THE PREACHER AND HIS COUGH MEDICINE: AN AMERICAN PSYCO

Lauren Phelps was very much looking forward to taking her happy and promising life to the next level when she joyfully married her beloved Matthew Phelps in 2016. United by their dedication to their local Baptist church, where Lauren served as a Sunday school teacher and Matthew embraced the role of a church minister. Little did anyone know, or even imagine, that an unforeseen tragedy would shatter their existence in the fall of 2017, leaving a dark and deadly mark that would forever alter their narrative.

Deep into the heart of the night, an unthinkable crime unfolded within the walls of the Phelps' home. One that tragically claimed Lauren's life. One that was made even more baffling by the 911 call made by Matthew to report the crime. One that could best be described by investigators as “unsettling” and filled with an eerie level of complexity.

As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that there was a veil shrouding the past of Lauren and Matthew Phelps. Information about their earlier lives was scarce, leaving many questions unanswered. Intriguingly, a considerable amount of insights into their lives could be gleaned from social media platforms, particularly Instagram. One significant aspect of Lauren's life was her involvement with Scentsy, a company akin to Avon, through which she pursued her entrepreneurial spirit by selling fragrances like wax warmers and candles.

On the surface their relationship seemed idyllic, with Matthew's pastoral aspirations complementing Lauren's Scentsy business thus allowing her to embrace a stay-at-home lifestyle. Lauren's warmth and dedication to her church resonated with Matthew's calling, which involved leading sermons, guiding services, and counseling congregants.

Their union, originating around mid-2014, appeared harmonious. Initial mentions of Matthew in Lauren's social media posts marked the inception of their connection, blossoming into an official relationship by November 2014. The bond was celebrated by Lauren's family, who saw Matthew as a sincere and wholesome individual, fitting perfectly into Lauren's life.

All who knew her agreed that Lauren's life took a positive turn, interweaving more deeply into her church community after meeting Matthew. His commitment to becoming a pastor prompted her to support his journey wholeheartedly, despite the financial challenges that came with his education and training. While specific details about their financial situation remain unclear, it's evident that their love and shared aspirations carried them through.

After a year of dating, they announced their engagement on Valentine's Day in 2016, followed by a wedding later that year. Their online presence depicted a picturesque life, though as often is the case, social media only offers a glimpse into reality. Beneath the surface, the couple grappled with an escalating set of issues, with financial concerns and differences in their priorities straining their relationship.

Matthew's reckless spending habits, shrouded in secrecy, clashed starkly with Lauren's diligent and responsible approach. His financial behavior, coupled with a troubling fascination with horror movies like "American Psycho," escalated tensions within their marriage. As their struggles persisted, Lauren's concerns about his fidelity grew, casting a cloud of uncertainty over their future.

Suddenly and horribly these tensions culminated in the tragic night of September 1st, 2017. According to Matthew, his consumption of cough syrup, chosen as a sleep aid, led to a series of hauntingly terrifying dreams and a violent confrontation that claimed Lauren's life. When he awoke from his nightmare, Matthew discovered Lauren's lifeless body, the room splattered with her blood. Panic-stricken, Matthew called the police, revealing a narrative that would soon unravel.

"I had a dream, and then I turn on the lights, and she's dead on the floor," he told the 911 dispatcher. "I have blood all over me, and there's a bloody knife on the bed, and I think I did it."

Matthew's inconsistent statements and the peculiar cleanliness he exhibited upon the arrival of police investigators raised their suspicions. Despite initially claiming innocence and entering a plea of not guilty, when asked directly by the judge if he was confessing to the murder, Phelps responded with a solemn "yes". By pleading guilty to first-degree murder, Phelps' admission implies a calculated premeditation, contradicting the notion that the crime was a result of a disoriented state induced by cold medicine.

Tears streamed down the faces of Lauren Phelps' loved ones as the courtroom was gripped by the harrowing account of the crime. Prosecutors unveiled the grim evidence, showcasing the blood-stained knife and recounting the agonizing details of her desperate fight for survival, where she was brutally stabbed or cut 123 times in her head, neck, and torso.

Additionally, it was revealed that Matthew Phelps maintained an unsettling Instagram account under the pseudonym "Marty Radical." On this account, he shared unsettling images related to death and violence. Eerily, he posted scenes from the movie "American Psycho," a dark tale revolving around an investment banker who indiscriminately takes lives. Further unsettling, he even portrayed himself as the main character.

The aftermath brought forth chilling revelations. Friends and family recalled Lauren's changed demeanor in the weeks leading up to her death, hinting at a premeditated act. The specter of infidelity and Matthew's interest in violent themes painted a grim picture. Lauren's family grappled with regret and sorrow, wishing they had intervened sooner.

In the end, Matthew was sentenced to life in prison, an outcome reflecting the gravity of his actions. The story of Lauren and Matthew Phelps serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within relationships, the dark undercurrents that can lurk behind appearances, and the capacity for individuals to commit unthinkable acts.