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Killer Relationship: Forbidden Love, Brutal Death (S1E5)

October 30, 2025·53 min·5 clips

Sean's email accidentally reveals he secretly married Joy while still married to Sheila, exposing his polygamy.

This episode covers the fifth installment of the documentary series "Killer Relationship with Faith Jenkins," examining the case of Joy Risker. Hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle provide their signature comedic and critical commentary on the true crime narrative. The episode focuses on the relationship between teenage Joy and a youth pastor named Sean Goff. Faith Jenkins, a former lawyer and TV judge, hosts the documentary and provides perspective as someone who grew up in the church. The story begins in mid-1990s San Diego, where 16-year-old Joy Risker is described by friends like Laura and Zion Santos as a fun, creative, and positive free spirit. Joy had a strained relationship with her father, who left when she was young, and was very close to her devoutly religious mother, Gwen. Joy and her mother met 27-year-old youth pastor Sean Goff at their Pentecostal church, with Gwen enthusiastically encouraging the connection. Joy joined Sean's youth group and eventually, at 18, moved into the home he shared with his wife, Sheila, to work as their live-in nanny and housekeeper. A church member named Leif received a bizarre email from Sean that accidentally revealed Sean had secretly married Joy, meaning he was in an illegal polygamous marriage with both Joy and Sheila. Sean defended his actions to Leif by citing Old Testament figures like Moses and Abraham. Joy's mother was initially horrified but was reportedly manipulated by Sean into accepting the situation. After the polygamy was exposed, Sean was kicked out of the church, isolating Joy from that community. Joy briefly reconnected with old high school friends, hinting at her unhappiness, but remained loyal to Sean. Joy and Sean had a son named Stone, and Joy's mother, Gwen, died the day after the birth. A year later, Joy was pregnant again, and friends observed Sean's controlling behavior at a baby shower. At a friend's wedding in 2003, Joy confided in friends that she wanted more freedom and argued with Sean, who dominated her throughout the event. Shortly after, Joy disappeared, and Sean told friends and police she had run off to Europe with an old boyfriend named Jason. Friends received lengthy, suspicious emails purportedly from Joy, stating she was safe and had chosen to leave. Police investigator Linda received the case and reviewed the emails, which repeatedly emphasized Joy's safety and personal choice. The emails referenced Sean being "a nightmare," which the hosts note is a telling admission. Police tracked down the ex-boyfriend, Jason, who was in Massachusetts and confirmed he was not with Joy. The last call from Joy's phone was to Sean on September 19, 2003, and all phone activity ceased after that. The hosts express astonishment that Joy's friends initially withheld the polygamy from police, fearing she would get in trouble if she returned. A surprising moment is the hosts' dissection of the poorly forged emails, which open with the blatant line, "first of all, I want you to know that I'm safe." They find it darkly humorous that Sean included the detail about himself being "a nightmare," seeing it as a subconscious confession. The hosts are captivated by the blunt, unfiltered commentary of investigator Linda, who admits the case was a welcome break from her previously mundane workload. They also highlight the tragic irony that Joy sought independence by moving out of her mother's house, only to become completely controlled by Sean. The tone is conversational, comedic, and deeply critical of the predatory dynamics and institutional failures presented in the documentary. The style blends recap with outrage and sarcastic humor, particularly aimed at Sean's actions and the enabling church environment. Listeners who enjoy true crime stories dissected with humor, empathy for victims, and sharp criticism of manipulative figures will love this episode. Those sensitive to comedic commentary on serious topics like grooming and religious hypocrisy might prefer to skip it.

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