William Lee “Billy” Rickman was in his mid-40s at the time of Gloria Choi’s death, with a documented criminal history that stretched back years. Records from California showed prior convictions between 1993 and 2009, including both felonies and misdemeanors. Among those were domestic-violence offenses, which later became a significant part of the narrative presented by prosecutors.
Those past convictions established a pattern that authorities referenced when examining his conduct in Washington. While the earlier offenses were separate from the events involving Gloria Choi, they provided context for investigators and prosecutors seeking to demonstrate a history of abusive or controlling behavior in relationships.
- “The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi”: 48 Hours Reports May 2 2026
- Who Is William “Billy” Rickman & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Profile
The Relationship With Gloria Choi
Rickman met Gloria Choi in 2021, and the relationship developed quickly. In its early phase, he presented himself as attentive and committed, creating an impression of devotion that was visible to those around her. Friends later described this period as intense, with frequent contact and gestures that suggested a strong emotional attachment.
After the relationship ended in late 2021, Rickman’s behavior changed. Prosecutors later described a pattern of harassment that included following Gloria, contacting her repeatedly, and appearing in locations where she was present. This conduct continued even after a domestic-violence no-contact order was issued against him in December 2021.
Escalation And Violations Of Court Orders
Court records outlined a series of incidents in the weeks leading up to the murder. Rickman was accused of violating the no-contact order multiple times, with reports that he followed Gloria across different counties and interfered with her daily life.
Among the allegations were claims that he placed a tracking device on her belongings, broke into her vehicle, slashed tires, and stole personal items. Surveillance footage in one instance placed him near a parking lot where damage to vehicles had been reported. These actions were presented as part of a sustained effort to monitor and intimidate Gloria after the breakup.
Prosecutors also pointed to statements attributed to Rickman shortly before the killing. According to charging documents, he told one of Gloria’s former partners that he intended to “take care of it” and expected to be in the news. That statement became part of the evidence used to show intent.
The Murder Of Gloria Choi
On January 2, 2022, Rickman followed Gloria from her workplace in Lakewood, Washington. Prosecutors said he used his vehicle to force her truck off the road and pin it against a telephone pole.
During the incident, Gloria called 911 and reported that Rickman had struck her car and was armed with a gun. Moments later, gunfire was heard. Investigators determined that Rickman shot Gloria multiple times at close range while she was inside her vehicle.
Physical evidence at the scene included numerous bullet defects in the truck and shell casings recovered nearby. The attack was described in court as deliberate and carried out despite the existing court order prohibiting contact with Gloria.
Arrest And Extradition
After the shooting, Rickman left Washington state. Law enforcement issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was located five days later in Humboldt County, California.
He was taken into custody following a pursuit and later extradited back to Washington to face charges. At his initial court appearances, Rickman pleaded not guilty and was held without bail while the case proceeded.
Trial And Conviction
Rickman’s trial took place in December 2023 in Pierce County. Prosecutors presented evidence that included the 911 call, witness testimony, physical evidence, and documentation of the harassment leading up to the murder.
After an eight-day trial, the jury convicted Rickman of aggravated first-degree murder. The jury also found that he was armed with a firearm and that the crime was aggravated due to the violation of a no-contact order and the circumstances of the attack.
The relatively short deliberation reflected the strength of the prosecution’s case as presented in court. The conviction carried a mandatory sentence under Washington law.
Sentencing And Where He Is Now
Rickman was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in December 2023. The aggravated first-degree murder conviction required that sentence, leaving the court with no alternative.
He is now serving that life sentence within the Washington state prison system. With no eligibility for parole, he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.
Ongoing Legal And Public Attention
The case continues to draw attention due to the circumstances leading up to the murder, including the repeated reports made by Gloria Choi and the existence of a no-contact order. A civil lawsuit filed against the City of Lakewood and its police department alleges that earlier intervention could have prevented the crime, though the city has denied those claims.
Rickman’s actions and the outcome of the trial remain central to discussions about domestic violence, enforcement of protective orders, and the challenges faced by victims seeking help. The 48 Hours episode revisits these issues while presenting the full timeline of events that led to his conviction and life sentence.
More “The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi”
- “The Love Bombing of Gloria Choi”: 48 Hours Reports May 2 2026
- Who Was Gloria Choi & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Profile
- Who Is William “Billy” Rickman & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Profile