They released him on bond. He beat her to death.

A word of warning, this podcast explores A word of warning, this podcast explores graphic and disturbing stories and graphic and disturbing stories and graphic and disturbing stories and includes some strong language. It includes some strong language. It includes some strong language. It therefore may not be suitable for our therefore may not be suitable for our therefore may not be suitable for our young listeners or other folks who may young listeners or other folks who may young listeners or other folks who may find it disturbing. Hello and welcome to find it disturbing. Hello and welcome to find it disturbing. Hello and welcome to True Crime News, the podcast covering True Crime News, the podcast covering True Crime News, the podcast covering high-profile and under the radar cases high-profile and under the radar cases high-profile and under the radar cases from across the country every week. I'm from across the country every week. I'm from across the country every week. I'm your host, Anna Garcia. Our case this your host, Anna Garcia. Our case this your host, Anna Garcia. Our case this week, a father's warning to the court. week, a father's warning to the court. week, a father's warning to the court. If you release this monster, he will If you release this monster, he will If you release this monster, he will kill my daughter. And he did. It's a kill my daughter. And he did. It's a kill my daughter. And he did. It's a heartbreaking case that I traveled to heartbreaking case that I traveled to heartbreaking case that I traveled to Mississippi to cover. Mississippi to cover. Mississippi to cover. >> If y'all let him out, he's going to kill >> If y'all let him out, he's going to kill >> If y'all let him out, he's going to kill her. her. her. >> The desperate words of a loving father >> The desperate words of a loving father >> The desperate words of a loving father pleading to anyone who would listen. pleading to anyone who would listen. pleading to anyone who would listen. >> They caught this man red-handed about to >> They caught this man red-handed about to >> They caught this man red-handed about to kill her. I mean, what more proof do you kill her. I mean, what more proof do you kill her. I mean, what more proof do you need? need? need? >> Not much, because the killer has been >> Not much, because the killer has been >> Not much, because the killer has been sentenced to life in prison without the sentenced to life in prison without the sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But this all possibility of parole. But this all possibility of parole. But this all could have been avoided if someone had could have been avoided if someone had could have been avoided if someone had just listened to this father. He will be just listened to this father. He will be just listened to this father. He will be joining me in just a few minutes. We are joining me in just a few minutes. We are joining me in just a few minutes. We are recording this on Friday, September 11th recording this on Friday, September 11th recording this on Friday, September 11th of 2026. Today is the 25th anniversary of 2026. Today is the 25th anniversary of 2026. Today is the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on the of the 2001 terrorist attack on the of the 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. Nearly 3,000 people were United States. Nearly 3,000 people were United States. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. We cannot forget. Today's murder killed. We cannot forget. Today's murder killed. We cannot forget. Today's murder is one of the most violent and is one of the most violent and is one of the most violent and disturbing cases I have ever covered. A disturbing cases I have ever covered. A disturbing cases I have ever covered. A conviction and life sentence are still conviction and life sentence are still conviction and life sentence are still not enough for one Mississippi family not enough for one Mississippi family not enough for one Mississippi family who had their precious daughter taken who had their precious daughter taken who had their precious daughter taken from them with a level of brutality I

from them with a level of brutality I from them with a level of brutality I have not seen. The killer drove around have not seen. The killer drove around have not seen. The killer drove around with her dead body in the car for days with her dead body in the car for days with her dead body in the car for days while he tried to figure out how he was while he tried to figure out how he was while he tried to figure out how he was going to get away with this one. Well, going to get away with this one. Well, going to get away with this one. Well, he didn't. 22-year-old Lauren Johansson he didn't. 22-year-old Lauren Johansson he didn't. 22-year-old Lauren Johansson was beaten to the point that she was was beaten to the point that she was was beaten to the point that she was unrecognizable. unrecognizable. unrecognizable. her face gone. Her obsessive and violent her face gone. Her obsessive and violent her face gone. Her obsessive and violent ex-boyfriend was captured at the scene ex-boyfriend was captured at the scene ex-boyfriend was captured at the scene with Lauren's blood all over him in July with Lauren's blood all over him in July with Lauren's blood all over him in July of 2024. of 2024. of 2024. 25-year-old Bryson Rivers was arrested 25-year-old Bryson Rivers was arrested 25-year-old Bryson Rivers was arrested on the spot. At the time of the murder, on the spot. At the time of the murder, on the spot. At the time of the murder, Bryson was a fugitive from the state of Bryson was a fugitive from the state of Bryson was a fugitive from the state of Tennessee. He was wanted for taking off Tennessee. He was wanted for taking off Tennessee. He was wanted for taking off while out on bail. The reason he was in while out on bail. The reason he was in while out on bail. The reason he was in jail in Tennessee was for savagely jail in Tennessee was for savagely jail in Tennessee was for savagely beating Lauren in December of 2023 in beating Lauren in December of 2023 in beating Lauren in December of 2023 in Nashville. This is a part of my Nashville. This is a part of my Nashville. This is a part of my interview with Lauren's father, Dr. interview with Lauren's father, Dr. interview with Lauren's father, Dr. Lance Johansson. Lance Johansson. Lance Johansson. >> She told me that there was two groups of >> She told me that there was two groups of >> She told me that there was two groups of friends that went there and that he was friends that went there and that he was friends that went there and that he was with the other group, but she didn't with the other group, but she didn't with the other group, but she didn't know he was with the group.

know he was with the group. know he was with the group. >> Bryson was with Lauren and became >> Bryson was with Lauren and became >> Bryson was with Lauren and became jealous after she talked to another guy jealous after she talked to another guy jealous after she talked to another guy in a bar. Then Dr. Johansson's phone in a bar. Then Dr. Johansson's phone in a bar. Then Dr. Johansson's phone rings. Maybe 1:30 in the morning, rings. Maybe 1:30 in the morning, rings. Maybe 1:30 in the morning, Bryson's father said that Bryson's Bryson's father said that Bryson's Bryson's father said that Bryson's trying to kill Lauren. trying to kill Lauren. trying to kill Lauren. >> But how does he know that Bryson is >> But how does he know that Bryson is >> But how does he know that Bryson is trying to kill your daughter? trying to kill your daughter? trying to kill your daughter? >> They were in the car and he was talking >> They were in the car and he was talking >> They were in the car and he was talking to his mother while he was beating on to his mother while he was beating on to his mother while he was beating on Lauren. Lauren. Lauren. >> Shocked, Dr. Joe Hansen used a location >> Shocked, Dr. Joe Hansen used a location >> Shocked, Dr. Joe Hansen used a location app to find her immediately, giving cops app to find her immediately, giving cops app to find her immediately, giving cops the coordinates in Nashville. the coordinates in Nashville. the coordinates in Nashville. >> The officer that got her out of the car >> The officer that got her out of the car >> The officer that got her out of the car said that he was on top of her beating said that he was on top of her beating said that he was on top of her beating her. There was blood everywhere. her. There was blood everywhere. her. There was blood everywhere. When Nashville cops finally locate When Nashville cops finally locate When Nashville cops finally locate Lauren's car, they find her with Lauren's car, they find her with Lauren's car, they find her with ex-boyfriend Bryson Rivers. ex-boyfriend Bryson Rivers. ex-boyfriend Bryson Rivers. >> He was going to kill her that night. >> He was going to kill her that night. >> He was going to kill her that night. Responding officers see a severely Responding officers see a severely Responding officers see a severely beaten Lauren running away from the car. beaten Lauren running away from the car. beaten Lauren running away from the car. She's extremely emotional and asking for She's extremely emotional and asking for She's extremely emotional and asking for her father, who is driving 7 hours to her father, who is driving 7 hours to her father, who is driving 7 hours to Nashville. Nashville. Nashville. >> If they hadn't got there, she would have >> If they hadn't got there, she would have >> If they hadn't got there, she would have been dead.

been dead. been dead. Based on these photos taken by Lauren's Based on these photos taken by Lauren's Based on these photos taken by Lauren's father, she could have been killed that father, she could have been killed that father, she could have been killed that night. With Bryson locked up in night. With Bryson locked up in night. With Bryson locked up in Nashville on kidnapping and assault Nashville on kidnapping and assault Nashville on kidnapping and assault charges and a high bail of $250,000, charges and a high bail of $250,000, charges and a high bail of $250,000, which his family could not afford, the which his family could not afford, the which his family could not afford, the Johansson family felt safer and Lauren Johansson family felt safer and Lauren Johansson family felt safer and Lauren would have time to recover from this would have time to recover from this would have time to recover from this traumatic beating back home in traumatic beating back home in traumatic beating back home in Mississippi. Mississippi. Mississippi. But before we get to the night of the But before we get to the night of the But before we get to the night of the murder in 2024, a little history and murder in 2024, a little history and murder in 2024, a little history and some context on how things got this bad some context on how things got this bad some context on how things got this bad and how violence and domestic abuse and how violence and domestic abuse and how violence and domestic abuse would lay down a road map to murder. would lay down a road map to murder. would lay down a road map to murder. Lauren and Bryson met years earlier in Lauren and Bryson met years earlier in Lauren and Bryson met years earlier in high school. The prom was their first high school. The prom was their first high school. The prom was their first real date. Dr. Johansson never liked real date. Dr. Johansson never liked real date. Dr. Johansson never liked Bryson. He got her hooked on drugs when Bryson. He got her hooked on drugs when Bryson. He got her hooked on drugs when she was in high school and she went from she was in high school and she went from she was in high school and she went from a straight A student to not making good a straight A student to not making good a straight A student to not making good grades. We had to work really hard to grades. We had to work really hard to grades. We had to work really hard to get her off of of drugs.

get her off of of drugs. get her off of of drugs. >> The hard work paid off. Lauren got back >> The hard work paid off. Lauren got back >> The hard work paid off. Lauren got back on track after dumping Bryson. He was on track after dumping Bryson. He was on track after dumping Bryson. He was arrested for drug possession and DUI. arrested for drug possession and DUI. arrested for drug possession and DUI. She started to focus on a career in She started to focus on a career in She started to focus on a career in nursing. nursing. nursing. But starting over was not as easy as she But starting over was not as easy as she But starting over was not as easy as she had hoped. had hoped. had hoped. >> So now she's at school. Yes, >> So now she's at school. Yes, >> So now she's at school. Yes, >> he's stalking her, harassing her. >> he's stalking her, harassing her. >> he's stalking her, harassing her. >> And he would call her and say, "I'm >> And he would call her and say, "I'm >> And he would call her and say, "I'm going to kill your dog if you don't let going to kill your dog if you don't let going to kill your dog if you don't let me in." Crazy things like this. me in." Crazy things like this. me in." Crazy things like this. >> The family has since learned that Lauren >> The family has since learned that Lauren >> The family has since learned that Lauren hid much of what Bryson was doing to her hid much of what Bryson was doing to her hid much of what Bryson was doing to her back then. Partly out of her own shame back then. Partly out of her own shame back then. Partly out of her own shame and partly because she was worried that and partly because she was worried that and partly because she was worried that he would hurt them. The family worked he would hurt them. The family worked he would hurt them. The family worked hard to help Lauren recover from the hard to help Lauren recover from the hard to help Lauren recover from the neardeath beating, but she was fragile neardeath beating, but she was fragile neardeath beating, but she was fragile and her father says they didn't know and her father says they didn't know and her father says they didn't know that Bryson was calling Lauren from that Bryson was calling Lauren from that Bryson was calling Lauren from jail. First asking her not to testify jail. First asking her not to testify jail. First asking her not to testify against him on the kidnapping and against him on the kidnapping and against him on the kidnapping and assault charges, then threatening to assault charges, then threatening to assault charges, then threatening to harm her and her family if she didn't harm her and her family if she didn't harm her and her family if she didn't change her story to protect him.

change her story to protect him. change her story to protect him. This is where a cascade of bad decisions This is where a cascade of bad decisions This is where a cascade of bad decisions and serious incompetence by the justice and serious incompetence by the justice and serious incompetence by the justice system made the murder of Lauren system made the murder of Lauren system made the murder of Lauren Johansson possible. Johansson possible. Johansson possible. >> I sat there with the judge and I told >> I sat there with the judge and I told >> I sat there with the judge and I told her that this man hit her over 100 her that this man hit her over 100 her that this man hit her over 100 times. That if y'all let him out, he's times. That if y'all let him out, he's times. That if y'all let him out, he's going to kill her. going to kill her. going to kill her. >> At that moment, did you think that they >> At that moment, did you think that they >> At that moment, did you think that they had heard you about what a danger it had heard you about what a danger it had heard you about what a danger it would be to release this man? When I would be to release this man? When I would be to release this man? When I left there, I felt confident that they left there, I felt confident that they left there, I felt confident that they were going to keep him there. were going to keep him there. were going to keep him there. >> But what happens next is a series of >> But what happens next is a series of >> But what happens next is a series of events that are beyond comprehension. events that are beyond comprehension. events that are beyond comprehension. Judge Cheryl Blackburn lowered Bryson's Judge Cheryl Blackburn lowered Bryson's Judge Cheryl Blackburn lowered Bryson's bond to $150,000 bond to $150,000 bond to $150,000 with strict conditions. He was required with strict conditions. He was required with strict conditions. He was required to have GPS monitoring, only allowed to to have GPS monitoring, only allowed to to have GPS monitoring, only allowed to be released between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 be released between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 be released between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. forbidden from having any contact p.m. forbidden from having any contact p.m. forbidden from having any contact with Lauren or any witnesses, and he was with Lauren or any witnesses, and he was with Lauren or any witnesses, and he was not to leave Davidson County in not to leave Davidson County in not to leave Davidson County in Tennessee. There was just one problem.

Tennessee. There was just one problem. Tennessee. There was just one problem. >> So when he was released from jail, >> So when he was released from jail, >> So when he was released from jail, >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> no one notified you. >> no one notified you. >> no one notified you. >> No one notified me. >> No one notified me. >> No one notified me. >> And one by one, that problem would soon >> And one by one, that problem would soon >> And one by one, that problem would soon grow to many. grow to many. grow to many. Everything the judge put in her orders Everything the judge put in her orders Everything the judge put in her orders was apparently ignored. Bryson was was apparently ignored. Bryson was was apparently ignored. Bryson was released 5 minutes after the imposed released 5 minutes after the imposed released 5 minutes after the imposed time at 4:05 p.m. Because of that, the time at 4:05 p.m. Because of that, the time at 4:05 p.m. Because of that, the monitoring company in the order was monitoring company in the order was monitoring company in the order was closed. closed. closed. While another company was able to While another company was able to While another company was able to install an ankle monitor, the new install an ankle monitor, the new install an ankle monitor, the new company did so without having the company did so without having the company did so without having the judge's orders. So, shockingly, Bryson judge's orders. So, shockingly, Bryson judge's orders. So, shockingly, Bryson had listed the Johansson family home in had listed the Johansson family home in had listed the Johansson family home in Vanc, Mississippi as his address. Vanc, Mississippi as his address. Vanc, Mississippi as his address. Remember, he was ordered to stay put in Remember, he was ordered to stay put in Remember, he was ordered to stay put in Nashville and away from Lauren. Nashville and away from Lauren. Nashville and away from Lauren. >> The judge makes this terrible decision, >> The judge makes this terrible decision, >> The judge makes this terrible decision, but all the people from the top to the but all the people from the top to the but all the people from the top to the bottom, nobody in the system was able to bottom, nobody in the system was able to bottom, nobody in the system was able to even enforce what the judge did. Bryson even enforce what the judge did. Bryson even enforce what the judge did. Bryson immediately made his way to Mississippi, immediately made his way to Mississippi, immediately made his way to Mississippi, nearly 500 miles away. 5 days after his nearly 500 miles away. 5 days after his nearly 500 miles away. 5 days after his release, the courts notice his ankle release, the courts notice his ankle release, the courts notice his ankle monitor was malfunctioning.

monitor was malfunctioning. monitor was malfunctioning. Bryson was ordered to return to Bryson was ordered to return to Bryson was ordered to return to Tennessee for a new one. When he Tennessee for a new one. When he Tennessee for a new one. When he arrives, surveillance cameras show he's arrives, surveillance cameras show he's arrives, surveillance cameras show he's driving Laurens's SUV. Earlier that driving Laurens's SUV. Earlier that driving Laurens's SUV. Earlier that morning in Mississippi, a friend wakes morning in Mississippi, a friend wakes morning in Mississippi, a friend wakes up Lauren's sister. up Lauren's sister. up Lauren's sister. >> And he was like, "Hey, where's Lauren?" >> And he was like, "Hey, where's Lauren?" >> And he was like, "Hey, where's Lauren?" And I said, "What?" I was like, "What do And I said, "What?" I was like, "What do And I said, "What?" I was like, "What do you mean?" And he was like, "Lawren's you mean?" And he was like, "Lawren's you mean?" And he was like, "Lawren's not here." not here." not here." >> Then a voicemail left for Dr. Joe >> Then a voicemail left for Dr. Joe >> Then a voicemail left for Dr. Joe Hansen. A gut-wrenching message from the Hansen. A gut-wrenching message from the Hansen. A gut-wrenching message from the district attorney's office in Nashville. district attorney's office in Nashville. district attorney's office in Nashville. >> Bryson Rivers was released from custody >> Bryson Rivers was released from custody >> Bryson Rivers was released from custody and he has not been heard from. So, I and he has not been heard from. So, I and he has not been heard from. So, I want to make sure that Lauren is safe want to make sure that Lauren is safe want to make sure that Lauren is safe and that you all take proper and that you all take proper and that you all take proper precautions. precautions. precautions. >> The battery in Bryson's ankle monitor >> The battery in Bryson's ankle monitor >> The battery in Bryson's ankle monitor died. It's bad enough that he's died. It's bad enough that he's died. It's bad enough that he's released, but they don't even know where released, but they don't even know where released, but they don't even know where he is, he is, he is, >> right? I mean, it's just disgusting. >> right? I mean, it's just disgusting. >> right? I mean, it's just disgusting. >> A manhunt is ordered to find Bryson, and >> A manhunt is ordered to find Bryson, and >> A manhunt is ordered to find Bryson, and soon Lauren's car is tracked to a soon Lauren's car is tracked to a soon Lauren's car is tracked to a cemetery about an hour from Beluxy.

Search teams capture Bryson, who was Search teams capture Bryson, who was hiding in the woods about a mile away. hiding in the woods about a mile away. hiding in the woods about a mile away. But at the cemetery, a horrifying But at the cemetery, a horrifying But at the cemetery, a horrifying discovery. discovery. discovery. Lauren's badly beaten body is found in Lauren's badly beaten body is found in Lauren's badly beaten body is found in the back of her SUV. >> I was like, "This can't be low. This >> I was like, "This can't be low. This can't be low or lie. Like, this isn't can't be low or lie. Like, this isn't can't be low or lie. Like, this isn't her. She's stronger than this." her. She's stronger than this." her. She's stronger than this." >> I just remember when they finally zipped >> I just remember when they finally zipped >> I just remember when they finally zipped her up in the body bag was the last I her up in the body bag was the last I her up in the body bag was the last I gave her. Goodbye. gave her. Goodbye. gave her. Goodbye. >> I'm just trying to picture how a man >> I'm just trying to picture how a man >> I'm just trying to picture how a man who holds his baby when she's born. who holds his baby when she's born. who holds his baby when she's born. >> Yeah. can hold his baby when she's >> Yeah. can hold his baby when she's >> Yeah. can hold his baby when she's murdered. murdered. murdered. >> It was really tough. >> On August 28, 2026, Bryson pleaded >> On August 28, 2026, Bryson pleaded guilty to capital murder for the brutal guilty to capital murder for the brutal guilty to capital murder for the brutal murder of Lauren Johansson. He will murder of Lauren Johansson. He will murder of Lauren Johansson. He will spend the rest of his life behind bars. spend the rest of his life behind bars. spend the rest of his life behind bars. So, joining me now is Lauren's father, So, joining me now is Lauren's father, So, joining me now is Lauren's father, Dr. Lance Johansson. Sir, it is so good Dr. Lance Johansson. Sir, it is so good Dr. Lance Johansson. Sir, it is so good to see you again. I just wish to see you again. I just wish to see you again. I just wish that my getting to know you and your that my getting to know you and your that my getting to know you and your beautiful family had been under better beautiful family had been under better beautiful family had been under better circumstances.

circumstances. circumstances. >> No, I understand. And uh like I told you >> No, I understand. And uh like I told you >> No, I understand. And uh like I told you before, we we're thankful that for you before, we we're thankful that for you before, we we're thankful that for you caring and trying to share Lauren's caring and trying to share Lauren's caring and trying to share Lauren's story and there's too many women that story and there's too many women that story and there's too many women that are that have gone through, you know, are that have gone through, you know, are that have gone through, you know, what Lauren's gone through and they've what Lauren's gone through and they've what Lauren's gone through and they've all been swept under the rug. And until all been swept under the rug. And until all been swept under the rug. And until we keep making this, you make people we keep making this, you make people we keep making this, you make people aware of it, it's just going to keep aware of it, it's just going to keep aware of it, it's just going to keep happening as it has for centuries now. happening as it has for centuries now. happening as it has for centuries now. >> It has. It absolutely has. And for those >> It has. It absolutely has. And for those >> It has. It absolutely has. And for those of you who are watching, you know, uh of you who are watching, you know, uh of you who are watching, you know, uh you you may not know, but Dr. Johansson you you may not know, but Dr. Johansson you you may not know, but Dr. Johansson is a very successful and very respected is a very successful and very respected is a very successful and very respected orthopedic surgeon in uh the Buxy, orthopedic surgeon in uh the Buxy, orthopedic surgeon in uh the Buxy, Mississippi area. And he's joining us. Mississippi area. And he's joining us. Mississippi area. And he's joining us. Um he has a very busy schedule and I Um he has a very busy schedule and I Um he has a very busy schedule and I know there's a lot that you've been know there's a lot that you've been know there's a lot that you've been doing for your family. So, he's in his doing for your family. So, he's in his doing for your family. So, he's in his car uh with his scrubs on and I'm always car uh with his scrubs on and I'm always car uh with his scrubs on and I'm always appreciative uh for your time, sir. I I appreciative uh for your time, sir. I I appreciative uh for your time, sir. I I want to talk to you about sentencing. I want to talk to you about sentencing. I want to talk to you about sentencing. I was looking at the video and um you was looking at the video and um you was looking at the video and um you spoke with so much passion, but at the spoke with so much passion, but at the spoke with so much passion, but at the same time, sir, same time, sir, same time, sir, you know, your your anger obviously was you know, your your anger obviously was you know, your your anger obviously was so clear. And do you feel that there is so clear. And do you feel that there is so clear. And do you feel that there is the tiniest bit of justice in this?

the tiniest bit of justice in this? the tiniest bit of justice in this? >> Well, um there is obviously some justice in um there is obviously some justice in this and the reason that it this came to this and the reason that it this came to this and the reason that it this came to happen is I have no idea. Uh last week I happen is I have no idea. Uh last week I happen is I have no idea. Uh last week I I was just doing my normal thing and I I was just doing my normal thing and I I was just doing my normal thing and I get a call from the DA that he wants to get a call from the DA that he wants to get a call from the DA that he wants to plead guilty. I'm like, well, he already plead guilty. I'm like, well, he already plead guilty. I'm like, well, he already has plead guilty. This is no, this is has plead guilty. This is no, this is has plead guilty. This is no, this is nothing new. Um, but then I went and nothing new. Um, but then I went and nothing new. Um, but then I went and looked and I looked at the uh, and I looked and I looked at the uh, and I looked and I looked at the uh, and I hate to say it this way, but when I hate to say it this way, but when I hate to say it this way, but when I looked at what's happening with Death looked at what's happening with Death looked at what's happening with Death Row in Mississippi, and there's this Row in Mississippi, and there's this Row in Mississippi, and there's this terrible story of this 14year-old girl terrible story of this 14year-old girl terrible story of this 14year-old girl who was, you know, raped and murdered, who was, you know, raped and murdered, who was, you know, raped and murdered, and the asalent has been in jail for 38 and the asalent has been in jail for 38 and the asalent has been in jail for 38 years. So, I'm thinking, years. So, I'm thinking, years. So, I'm thinking, we're not really taking this death we're not really taking this death we're not really taking this death penalty thing seriously. So, penalty thing seriously. So, penalty thing seriously. So, um, you know, with all the challenges um, you know, with all the challenges um, you know, with all the challenges and all the faults in our justice and all the faults in our justice and all the faults in our justice system, and I don't mean to be so system, and I don't mean to be so system, and I don't mean to be so negative about it, but there's a lot negative about it, but there's a lot negative about it, but there's a lot that can be improve improved.

that can be improve improved. that can be improve improved. I think that at least guarantee he'll I think that at least guarantee he'll I think that at least guarantee he'll never get out legally was probably the never get out legally was probably the never get out legally was probably the only good thing about it because uh he only good thing about it because uh he only good thing about it because uh he would have fought tooth and nail to would have fought tooth and nail to would have fought tooth and nail to avoid himself being killed even though avoid himself being killed even though avoid himself being killed even though he was willing to kill anybody. So, he was willing to kill anybody. So, he was willing to kill anybody. So, >> so by entering this by by entering this >> so by entering this by by entering this >> so by entering this by by entering this guilty guilty plea, he avoided um the guilty guilty plea, he avoided um the guilty guilty plea, he avoided um the trial and the possibility of being given trial and the possibility of being given trial and the possibility of being given the death penalty. Um some some you know the death penalty. Um some some you know the death penalty. Um some some you know all families feel differently about what all families feel differently about what all families feel differently about what a trial would mean. Um a trial would mean. Um a trial would mean. Um what is what is your feeling about what is what is your feeling about what is what is your feeling about having had to at least avoid the trauma having had to at least avoid the trauma having had to at least avoid the trauma of a trial? of a trial? of a trial? >> I don't think that the trial was was one >> I don't think that the trial was was one >> I don't think that the trial was was one of the issues that our family took into of the issues that our family took into of the issues that our family took into consideration. It probably should have consideration. It probably should have consideration. It probably should have been. Uh, but I didn't make this been. Uh, but I didn't make this been. Uh, but I didn't make this decision. Our family, we discussed this decision. Our family, we discussed this decision. Our family, we discussed this between us and we, you know, we said, between us and we, you know, we said, between us and we, you know, we said, "What would Lauren want?" And, um, so it "What would Lauren want?" And, um, so it "What would Lauren want?" And, um, so it was a, it was a team effort. Now, Lauren was a, it was a team effort. Now, Lauren was a, it was a team effort. Now, Lauren was usually the one that would collect was usually the one that would collect was usually the one that would collect all the votes, so I had to do it this all the votes, so I had to do it this all the votes, so I had to do it this time. Um, but it was a family decision time. Um, but it was a family decision time. Um, but it was a family decision and it was a decision that the DA and it was a decision that the DA and it was a decision that the DA thought was a good option. So, all I can thought was a good option. So, all I can thought was a good option. So, all I can say is at least the case didn't get say is at least the case didn't get say is at least the case didn't get thrown out and he's back on the street thrown out and he's back on the street thrown out and he's back on the street >> because that certainly could have >> because that certainly could have >> because that certainly could have happened and has happened to us before.

happened and has happened to us before. happened and has happened to us before. >> Yeah. You know, I was taken by the judge >> Yeah. You know, I was taken by the judge >> Yeah. You know, I was taken by the judge who said, um, I have three daughters and who said, um, I have three daughters and who said, um, I have three daughters and what you did to Lauren. what you did to Lauren. what you did to Lauren. No person or woman deserves that. And he No person or woman deserves that. And he No person or woman deserves that. And he said, I hope you make this right with said, I hope you make this right with said, I hope you make this right with God. God. God. >> Well, I I hope he does, too. I I think >> Well, I I hope he does, too. I I think >> Well, I I hope he does, too. I I think he's already used all of his passes in he's already used all of his passes in he's already used all of his passes in my opinion. Some people just aren't my opinion. Some people just aren't my opinion. Some people just aren't there and he's going to be one of them, there and he's going to be one of them, there and he's going to be one of them, but it was kind of him to think there's but it was kind of him to think there's but it was kind of him to think there's a possibility. a possibility. a possibility. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And Bryson Bryson spoke. >> And Bryson Bryson spoke. >> And Bryson Bryson spoke. He apologized. He said Lauren didn't He apologized. He said Lauren didn't He apologized. He said Lauren didn't deserve this. And he also said that the deserve this. And he also said that the deserve this. And he also said that the punishment was just. punishment was just. punishment was just. What was it like having to listen to What was it like having to listen to What was it like having to listen to Bryson? Bryson? Bryson? >> Um, well, you know, I've I've listened >> Um, well, you know, I've I've listened >> Um, well, you know, I've I've listened to his BS for years. I hate to say it to his BS for years. I hate to say it to his BS for years. I hate to say it that so frankly on this podcast but um that so frankly on this podcast but um that so frankly on this podcast but um you know and I just told him I said you know and I just told him I said you know and I just told him I said we're not doing anything if you don't we're not doing anything if you don't we're not doing anything if you don't apologize to her. So I mean that came apologize to her. So I mean that came apologize to her. So I mean that came because I told him this wasn't going to because I told him this wasn't going to because I told him this wasn't going to just go easy. You need to apologize to just go easy. You need to apologize to just go easy. You need to apologize to the family and Lauren for what you did the family and Lauren for what you did the family and Lauren for what you did to her. And I guess he finally realized to her. And I guess he finally realized to her. And I guess he finally realized that she didn't deserve it. I didn't that she didn't deserve it. I didn't that she didn't deserve it. I didn't tell him to say that but uh she didn't tell him to say that but uh she didn't tell him to say that but uh she didn't deserve it. And like I mentioned she was deserve it. And like I mentioned she was deserve it. And like I mentioned she was a kind, sweet person. never did anything a kind, sweet person. never did anything a kind, sweet person. never did anything bad to anybody bad to anybody bad to anybody and uh unfortunately she got mixed up and uh unfortunately she got mixed up and uh unfortunately she got mixed up with this animal. So, with this animal. So, with this animal. So, you know, I think that at least you know, I think that at least you know, I think that at least something's happened. As I told you the something's happened. As I told you the something's happened. As I told you the other day, there was 15 different

other day, there was 15 different other day, there was 15 different warrants out for his arrest all related warrants out for his arrest all related warrants out for his arrest all related to this. to this. to this. And there's probably a few more that I And there's probably a few more that I And there's probably a few more that I don't know about yet. So, we've only got don't know about yet. So, we've only got don't know about yet. So, we've only got three out of the way right now. So, three out of the way right now. So, three out of the way right now. So, there's 12 more to go. Um, I don't know there's 12 more to go. Um, I don't know there's 12 more to go. Um, I don't know what's going to happen with it. what's going to happen with it. what's going to happen with it. Um, but you know, with some of these Um, but you know, with some of these Um, but you know, with some of these people that are, you know, having life people that are, you know, having life people that are, you know, having life sentences and then complaining 5 years sentences and then complaining 5 years sentences and then complaining 5 years later and trying to get out of it, this later and trying to get out of it, this later and trying to get out of it, this guy's got enough for five life sentences guy's got enough for five life sentences guy's got enough for five life sentences in all reality. in all reality. in all reality. So, So, So, >> you you uh shared with me that um part >> you you uh shared with me that um part >> you you uh shared with me that um part of the stress and anxiety of all of this of the stress and anxiety of all of this of the stress and anxiety of all of this is that apparently Bryson has been is that apparently Bryson has been is that apparently Bryson has been placed in a penitentiary as close to placed in a penitentiary as close to placed in a penitentiary as close to your home as humanly possible. your home as humanly possible. your home as humanly possible. >> Pretty much. Um and I met with the judge >> Pretty much. Um and I met with the judge >> Pretty much. Um and I met with the judge and the uh and and Bryson's voluntary and the uh and and Bryson's voluntary and the uh and and Bryson's voluntary counsel. I don't want to go through that counsel. I don't want to go through that counsel. I don't want to go through that on your podcast, but that was on your podcast, but that was on your podcast, but that was enlightening. enlightening. enlightening. Uh cuz he had two lawyers, one for free Uh cuz he had two lawyers, one for free Uh cuz he had two lawyers, one for free and one from the state.

and one from the state. and one from the state. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, I think it's despicable that some >> So, I think it's despicable that some >> So, I think it's despicable that some lawyer can try to make himself famous by lawyer can try to make himself famous by lawyer can try to make himself famous by trying to take on some terrible human trying to take on some terrible human trying to take on some terrible human being and represent him just to add being and represent him just to add being and represent him just to add something to his resume. Um, so you can something to his resume. Um, so you can something to his resume. Um, so you can imagine that I may have had some choice imagine that I may have had some choice imagine that I may have had some choice words for him in our meeting with the words for him in our meeting with the words for him in our meeting with the judge. But, um, I I made it clear to the judge. But, um, I I made it clear to the judge. But, um, I I made it clear to the judge that this man, you know, he judge that this man, you know, he judge that this man, you know, he couldn't be caught for years. That the couldn't be caught for years. That the couldn't be caught for years. That the two times they did catch him, they let two times they did catch him, they let two times they did catch him, they let him go. But, you know, there were six him go. But, you know, there were six him go. But, you know, there were six warrants that were served to him when he warrants that were served to him when he warrants that were served to him when he was arrested uh, in, you know, Forest was arrested uh, in, you know, Forest was arrested uh, in, you know, Forest County that were all from the times County that were all from the times County that were all from the times before he got away. before he got away. before he got away. So So So when they wanted to sentence him and I'm when they wanted to sentence him and I'm when they wanted to sentence him and I'm like, you know, the most secure prison like, you know, the most secure prison like, you know, the most secure prison in our state, someone's escaped from it in our state, someone's escaped from it in our state, someone's escaped from it every year and this guy's got away from every year and this guy's got away from every year and this guy's got away from him, you know, numerous times. I don't him, you know, numerous times. I don't him, you know, numerous times. I don't know if you told your audience, but know if you told your audience, but know if you told your audience, but there was over 70 men from military, there was over 70 men from military, there was over 70 men from military, SWAT, fishing game, sheriff department, SWAT, fishing game, sheriff department, SWAT, fishing game, sheriff department, police department, any other department police department, any other department police department, any other department you can think of um that were trying to you can think of um that were trying to you can think of um that were trying to catch him after he ran from the car that catch him after he ran from the car that catch him after he ran from the car that my daughter's body was in. It took us 9 my daughter's body was in. It took us 9 my daughter's body was in. It took us 9 hours to catch him and he wasn't that hours to catch him and he wasn't that hours to catch him and he wasn't that far away.

far away. far away. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> So, >> So, >> So, >> no, that was so horrible. I just >> no, that was so horrible. I just >> no, that was so horrible. I just everything that your family has been everything that your family has been everything that your family has been through. through. through. >> And you know, I I I did um share and I >> And you know, I I I did um share and I >> And you know, I I I did um share and I do want to talk about this is do want to talk about this is do want to talk about this is >> um that you ended up learning after >> um that you ended up learning after >> um that you ended up learning after Lauren was murdered how this man was Lauren was murdered how this man was Lauren was murdered how this man was manipulating her and and the shame that manipulating her and and the shame that manipulating her and and the shame that she carried and wanted to protect all of she carried and wanted to protect all of she carried and wanted to protect all of you. So you didn't know, no one in the you. So you didn't know, no one in the you. So you didn't know, no one in the family knew the amount of manipulation family knew the amount of manipulation family knew the amount of manipulation and control that he had over her when and control that he had over her when and control that he had over her when you all thought, you know, he's in you all thought, you know, he's in you all thought, you know, he's in Tennessee, you know, he's in jail, but Tennessee, you know, he's in jail, but Tennessee, you know, he's in jail, but yet he's still calling her to help him yet he's still calling her to help him yet he's still calling her to help him with the case against him for trying to with the case against him for trying to with the case against him for trying to kill her the time before this. kill her the time before this. kill her the time before this. >> Yeah. And you know, I thought about this >> Yeah. And you know, I thought about this >> Yeah. And you know, I thought about this a lot and Lauren's always the kind of a lot and Lauren's always the kind of a lot and Lauren's always the kind of person that wanted to help somebody. She person that wanted to help somebody. She person that wanted to help somebody. She always was taking care of stray animals. always was taking care of stray animals. always was taking care of stray animals. Anybody that needed help, she would Anybody that needed help, she would Anybody that needed help, she would help. And I think somewhere in her help. And I think somewhere in her help. And I think somewhere in her heart, she thought that he could be heart, she thought that he could be heart, she thought that he could be helped and that she could help him, but helped and that she could help him, but helped and that she could help him, but she didn't want to have anything to do she didn't want to have anything to do she didn't want to have anything to do with him. And uh it's just a real catch with him. And uh it's just a real catch with him. And uh it's just a real catch 22 that she'd even listen to him even 22 that she'd even listen to him even 22 that she'd even listen to him even after he tried to kill her. So, uh after he tried to kill her. So, uh after he tried to kill her. So, uh there's not many people in this world there's not many people in this world there's not many people in this world that are as kind as my daughter was. And that are as kind as my daughter was. And that are as kind as my daughter was. And uh it's unfortunately she's not here.

uh it's unfortunately she's not here. uh it's unfortunately she's not here. But, you know, I mentioned the battered But, you know, I mentioned the battered But, you know, I mentioned the battered woman syndrome, and if you read the woman syndrome, and if you read the woman syndrome, and if you read the book, this is not a new thing that just book, this is not a new thing that just book, this is not a new thing that just started happening, you know, a few started happening, you know, a few started happening, you know, a few months ago or a couple of years ago. months ago or a couple of years ago. months ago or a couple of years ago. This has been documented over and over This has been documented over and over This has been documented over and over again. And, you know, it even gets again. And, you know, it even gets again. And, you know, it even gets worse. And I'm I know that you know worse. And I'm I know that you know worse. And I'm I know that you know this, but imagine a woman married to a this, but imagine a woman married to a this, but imagine a woman married to a man that is doing this to him and then man that is doing this to him and then man that is doing this to him and then they have the children stuck in the they have the children stuck in the they have the children stuck in the middle and then she's beating him and middle and then she's beating him and middle and then she's beating him and beating the kids and she's hiding it and beating the kids and she's hiding it and beating the kids and she's hiding it and he's denying it. And even after they he's denying it. And even after they he's denying it. And even after they divorce, he comes stalking and using the divorce, he comes stalking and using the divorce, he comes stalking and using the the kids for weapons. So, it's just such the kids for weapons. So, it's just such the kids for weapons. So, it's just such a vicious cycle this gets into. a vicious cycle this gets into. a vicious cycle this gets into. >> It is horrible. It is horrible what >> It is horrible. It is horrible what >> It is horrible. It is horrible what Lauren endured and what your family Lauren endured and what your family Lauren endured and what your family endured. And you know, there's a I was endured. And you know, there's a I was endured. And you know, there's a I was thinking about this last night after you thinking about this last night after you thinking about this last night after you and I were communicating how I thought and I were communicating how I thought and I were communicating how I thought to myself, you did everything in your to myself, you did everything in your to myself, you did everything in your power to save Lauren, especially in that power to save Lauren, especially in that power to save Lauren, especially in that last beating from from Bryson. And and last beating from from Bryson. And and last beating from from Bryson. And and had you not interveneed the way you did, had you not interveneed the way you did, had you not interveneed the way you did, he may very well have killed her. And so he may very well have killed her. And so he may very well have killed her. And so you were able to save her then.

you were able to save her then. you were able to save her then. >> But >> But >> But >> I was. But you couldn't save her this >> I was. But you couldn't save her this >> I was. But you couldn't save her this time because the damn district time because the damn district time because the damn district attorney's office and the court system attorney's office and the court system attorney's office and the court system don't tell you that this man has escaped don't tell you that this man has escaped don't tell you that this man has escaped and therefore you cannot protect your and therefore you cannot protect your and therefore you cannot protect your family. family. family. >> That's right. And by the time they >> That's right. And by the time they >> That's right. And by the time they figured it out that, you know, he figured it out that, you know, he figured it out that, you know, he already had her and you know, I'm not already had her and you know, I'm not already had her and you know, I'm not going to say who did it, but when going to say who did it, but when going to say who did it, but when somebody gives a man a bus ticket from somebody gives a man a bus ticket from somebody gives a man a bus ticket from the jail straight to our house, it's not the jail straight to our house, it's not the jail straight to our house, it's not hard for him to find her. hard for him to find her. hard for him to find her. So, it isn't like he has to go looking So, it isn't like he has to go looking So, it isn't like he has to go looking very hard. very hard. very hard. >> I just >> I just >> I just >> Whoever the person Yeah. Whoever the >> Whoever the person Yeah. Whoever the >> Whoever the person Yeah. Whoever the person that did that, as far as I'm person that did that, as far as I'm person that did that, as far as I'm concerned, is a murderer, too. Um, and I concerned, is a murderer, too. Um, and I concerned, is a murderer, too. Um, and I hate to say it that way. And, you know, hate to say it that way. And, you know, hate to say it that way. And, you know, uh, I'm not going to beat this to death, uh, I'm not going to beat this to death, uh, I'm not going to beat this to death, but I don't know if you saw about some but I don't know if you saw about some but I don't know if you saw about some of the recent school shootings and the of the recent school shootings and the of the recent school shootings and the kids obtained the weapon and the father kids obtained the weapon and the father kids obtained the weapon and the father gave let them borrow the weapon or gave let them borrow the weapon or gave let them borrow the weapon or whatever and now they're, you know, whatever and now they're, you know, whatever and now they're, you know, they're they're being charged with they're they're being charged with they're they're being charged with murder, too. So, this is not any murder, too. So, this is not any murder, too. So, this is not any different. you know, if you're sending different. you know, if you're sending different. you know, if you're sending somebody who's a lunatic who's just like somebody who's a lunatic who's just like somebody who's a lunatic who's just like giving a firearm to somebody, um, or giving a firearm to somebody, um, or giving a firearm to somebody, um, or like letting out a Bengal tiger out of like letting out a Bengal tiger out of like letting out a Bengal tiger out of the zoo into the schoolyard. I mean, the zoo into the schoolyard. I mean, the zoo into the schoolyard. I mean, this is there's no difference. So, this is there's no difference. So, this is there's no difference. So, >> I believe everyone who was part of these >> I believe everyone who was part of these >> I believe everyone who was part of these stupid, dangerous decisions, stupid, dangerous decisions, stupid, dangerous decisions, oversightes, whatever they want to call oversightes, whatever they want to call oversightes, whatever they want to call it, mistakes, I don't really care what it, mistakes, I don't really care what it, mistakes, I don't really care what you call it. Every single person who you call it. Every single person who you call it. Every single person who played a role in this has blood on their played a role in this has blood on their played a role in this has blood on their hands when it comes to your daughter.

hands when it comes to your daughter. hands when it comes to your daughter. There is no other way around it. There is no other way around it. There is no other way around it. >> Yeah, you're right. And and I'll just >> Yeah, you're right. And and I'll just >> Yeah, you're right. And and I'll just tell you that there's more people that tell you that there's more people that tell you that there's more people that we could even talk about. We'd probably we could even talk about. We'd probably we could even talk about. We'd probably have to have a 10-hour podcast and talk have to have a 10-hour podcast and talk have to have a 10-hour podcast and talk really fast to get them all in and talk really fast to get them all in and talk really fast to get them all in and talk about all their shenanigans. about all their shenanigans. about all their shenanigans. Um, and the other other thing that I Um, and the other other thing that I Um, and the other other thing that I haven't told you about is, you know, the haven't told you about is, you know, the haven't told you about is, you know, the judge, even though the judge has a right judge, even though the judge has a right judge, even though the judge has a right to decrease bail, to decrease bail, to decrease bail, um, you know, certain people are um, you know, certain people are um, you know, certain people are supposed to have meetings to talk about supposed to have meetings to talk about supposed to have meetings to talk about this, and the the judge could have done this, and the the judge could have done this, and the the judge could have done a better job, but it just turns out that a better job, but it just turns out that a better job, but it just turns out that she was doing the best she could, and I she was doing the best she could, and I she was doing the best she could, and I had pointed out that I thought she had had pointed out that I thought she had had pointed out that I thought she had dementia when I was in the court cuz she dementia when I was in the court cuz she dementia when I was in the court cuz she just wasn't with the program. And it just wasn't with the program. And it just wasn't with the program. And it turns out that she stepped down not long turns out that she stepped down not long turns out that she stepped down not long afterwards and there was already afterwards and there was already afterwards and there was already investigations against this judge and investigations against this judge and investigations against this judge and she tried to seal everything, but she she tried to seal everything, but she she tried to seal everything, but she wasn't competent. wasn't competent. wasn't competent. And it's hard to point fingers at And it's hard to point fingers at And it's hard to point fingers at somebody who's not competent and point somebody who's not competent and point somebody who's not competent and point fingers at her co- judges, which I fingers at her co- judges, which I fingers at her co- judges, which I basically insinuated that to him without basically insinuated that to him without basically insinuated that to him without calling them out 100%. Our society is calling them out 100%. Our society is calling them out 100%. Our society is going going to fail.

going going to fail. going going to fail. >> Yeah. I you know, she made the decision. >> Yeah. I you know, she made the decision. >> Yeah. I you know, she made the decision. She I know she imposed certain She I know she imposed certain She I know she imposed certain limitations, but then this bail bonds limitations, but then this bail bonds limitations, but then this bail bonds person and that bail bonds person and person and that bail bonds person and person and that bail bonds person and this monitoring I mean to every single this monitoring I mean to every single this monitoring I mean to every single person or company involved with this and person or company involved with this and person or company involved with this and the court they all have blood on their the court they all have blood on their the court they all have blood on their hands. They are all responsible. They hands. They are all responsible. They hands. They are all responsible. They are all responsible. And you know I was are all responsible. And you know I was are all responsible. And you know I was watching when there was that hearing in watching when there was that hearing in watching when there was that hearing in Tennessee where you were testifying Tennessee where you were testifying Tennessee where you were testifying where they're all uh doing one of these. where they're all uh doing one of these. where they're all uh doing one of these. It's like, well, it was just a mistake It's like, well, it was just a mistake It's like, well, it was just a mistake and we didn't know. And I'm like, there and we didn't know. And I'm like, there and we didn't know. And I'm like, there is a woman who is dead. Mistake is not a is a woman who is dead. Mistake is not a is a woman who is dead. Mistake is not a good enough word. And I don't know, did good enough word. And I don't know, did good enough word. And I don't know, did anything really come of that hearing, anything really come of that hearing, anything really come of that hearing, sir? sir? sir? >> No. The they didn't even fire the guy. >> No. The they didn't even fire the guy. >> No. The they didn't even fire the guy. He just said he was sorry. It's nice he He just said he was sorry. It's nice he He just said he was sorry. It's nice he said he's sorry, but he didn't even lose said he's sorry, but he didn't even lose said he's sorry, but he didn't even lose his job. You because he did the best he his job. You because he did the best he his job. You because he did the best he could, you know. could, you know. could, you know. >> Dr. Lance, um, can you tell us how >> Dr. Lance, um, can you tell us how >> Dr. Lance, um, can you tell us how things are going with Laurens's law?

things are going with Laurens's law? things are going with Laurens's law? Well, um it's really a it's really Well, um it's really a it's really Well, um it's really a it's really perplexing that with this type of perplexing that with this type of perplexing that with this type of situation happening, I thought that situation happening, I thought that situation happening, I thought that somebody would have gone out of their somebody would have gone out of their somebody would have gone out of their way to help me so far. And I haven't I way to help me so far. And I haven't I way to help me so far. And I haven't I haven't really hit hard roadblocks, but haven't really hit hard roadblocks, but haven't really hit hard roadblocks, but I just haven't had anybody really I just haven't had anybody really I just haven't had anybody really wanting to take it by the reinss. And I wanting to take it by the reinss. And I wanting to take it by the reinss. And I don't know why. And I'm wondering if don't know why. And I'm wondering if don't know why. And I'm wondering if it's because this isn't something a it's because this isn't something a it's because this isn't something a politician wants to talk about in their politician wants to talk about in their politician wants to talk about in their state. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe state. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe state. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe politicians don't want to dis expose how politicians don't want to dis expose how politicians don't want to dis expose how bad the the justice system is. Maybe. Um bad the the justice system is. Maybe. Um bad the the justice system is. Maybe. Um I don't really know. All I know is we I don't really know. All I know is we I don't really know. All I know is we need to get it fixed. And anybody that's need to get it fixed. And anybody that's need to get it fixed. And anybody that's willing to help, I don't care what state willing to help, I don't care what state willing to help, I don't care what state they're from. My real goal is not really they're from. My real goal is not really they're from. My real goal is not really to fix any laws in Mississippi. Um, but to fix any laws in Mississippi. Um, but to fix any laws in Mississippi. Um, but it is to make a federal law so that the it is to make a federal law so that the it is to make a federal law so that the states have to be more accountable states have to be more accountable states have to be more accountable because the states just want to throw because the states just want to throw because the states just want to throw their hands up and say, "Ah, we can't do their hands up and say, "Ah, we can't do their hands up and say, "Ah, we can't do anything else. There's nothing we can anything else. There's nothing we can anything else. There's nothing we can do." Um, which is basically we have do." Um, which is basically we have do." Um, which is basically we have immunity. We're sorry, but nothing we immunity. We're sorry, but nothing we immunity. We're sorry, but nothing we can do. So, can do. So, can do. So, >> what do you want to do?

>> what do you want to do? >> what do you want to do? >> What would Laurens's law do? >> What would Laurens's law do? >> What would Laurens's law do? What Lauren's law do was not allow What Lauren's law do was not allow What Lauren's law do was not allow somebody in Lauren's situation to go somebody in Lauren's situation to go somebody in Lauren's situation to go through all the things that she went through all the things that she went through all the things that she went went through. In other words, there are went through. In other words, there are went through. In other words, there are warning signs 5 years beforehand that warning signs 5 years beforehand that warning signs 5 years beforehand that this was going to happen. And all these this was going to happen. And all these this was going to happen. And all these people that are trained to know what to people that are trained to know what to people that are trained to know what to do about it didn't follow up and didn't do about it didn't follow up and didn't do about it didn't follow up and didn't do their job. And I didn't learn about do their job. And I didn't learn about do their job. And I didn't learn about all this until, you know, I I studied all this until, you know, I I studied all this until, you know, I I studied more about it. So letting all these more about it. So letting all these more about it. So letting all these people go, you know, letting somebody people go, you know, letting somebody people go, you know, letting somebody beat like let's just take the first year beat like let's just take the first year beat like let's just take the first year when she was in college beating up this when she was in college beating up this when she was in college beating up this guy. She wasn't even dating him. She was guy. She wasn't even dating him. She was guy. She wasn't even dating him. She was just a friend in school and he beat his just a friend in school and he beat his just a friend in school and he beat his face in and the judge made him pay for face in and the judge made him pay for face in and the judge made him pay for the surgery to have his face, you know, the surgery to have his face, you know, the surgery to have his face, you know, rebuilt cuz he beat him up with brass rebuilt cuz he beat him up with brass rebuilt cuz he beat him up with brass knuckles. Okay, well that's fine. Um and knuckles. Okay, well that's fine. Um and knuckles. Okay, well that's fine. Um and then he keyed her car so many times, then he keyed her car so many times, then he keyed her car so many times, over a hundred times. So they went to over a hundred times. So they went to over a hundred times. So they went to court. She got a restraining order and court. She got a restraining order and court. She got a restraining order and the judge says, "Well, pay for her car the judge says, "Well, pay for her car the judge says, "Well, pay for her car when you can." Well, he never paid for when you can." Well, he never paid for when you can." Well, he never paid for her car. And after that, they never her car. And after that, they never her car. And after that, they never could catch him again. That was it. So, could catch him again. That was it. So, could catch him again. That was it. So, um, you know, when it's one thing to do um, you know, when it's one thing to do um, you know, when it's one thing to do your police work, but Anna, you can't your police work, but Anna, you can't your police work, but Anna, you can't investigate a crime or investigate investigate a crime or investigate investigate a crime or investigate something. You fill out the paper and something. You fill out the paper and something. You fill out the paper and you put it in a file. That's not what we you put it in a file. That's not what we you put it in a file. That's not what we need for justice in in this country.

need for justice in in this country. need for justice in in this country. When there's something that happens, you When there's something that happens, you When there's something that happens, you need to follow up and investigate on it. need to follow up and investigate on it. need to follow up and investigate on it. You need to find out what the answer is You need to find out what the answer is You need to find out what the answer is and get it done. And it's like you and I and get it done. And it's like you and I and get it done. And it's like you and I talked about before. Why am I the guy talked about before. Why am I the guy talked about before. Why am I the guy finding my daughter's body after all finding my daughter's body after all finding my daughter's body after all these police I've contacted, you know, these police I've contacted, you know, these police I've contacted, you know, for almost 48 hours can't find where she for almost 48 hours can't find where she for almost 48 hours can't find where she is? Why am I the one that finds her? is? Why am I the one that finds her? is? Why am I the one that finds her? Because I care more than they do. Well, Because I care more than they do. Well, Because I care more than they do. Well, I'm sure I do, but you know, it's just I'm sure I do, but you know, it's just I'm sure I do, but you know, it's just it's just not so hard to do. And I I it's just not so hard to do. And I I it's just not so hard to do. And I I don't know. I don't know. that I would don't know. I don't know. that I would don't know. I don't know. that I would like to see a federal law that makes like to see a federal law that makes like to see a federal law that makes people more accountable. The FBI told me people more accountable. The FBI told me people more accountable. The FBI told me that there's no real charges the federal that there's no real charges the federal that there's no real charges the federal government has against somebody that government has against somebody that government has against somebody that does this. The state, you know, laws are does this. The state, you know, laws are does this. The state, you know, laws are stronger than the federal laws. And I stronger than the federal laws. And I stronger than the federal laws. And I just think that uh if I can say it just think that uh if I can say it just think that uh if I can say it politically correctly, some of our politically correctly, some of our politically correctly, some of our states don't have as good as laws as states don't have as good as laws as states don't have as good as laws as others. and that we should all be others. and that we should all be others. and that we should all be accountable to a certain standard of accountable to a certain standard of accountable to a certain standard of care or a minimum standard for every care or a minimum standard for every care or a minimum standard for every state in in in the country and letting state in in in the country and letting state in in in the country and letting this keep happening over and over again this keep happening over and over again this keep happening over and over again and doing nothing about it is not fixing and doing nothing about it is not fixing and doing nothing about it is not fixing the problem.

the problem. the problem. You know, I I've worked with so many You know, I I've worked with so many You know, I I've worked with so many families over the years and and the families over the years and and the families over the years and and the process is a very long and hard one process is a very long and hard one process is a very long and hard one through the justice system and it's very through the justice system and it's very through the justice system and it's very cold. And you know, I know that you have cold. And you know, I know that you have cold. And you know, I know that you have used so much of your en energy to make used so much of your en energy to make used so much of your en energy to make sure that Bryson Rivers paid for what he sure that Bryson Rivers paid for what he sure that Bryson Rivers paid for what he did. And so now that the legal part of did. And so now that the legal part of did. And so now that the legal part of it is over, meaning the criminal part, it is over, meaning the criminal part, it is over, meaning the criminal part, how are you feeling? Do you what's how how are you feeling? Do you what's how how are you feeling? Do you what's how do you continue to fight for Lauren or do you continue to fight for Lauren or do you continue to fight for Lauren or do you feel a sense of emptiness even do you feel a sense of emptiness even do you feel a sense of emptiness even more so? more so? more so? >> Yeah, I think there's a sense of >> Yeah, I think there's a sense of >> Yeah, I think there's a sense of emptiness and you know like I told you emptiness and you know like I told you emptiness and you know like I told you before um sooner or later something's before um sooner or later something's before um sooner or later something's going to happen. If I don't get the going to happen. If I don't get the going to happen. If I don't get the federal law fixed, somebody's got to. If federal law fixed, somebody's got to. If federal law fixed, somebody's got to. If I have to start with Mississippi, I I have to start with Mississippi, I I have to start with Mississippi, I will. I mean, I'm not in Tennessee. It's will. I mean, I'm not in Tennessee. It's will. I mean, I'm not in Tennessee. It's hard for me to do anything there. Um but hard for me to do anything there. Um but hard for me to do anything there. Um but sooner or later, something's going to sooner or later, something's going to sooner or later, something's going to have to happen. And then this is have to happen. And then this is have to happen. And then this is happening and I've read about some of happening and I've read about some of happening and I've read about some of other states that are doing things. So other states that are doing things. So other states that are doing things. So things are starting to get there, but as things are starting to get there, but as things are starting to get there, but as much as our society is changing, there's much as our society is changing, there's much as our society is changing, there's just no way we have to tolerate this just no way we have to tolerate this just no way we have to tolerate this happening to our women anymore. There's happening to our women anymore. There's happening to our women anymore. There's just no reason for it. And then you've just no reason for it. And then you've just no reason for it. And then you've been reporting on this for so many years been reporting on this for so many years been reporting on this for so many years now and you know all these stories. I now and you know all these stories. I now and you know all these stories. I don't know, but the stories are very don't know, but the stories are very don't know, but the stories are very similar. It's almost like a broken similar. It's almost like a broken similar. It's almost like a broken record. It just the same thing over and record. It just the same thing over and record. It just the same thing over and over and over and over.

over and over and over. over and over and over. But nothing changes and it just keeps But nothing changes and it just keeps But nothing changes and it just keeps happening over and over and over. happening over and over and over. happening over and over and over. >> I'm so sorry that all this has happened >> I'm so sorry that all this has happened >> I'm so sorry that all this has happened to your family. How is everyone doing? to your family. How is everyone doing? to your family. How is everyone doing? And how are you doing? Is there a big, And how are you doing? Is there a big, And how are you doing? Is there a big, you know, like you work so hard and you you know, like you work so hard and you you know, like you work so hard and you use so much of your energy to make sure use so much of your energy to make sure use so much of your energy to make sure that this guy was locked up for the rest that this guy was locked up for the rest that this guy was locked up for the rest of his life? of his life? of his life? >> And now that you've accomplished that, >> And now that you've accomplished that, >> And now that you've accomplished that, how I mean grief is so complicated. How how I mean grief is so complicated. How how I mean grief is so complicated. How are you processing all of this? are you processing all of this? are you processing all of this? Well, uh, I I can't really say that Well, uh, I I can't really say that Well, uh, I I can't really say that there's a way to process it. And I know there's a way to process it. And I know there's a way to process it. And I know that sounds complicated, but it just is. that sounds complicated, but it just is. that sounds complicated, but it just is. Uh, my family is still scared of this Uh, my family is still scared of this Uh, my family is still scared of this gentleman. I'm not scared of them, but gentleman. I'm not scared of them, but gentleman. I'm not scared of them, but my wife and my daughter and my my my kid my wife and my daughter and my my my kid my wife and my daughter and my my my kid and my boys are. So, um, you know, like and my boys are. So, um, you know, like and my boys are. So, um, you know, like we talked about having him near, let's we talked about having him near, let's we talked about having him near, let's put it this way, where our family plan put it this way, where our family plan put it this way, where our family plan to spend Labor Day, we find out on the to spend Labor Day, we find out on the to spend Labor Day, we find out on the Vine system he's within 5 miles of us. Vine system he's within 5 miles of us. Vine system he's within 5 miles of us. Well, we we changed our plans. And I Well, we we changed our plans. And I Well, we we changed our plans. And I just think that it's silly. After I told just think that it's silly. After I told just think that it's silly. After I told all these people to get him as far away all these people to get him as far away all these people to get him as far away from us as possible, they put him as from us as possible, they put him as from us as possible, they put him as close as they could. And it's just close as they could. And it's just close as they could. And it's just another example of poor communication in another example of poor communication in another example of poor communication in the system. You know, almost a common the system. You know, almost a common the system. You know, almost a common sense. This is common sense. Don't put sense. This is common sense. Don't put sense. This is common sense. Don't put the if the guy is going to, you know, the if the guy is going to, you know, the if the guy is going to, you know, say, "I'm guilty. I did this." Well, say, "I'm guilty. I did this." Well, say, "I'm guilty. I did this." Well, don't send him in our backyard. Get rid don't send him in our backyard. Get rid don't send him in our backyard. Get rid of the guy. take him where he's supposed of the guy. take him where he's supposed of the guy. take him where he's supposed to be, which is in the, you know, to be, which is in the, you know, to be, which is in the, you know, highsecurity prison.

highsecurity prison. highsecurity prison. >> That has to be very upsetting to know >> That has to be very upsetting to know >> That has to be very upsetting to know that you finally get him incarcerated, that you finally get him incarcerated, that you finally get him incarcerated, yet they put him in a facility 5 miles yet they put him in a facility 5 miles yet they put him in a facility 5 miles from your home and all of a sudden your from your home and all of a sudden your from your home and all of a sudden your safety is gone again. safety is gone again. safety is gone again. Well, you know, the and the and the main Well, you know, the and the and the main Well, you know, the and the and the main thing is I sat there and told them over thing is I sat there and told them over thing is I sat there and told them over and over again about the thing and they and over again about the thing and they and over again about the thing and they didn't do it even after I told them didn't do it even after I told them didn't do it even after I told them ahead of time that I knew this was going ahead of time that I knew this was going ahead of time that I knew this was going to be a problem. So, you know, I don't to be a problem. So, you know, I don't to be a problem. So, you know, I don't know where the common sense is, but know where the common sense is, but know where the common sense is, but somebody's got to take control of this somebody's got to take control of this somebody's got to take control of this kind of stuff and make sure that people kind of stuff and make sure that people kind of stuff and make sure that people have a brain and and know what they're have a brain and and know what they're have a brain and and know what they're doing when they make decisions. doing when they make decisions. doing when they make decisions. >> Yeah. Well, I'd like to I'd like to end >> Yeah. Well, I'd like to I'd like to end >> Yeah. Well, I'd like to I'd like to end this with some beautiful thoughts and this with some beautiful thoughts and this with some beautiful thoughts and memories about Lauren. You know, I never memories about Lauren. You know, I never memories about Lauren. You know, I never got a chance to meet her, but I did meet got a chance to meet her, but I did meet got a chance to meet her, but I did meet you and your beautiful family, and you you and your beautiful family, and you you and your beautiful family, and you invited me in, and based on how invited me in, and based on how invited me in, and based on how wonderful your family is. I can only wonderful your family is. I can only wonderful your family is. I can only imagine how imagine how imagine how >> Lauren was the most tremendous young >> Lauren was the most tremendous young >> Lauren was the most tremendous young woman.

woman. woman. >> She really was. And we still talk about >> She really was. And we still talk about >> She really was. And we still talk about her all the time. And I I'll catch her all the time. And I I'll catch her all the time. And I I'll catch myself all the time saying, "Len, can myself all the time saying, "Len, can myself all the time saying, "Len, can you I don't you know what she would say you I don't you know what she would say you I don't you know what she would say in this situation?" And her favorite in this situation?" And her favorite in this situation?" And her favorite thing was to always say when she, you thing was to always say when she, you thing was to always say when she, you know, didn't want to do something is know, didn't want to do something is know, didn't want to do something is that her schedule was full. Um, and so that her schedule was full. Um, and so that her schedule was full. Um, and so we, you know, I tell little jokes about we, you know, I tell little jokes about we, you know, I tell little jokes about that to my wife all the time. And um, that to my wife all the time. And um, that to my wife all the time. And um, but yeah, we we still we still celebrate but yeah, we we still we still celebrate but yeah, we we still we still celebrate her every day. And uh, her picture is in her every day. And uh, her picture is in her every day. And uh, her picture is in our our bedroom. We see her every our our bedroom. We see her every our our bedroom. We see her every morning when we wake up and her morning when we wake up and her morning when we wake up and her picture's on my phone. So we we live picture's on my phone. So we we live picture's on my phone. So we we live every day with her still even though every day with her still even though every day with her still even though she's not with us. We know she's with us she's not with us. We know she's with us she's not with us. We know she's with us in spirit and um we we try to live our in spirit and um we we try to live our in spirit and um we we try to live our lives a little bit differently now not lives a little bit differently now not lives a little bit differently now not having her around. having her around. having her around. >> I am so sorry for your loss. I really I >> I am so sorry for your loss. I really I >> I am so sorry for your loss. I really I really am. You are just a beautiful really am. You are just a beautiful really am. You are just a beautiful family. You're just good people and you family. You're just good people and you family. You're just good people and you all didn't deserve this. all didn't deserve this. all didn't deserve this. >> Yeah. Well, and Lauren didn't deserve >> Yeah. Well, and Lauren didn't deserve >> Yeah. Well, and Lauren didn't deserve it, too. And you know, Yeah. Maybe it it, too. And you know, Yeah. Maybe it it, too. And you know, Yeah. Maybe it was nice to hear her murderer say it.

was nice to hear her murderer say it. was nice to hear her murderer say it. But he knew better than to do it and he But he knew better than to do it and he But he knew better than to do it and he did it anyway. did it anyway. did it anyway. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, thank you, >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, thank you, >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, thank you, Dr. Lance Johansson. Um, this has been a Dr. Lance Johansson. Um, this has been a Dr. Lance Johansson. Um, this has been a special edition of True Crime News, the special edition of True Crime News, the special edition of True Crime News, the podcast. I'm your host, Hannah Garcia, podcast. I'm your host, Hannah Garcia, podcast. I'm your host, Hannah Garcia, and I want to thank all of you for and I want to thank all of you for and I want to thank all of you for listening to Lauren's story.