48 Hours “The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi” May 2 2026 Preview

CBS’s 48 Hours returns Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET/PT with a gripping new episode titled The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi. Correspondent Natalie Morales reports on a tragic case from Lakewood, Washington, where what began as a whirlwind romance ended in violence and loss.

Gloria Choi, a young single mother, met Billy Rickman in what seemed like a chance encounter that quickly turned into an intense relationship. Friends and loved ones watched as Rickman showered Gloria with attention and affection, creating the impression of a devoted partner. The early stages of the relationship appeared to be a dream, marked by constant communication and grand gestures.

But as investigators later uncovered, the reality behind the romance was far more troubling. What initially looked like love was, according to authorities, a pattern of manipulation often described as “love bombing,” where overwhelming attention is used to gain control. As the relationship progressed, tensions escalated, leading to a violent outcome that shocked those closest to Gloria.

The episode follows how detectives worked to separate truth from deception, examining the timeline of the relationship and the events that led to Gloria’s death. Through interviews with her best friend Brieanna Eberly, friend Jacob Blue, and eyewitness Terry Estvold, the program provides a clearer picture of Gloria’s life and the warning signs that may have been missed.

Prosecutors, including Greg Greer and Coreen Schnepf, explain how the case was built and presented in court, outlining the evidence that led to accountability. The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi offers a sobering look at how quickly a seemingly perfect relationship can turn dangerous.

The episode airs Saturday night on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.