Welcome back to the Criminal Motives Podcast! In today’s episode, host Matthew Phifer delves into the disturbing case of Brandon Hargrove, a former teacher of the year, who recently pled guilty to sexually assaulting a minor 17 years ago. Despite the gravity of the charges, Hargrove won’t serve any time in prison, receiving only probation and the requirement to register as a registered offender for life.Matthew breaks down the shocking details of the case, including the nature of the assault, the timeline, and the surprising plea agreement that led to no prison sentence. He also explores the larger issue of how women predators are often overlooked in society, with a focus on the school system and how we evaluate and protect our children.Tune in for an in-depth analysis of this unsettling case, a discussion on victimization by female predators, and the troubling questions it raises about justice, accountability, and societal expectations.If you enjoy true crime, sex scandals, and the latest criminal news, be sure to subscribe, like, and share this video! Don't forget to check out Matthew's Substack for exclusive, unfiltered thoughts and deeper case breakdowns.Links:🔗 Subscribe to Criminal Motives Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482🔗 Follow on Substack: https://criminalmotives.substack.com/🔗 BetterHelp - 15% off your first month: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

In this episode of the Criminal Motives podcast, host Matthew Phifer dives deep into the shocking story of an LA woman who fell victim to an AI-driven scam. Targeted by scammers posing as a celebrity from the soap opera General Hospital, the woman believed she was in a romantic relationship with the star. This deception led her to sell her home and hand over tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards, cash, and Bitcoin. Matthew shares his thoughts on the devastating impact of AI scams, mental health considerations, and the importance of personal responsibility.Join the conversation as we explore how AI technology is being exploited for manipulation and fraud, and the lessons we can all learn from this tragic case. Don’t miss Matthew’s insights into victim responsibility, scam awareness, and protecting ourselves from this growing epidemic.If you enjoy true crime, psychological twists, and deep dives into current events, make sure to subscribe, like, and share this video! For more unfiltered thoughts and stories, check out Matthew’s Substack for exclusive content.Links:🔗 Subscribe to Criminal Motives Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🔗 Follow on Substack: https://criminalmotives.substack.com/🔗 BetterHelp - 15% off your first month: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary and heartbreaking story of Abraham Shakespeare — a working-class man who won a $30 million Florida lottery jackpot, only to disappear under mysterious circumstances just a few years later.
We dive into the timeline of Shakespeare’s life after his big win, the people who entered his circle, and the chilling events that led to his tragic death.
This story isn’t just about luck gone wrong — it's a sobering look at greed, betrayal, and the dark side of sudden wealth.

• Abraham Shakespeare’s life before the lottery: a modest man with simple dreams

• How winning $30 million changed everything — and everyone around him

• The key figures who entered Abraham’s life post-win

• The manipulation, schemes, and financial exploitation he faced

• The shocking discovery of his disappearance — and what investigators uncovered

• The arrest and trial of Dee Dee Moore, and the shocking details of her deception

• Lessons from Abraham's story about trust, vulnerability, and the hidden dangers of overnight wealth

• News coverage from The Tampa Bay Times and ABC News

• Court documents and trial testimony regarding Dee Dee Moore

• Interviews with family members, investigators, and legal experts

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
For deeper dives into true crime stories and exclusive bonus content, check out my Substack

https://criminalmotives.substack.com/

And remember — navigating life’s highs and lows is never easy, especially when trust is broken. If you’re looking for support, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home.

Visit http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Criminal Motives, we revisit one of the most polarizing true crime cases of the 20th century — the Menendez brothers. On the surface, Lyle and Erik Menendez appeared to be two privileged sons who brutally murdered their wealthy parents. But behind the headlines was a darker, more disturbing family history filled with manipulation, deep trauma, and long-buried secrets.

From Beverly Hills opulence to courtroom drama, media manipulation, and a second trial that stripped away key testimony — we walk you through everything. And now, decades later, this case is back in the spotlight as new evidence and evolving views on male victims have society asking: Did justice get it right?

🧠 If You're Struggling With Trauma or Emotional Abuse…

You're not alone. If you’ve experienced emotional abuse, control, or trauma — support is available.

💚 BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home.
📅 Get 15% off your first month when you visit: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

Episode Summary:
Gabby Petito had a dream — to explore the world and document her journey on YouTube with the person she loved. But her story became a viral tragedy that shocked the world. In this episode of Criminal Motives, we go beyond the headlines to explore the manipulative dynamics between Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie — from early signs of emotional abuse, to the toxic influence of Brian’s family, to the heartbreaking unraveling that led to a nationwide manhunt.

We dive deep into trauma bonding, isolation, manipulation, and the failure of law enforcement to properly assess danger in toxic relationships. This isn't just a true crime story — it’s a warning, a pattern, and a plea for better support for those in emotionally abusive situations.

If you or someone you know is in a toxic or abusive relationship, you're not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Healing starts with support.

💚 BetterHelp makes finding a licensed therapist easy and flexible.
🧠 Get 15% off your first month at: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt: The Dark Truth Behind 8 PassengersJoin my newsletter: https://beacons.ai/mattphifer.coaching/page2Ruby Franke, the former 8 Passengers YouTube mom, has been arrested on shocking child abuse charges alongside therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Once known for her strict parenting advice, Ruby’s downfall has exposed the dark reality behind family vlogging and social media influencers. How did things go so wrong?Watch this next: https://youtu.be/-Hsc_6YGhAYIn this video, we break down:🔹 Ruby Franke’s controversial parenting and 8 Passengers YouTube channel🔹 Her connection to Jodi Hildebrandt and the disturbing allegations🔹 The role of family vloggers and the dangers of online influence💬 What do you think about this case? Let me know in the comments!

Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt: The Dark Truth Behind 8 PassengersJoin my newsletter: https://beacons.ai/mattphifer.coaching/page2Ruby Franke, the former 8 Passengers YouTube mom, has been arrested on shocking child abuse charges alongside therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Once known for her strict parenting advice, Ruby’s downfall has exposed the dark reality behind family vlogging and social media influencers. How did things go so wrong?Watch this next: https://youtu.be/-Hsc_6YGhAYIn this video, we break down:🔹 Ruby Franke’s controversial parenting and 8 Passengers YouTube channel🔹 Her connection to Jodi Hildebrandt and the disturbing allegations🔹 The role of family vloggers and the dangers of online influence💬 What do you think about this case? Let me know in the comments!👉 If you’re struggling with emotional trauma or toxic relationships, talking to a licensed therapist can help. Try BetterHelp today and get 15% off your first month: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer🔔 Like & subscribe for more deep dives into trending cases!#RubyFranke #8Passengers #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #ParentingScandal #ChildAbuse

Download my free Trauma Bond: https://shop.beacons.ai/mattphifer.coaching/c6a2089c-11ed-4f61-bca6-d83abc9f61d4🚨 Red Flags in Dating: Why He Left Her at the Restaurant! 🚨Credit @yourcorpbff via tiktokWelcome back! If you're new here, I'm Matthew Phifer—therapist, coach, and author. On this channel, we dive into dating, relationships, and the red flags you should never ignore.Today, I’m reacting to a viral TikTok where a woman was stood up on a date—her date vanished while she was in the bathroom! 😳 I’ll break down the red flags, what she could have done differently, and how YOU can avoid making the same mistakes in online dating.💬 Have you ever experienced a dating disaster like this? Drop your story in the comments!
15% off first month of therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

7 Warning Signs Your Ex Is Trying To Hoover You Back?

Join My Newsletter: https://beacons.ai/mattphifer.coaching/page2

Are you being pulled back into a toxic relationship? Narcissists and toxic exes use a manipulation tactic called hoovering to suck you back in after a breakup. In this video, I’ll break down six clear signs that you're being manipulated—not loved. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in an on-again, off-again cycle, this is a must-watch.If you find this video helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more relationship advice. Need professional support? Connect with a BetterHelp therapist using my link below and get 15% off your first month of therapy.🔗 15% off first month of therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer

🔗 Streamlined path through divorce: https://divorce.com/?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=flexoffers&utm_campaign=1477745&flex-clickid=24.226381.6649883FOF42427530987627353

What Makes Trauma Bonds So ADDICTIVE?Join My Newsletter: https://beacons.ai/mattphifer.coaching/page2Are you stuck in a toxic relationship and wondering why it's so hard to leave? In this video, therapist and relationship coach Matthew Phifer breaks down the stages of a trauma bond, a powerful psychological attachment that keeps people trapped in unhealthy relationships.You'll learn:✅ What a trauma bond is and why it happens✅ The 7 stages of a trauma bond (including love bombing, devaluation, and isolation)✅ How manipulation and control keep you emotionally hooked✅ Why breaking free from a trauma bond is so difficult—and how to start healingIf you find this video helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more relationship advice. Need professional support? Connect with a BetterHelp therapist using my link below and get 15% off your first month of therapy.🔗 15% off first month of therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphifer🔗 Streamlined path through divorce: https://divorce.com/?utm_medium=affiliate&...