Notes uncover the contemplations of Petito's killer.
Three years ago, the case of Gabby Petito made headlines around the world. More recently, new information from the FBI has further outlined the unstable mind of her killer, Brian Laundrie.
In summer 2021, the young couple of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie embarked on a road trip across the United States in a van. However, only Laundrie returned from the journey as Petito went missing. Her body was discovered in September, confirming Laundrie's guilt in her murder. Initially, Laundrie disappeared, but later he ended his own life. FBI evidence, as acquired by the "New York Post," details the dark thoughts of Laundrie, who'd been fantasizing about murder for years.
Just after Petito's body was found, investigators searched the Laundrie family's home in the state of Wyoming. There, they discovered disturbing notes from the murderer. Laundrie would sketch skulls and write phrases such as "Kill," "Mania," and "Don't Trust Anyone." In his journal dating back to 2018, Laundrie noted thoughts of setting himself on fire or committing suicide. It was during this same year that Laundrie and Petito started their relationship.
An unspecified entry in Laundrie's journal uncovers his possessive nature towards the future victim. This was foreshadowed by a dream in which Petito left him. "The ocean flows from her blue eyes and the fire has gone out. With a word, the pain is gone. 'Brian?'", he wrote. "Oh, how sweet it is when she says we should be together, but you know, when you leave the door, she will be gone forever." "Your back in the car, followed by the eyes you will never see again. The pain still burns because you know it's only tonight." This cryptic journal entry ends.
During the raid, the FBI reportedly found hundreds of bullets, several magazine clips, a gun purchase contract, and manuals for two pistols. Laundrie also had a hunting license, magazines for rifles, handcuffs, a substantial amount of money, as well as a religious magazine issued by the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Laundrie's lawyer, Brian Stewart, expressed surprise upon seeing the recovered evidence. Laundrie had somehow managed to conceal his desire to hurt both himself and his girlfriend initially. Stewart noted, "In hindsight, it shows us that Brian had to deal with psychological issues and was definitely a narcissistic and manipulative person capable of committing violence."
Gabby Petito's parents had always suspected that the Laundrie family was in the know about the dangerous dynamics between their daughter and Laundrie. They even believed that Laundrie had confessed the crime to his parents. Just as the trial was about to start in court, the two families settled their disagreements out of court.
It's been alleged that Laundrie became increasingly violent towards Petito during their documented Instagram trip. By the middle of August, witnesses reported seeing a physical fight between the couple. On a bodycam video featuring a police officer, Petito is depicted as visibly distraught. Just a few days later, she was murdered by her boyfriend.
