramount+.