Rachel Shannon

On Facebook, Grace loved posting photos of herself, her girls, and Robert, and all of the fun things they did as a family.

Eventually, the pair were engaged and by 2020, the two purchased a home on Conway Drive in Creve Coeur.

For months, Grace went back and forth between the home she already lived in on Fairways Drive and their new home, doing different renovations and preparing the home for move-in.

However, although those on the outside saw a happy, loving couple, according to Grace's twin sister, Laura, behind closed doors, their relationship wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.

Laura said that Robert was controlling and possessive.

He wouldn't let her work a job on her own.

Instead, he got her to quit her job and started working for his family's business.

But she also was not paid directly for her work.

Instead, Robert set it up so that he would get Grace's checks and then pay Grace under the table.

That way, he could control when she got her money and how much she got.

Outside of work, he also controlled all other aspects of her life.

He controlled how much gas money she was given.

He decided how she would use her spare time, including when she got to see her own children.

Through this, Grace lost so many friends,

even her best friend, because Robert wouldn't allow her to see anybody without him.

It's a classic situation of the abuser keeping their victim away from outsiders to make sure that they are only hearing their words, their suggestions, and making sure that no one on the outside can make Grace aware of the red flags or help her leave the relationship.

Then, when it came to the home that Grace loved so much and spent so much time and energy renovating, her name wasn't even put on the deed because she didn't have any of her own money.

In addition to controlling her time and money, Robert was also psychologically and physically abusive.

He would verbally berate her and Grace told friends that he would blow up and become angry at the smallest things.

By June 9th, 2020, Grace secretly recorded a video where you can hear how Robert talks to her.