Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan: A Judge's Decision - The Death of Lauren Johansen
Digest
This podcast episode delves into the tragic murder of Lauren Johansson, a 22-year-old RN student, at the hands of her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Bryce Rivers. The episode begins by outlining the details of Lauren's murder, including the brutal beating she suffered in December and the subsequent lowering of Rivers' bond. The podcast then explores the dynamics of domestic violence, emphasizing the psychological impact on victims and the need for a more proactive approach to addressing this issue. Joseph Scott Moore, the host, shares his personal experience with trauma as an emergency room technician, highlighting the devastating effects of violence he witnessed firsthand. He analyzes the photos of Lauren's injuries, emphasizing the severity of the beating and the potential use of rocks and a pistol as weapons. Moore criticizes the judge's decision to lower Rivers' bond, arguing that it contributed to Lauren's death and highlights the need for a more proactive approach to domestic violence cases. The episode concludes with a reflection on the systemic failures that contributed to Lauren's death, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable. Moore shares a powerful statement made by Lauren's father, Dr. Johansson, who helped remove his daughter's body from the car, highlighting the profound grief and horror he experienced.
Outlines
The Murder of Lauren Johansson
This chapter explores the details of Lauren Johansson's murder, including the brutal beating she suffered in December, the lowering of Rivers' bond, and the discovery of her body in her car at a cemetery.
Domestic Violence and its Impact
This chapter delves into the dynamics of domestic violence, emphasizing the menacing nature of the abuse and the psychological impact on the victim. It also discusses the failures of the justice system in protecting victims and the need for a more proactive approach to addressing this issue.
Analyzing Lauren's Injuries
This chapter analyzes the photos of Lauren's injuries, highlighting the severity of the beating and the potential use of rocks and a pistol as weapons. It also discusses the long-term effects of Lauren's injuries from the December beating, emphasizing that she would not have fully recovered by the time of her murder.
The Role of the Judiciary
This chapter criticizes the judge's decision to lower Rivers' bond, arguing that it contributed to Lauren's death and highlights the need for a more proactive approach to domestic violence cases.
The Timetable of Events
This chapter outlines the timeline of events leading up to Lauren's murder, from Rivers' arrest in Nashville to his release on bond and the discovery of her body in Mississippi.
Reflecting on Failure
This chapter reflects on the systemic failures that contributed to Lauren's death, highlighting the importance of addressing domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable. It also shares a powerful statement made by Lauren's father, Dr. Johansson, who helped remove his daughter's body from the car, highlighting the profound grief and horror he experienced.
Keywords
Lauren Johansson
Lauren Johansson was a 22-year-old RN student who was murdered by her boyfriend, Bryce Rivers. She was a victim of domestic violence and her case highlights the devastating impact of this issue.
Bryce Rivers
Bryce Rivers is the 23-year-old boyfriend of Lauren Johansson. He is accused of beating her severely in December and later killing her in July. His case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the need for stricter measures to protect victims.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse.
Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which hostages develop a bond with their captors. It is often used to explain why victims of abuse may stay in relationships with their abusers.
Mutilated
Mutilated refers to the act of inflicting severe damage or disfigurement on a person or object. In this case, it describes the horrific state of Lauren Johansson's body when it was found.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding Lauren Johansson's murder?
Lauren Johansson was murdered by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Bryce Rivers. She had been beaten severely by him in December and, despite a high bond, he was released from jail in June. He then kidnapped and killed her in July, leaving her body in her car at a cemetery.
What are some of the key issues raised by this case?
This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, the failures of the justice system in protecting victims, and the need for a more proactive approach to addressing this issue. It also raises questions about the role of the judiciary in ensuring the safety of victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
How did Joseph Scott Moore's personal experience with trauma influence his perspective on this case?
Moore's experience as an emergency room technician exposed him to the devastating effects of violence firsthand. This experience gave him a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims and informed his analysis of Lauren Johansson's case.
Show Notes
Bricen Rivers nearly beats his girlfriend to death in their car in Nashville while on a romantic weekend getaway. Jailed with bond set high enough so he couldn't get out, his victim, Lauren Johansen, is recovering in Mississippi when a judge lowers Rivers bond, and lets him out to finish what he started. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgen will explain the horrible injuries Lauren sustained in the first beating in Nashville, while Dave Mack breaks down the backstory on the relationship that was so toxic, Lauren Johansen winds up dead in the back of her own car in the middle of a cemetery.
Transcript Highlights
00:00:04 .19 Introduction - Being a parent, Father .
00:04:26 .07 Discussion of abusive relationship
00:09:20 .25 Talking about parenting a child in abusive relationship
00:13:39 .86 Discussion of Nashville trip, how much effort it would take
00:18:40 .36 Talk seeing trauma in hospital
00:23:22 .52 Discussion or rocks as a weapon, pistol whipping
00:28:29 .50 Discussion of wound to Lauren's head at hairline
00:32:02 .27 Talk about man abusing woman, judge lowering bond
00:36:15 .69 Discussion of Lauren being kidnapped from home
00:40:38 .20 Discussion of wounds Lauren suffered before death
00:43:48 .59 Talk about Lauren wasn't recovered from December 11 beating
00:46:41 .34 Conclusion Lauren's father helped recover her body
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