By Kelly O'Connell ——Bio and Archives--September 23, 2021
Guns-Crime-Terror-Security | CFP Comments | Reader Friendly | Subscribe | Email Us
Brian in Caribbean?
Gabby Petito’s body was finally found in the Grand Teton Park area, while her former fiance’ is on the lam in Florida, or elsewhere? Here are a few opening thoughts. First, it’s tragic that police in Utah did not make an arrest when they pulled the couple over as it may have triggered Gabby to abandon her creepy boyfriend. Second, while Brian Laundrie is missing, he may well be dead, either by misadventure via drowning or 'gators. Or, in a burst of paranoia and self-pity, he may have killed himself. Or is crafty Brian Laundrie happily relocated to the Caribbean, starting his free life over?
Third, if police in Florida had simply watched Brian’s home 24/7, they could have discovered where he slipped off to. And yes, they could have done that. Fourth, Laundrie’s family may be in serious trouble if they materially misled the police. Fifth, while we now know Gabby was murdered, police will not say exactly how she was killed to save details for a later interrogation. Finally, never let your daughter drive cross country with a psycho!
Wyoming Death Penalty:
Regarding the charges, any accused killer will be under Wyoming law, unless authorities somehow determine Gabby was killed in Utah, then dumped in Wyoming. Of course, it could be picked up as a Federal case. Police determined the killing was a murder, but are staying mum regarding how Gabby was executed. If the authorities find Brian, they will arrest him and then interrogate him. Laundrie can decide whether he wants a lawyer present. As soon as a defendant demands a lawyer, the police should immediately cease any further conversation until he or she arrives.
Police Failure:
North Port, FL Police made terrible mistakes by how they initially responded to Brian. Given how strange Laundrie was acting, they should have had him constantly watched and filmed, 24/7, and put a tracker on his vehicle. Then he would have not escaped so easily. It’s bizarre they allowed this to happen. If this case was too difficult for a small and inexperienced force, they should have requested the FBI take the investigation over, being awash with resources and deep experience.
Laundrie Crime Family:
Laundrie’s family was allegedly involved with his disappearance. There is a good chance the family helped mislead authorities as to his whereabouts. For example, if the family misstated that Brian had gone to the nearby wilderness area, as they stated -- knowing this was false, they can and should be prosecuted. Laundrie gained perhaps 5 days lead time in sneaking away, and may not even be in Florida. Given the easy travel between the Caribbean and US, if he departed to one of thousands of Caribbean islands, he could be hard to bring back.
Brian Suicide?
For chances that Brian committed suicide, it is not unlikely. For one reason, suicide is a form of human murder. Also, Laundrie might be convinced he’d spend the rest of his life in jail, or even be executed in Wyoming, a death penalty state. But he might take a romantic view of self destruction, as celebrated in the Blue Oyster Cult’s song Don’t Fear the Reaper. In fact, Brian might see his murder suicide as a way to psychically, or even literally reconnect with his murdered lover.
Valentine is done Here but now they're gone Romeo and Juliet Are together in eternity (Romeo and Juliet) 40,000 men and women everyday (like Romeo and Juliet) 40,000 men and women everyday (redefine happiness) Another 40,000 coming everyday (we can be like they are) Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper) Baby, take my hand (don't fear the reaper) We'll be able to fly (don't fear the reaper) Baby, I'm your man Love of two is one Here but now they're gone Came the last night of sadness And it was clear she couldn't go on Then the door was open and the wind appeared The candles blew and then disappeared The curtains flew and then he appeared Saying don't be afraid Come on, baby (and she had no fear) And she ran to him (then they started to fly) They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are) She had taken his hand (she had become like they are) Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Support Canada Free Press
Suicide or attempted suicide following murder is not an uncommon phenomenon. In an article by Bruce L. Danto, “Suicide Among Murderers,” he writes:
“Among cases of homicide studied, its occurrence has been estimated by various researchers at between 4%--35%. In 1967, D. J. Wests published a classic study, covering 1954-1961 in England, of murderers who killed themselves. His sample included 78 murder-suicides, the majority of whom were from the middle class or better. Women comprised 40.5% of the sample. Most of them were under 35 years of age and 76.6% were married, while only 53.4% of the men were married. There were very few instances of previous convictions, 3.3% for the women and 11.1% for the men. Despite proneness to violence, none could be described as a criminal type. About 45 -- (57%) of the sample had a history of mental illness. About 15% had attempted suicide previously, and most were neurotically depressed as opposed to being psychotic...in many murder-suicides the precipitating stress comes from members of the family or friends, often occurring following a violent verbal exchange between spouses, between children and parents, or between lovers.”
Laundries Outfoxed Police:
So the Laundrie family allegedly had a strategy, and armed with legal advice, were able to lay out a plan to try and save Brian from prosecution, conviction, or a lengthy prison stay. If they had the money and connections they could have spirited out the mentally troubled, possibly schizophrenic, likely psychotic and undoubtedly evil Brian from Florida to a friendly island nation. For example, the Caribbean islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are selling Americans their citizenship, along with 4 other island nations. Such a move which is easily conceived would make it a thousand times harder for Gabby’s family and neighbors to get the justice they so desperately want and which circumstances absolutely demand.
View Comments
Kelly O’Connell is an author and attorney. He was born on the West Coast, raised in Las Vegas, and matriculated from the University of Oregon. After laboring for the Reformed Church in Galway, Ireland, he returned to America and attended law school in Virginia, where he earned a JD and a Master’s degree in Government. He spent a stint working as a researcher and writer of academic articles at a Miami law school, focusing on ancient law and society. He has also been employed as a university Speech & Debate professor. He then returned West and worked as an assistant district attorney. Kelly is now is a private practitioner with a small law practice in New Mexico.