Brian Laundrie Was ‘Acting Like a Lunatic’ Shortly Before Gabby Petito’s Killing, Witness Says

Brian Laundrie’s Disturbing Behaviour Witnessed Before Gabby Petito’s Death

In a tragic turn of events, a witness has come forward to the FBI with chilling details of Brian Laundrie’s erratic behaviour shortly before the killing of his fiancée, Gabby Petito. The witness, who was on a road trip with his family, recounted seeing Laundrie “acting like a lunatic” on August 12, 2021, just before the harrowing incident.

The witness disclosed that he encountered Petito and Laundrie in Moab, Utah, as they were travelling through the area en route from Las Vegas to Denver. What he witnessed was deeply concerning – he claimed to have seen Laundrie allegedly slap a woman, whom he believed to be Petito. This moment prompted him to closely observe the couple for around 10 to 15 minutes.

According to newly-released FBI documents, the witness described Laundrie’s behaviour as erratic, including opening and slamming doors, pacing around the van, and displaying distressing interactions with Petito. The witness detailed how Laundrie appeared to be pleading with Petito, attempting to hug her at one point, only to be rebuffed. The situation escalated with Laundrie pushing Petito’s legs into the van before entering the driver’s seat.

The witness recounted feeling conflicted about intervening but ultimately decided against it, citing a prior incident where he had to call 911 due to reckless driving. It wasn’t until news reports of Petito’s disappearance surfaced that he contacted the FBI in September, convinced that the couple he saw in Moab were indeed Petito and Laundrie.

Subsequently, the couple was pulled over by police in Moab following another witness reporting an argument between them. Despite this, no charges were filed, with the police categorising the incident as “disorderly conduct”. These events offer a stark insight into the turbulent dynamics between Petito and Laundrie in the days leading to the tragic outcome.

Gabby Petito’s disappearance on September 11, 2021, sent shockwaves across the nation. Her lifeless body was later discovered at Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19, 2021. The autopsy revealed she had succumbed to “blunt-force injuries to the head and neck, with manual strangulation”.

The heartbreaking saga took another grim turn when Laundrie chose to end his life, leaving behind a written confession of his involvement in Petito’s death. The FBI’s findings shed light on the disturbing reality of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent such tragedies from recurring in our society.

For those experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, where support is offered in over 170 languages. It is imperative to raise awareness, advocate for victims, and work towards creating a safer environment for all individuals impacted by domestic abuse.

The harrowing account of Brian Laundrie’s behaviour serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with domestic violence. It underscores the importance of recognising early warning signs, intervening when necessary, and ensuring that adequate support systems are in place to protect those in vulnerable situations. The tragic loss of Gabby Petito serves as a rallying cry to address these issues and strive for a society where such senseless violence has no place.