Latest news with #BrianLaundrie
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
When red flags go unseen: the silent cries for help in 'American Murder: Gabby Petito'
The docuseries digs deep into the couple's seemingly happy journey across the United States, with Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie posting their van life adventures online. Image: X/@NetflixDE Oh, the irony. The happiest people on social media often have the darkest secrets, and the "American Murder: Gabby Petito" story is a brutal reminder of this truth. If you've heard the name Gabby Petito before, it's likely because of the tragic, gut-wrenching story that's still a topic of discussion across social media. Netflix's docuseries is a reminder that behind every picture-perfect post, there's often more than meets the eye. It digs deep into the couple's seemingly happy journey across the United States, with Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie posting their 'van life' adventures online. What they didn't show their followers, however, were the cracks in their relationship. Right from the start, the series pulls you into a real-life horror story, beginning with the bodycam footage of a police stop in Utah. In the footage, an emergency call has prompted officers to pull over the couple's van after a domestic incident. What follows is a scene that will stay with you: despite Petito's bruises and distress, she's labelled as the aggressor, and the police choose to separate the two for the night, sending Laundrie to a hotel and leaving Petito alone in the van. Throughout the episodes, the facade of the perfect couple begins to crumble, revealing increasingly obvious flaws in their relationship. Petito, an outgoing and free-spirited individual who lived for the outdoors and social media, was trying desperately to hold it together. But behind the smiles and photos, there was a dark reality. Initially seen as a quiet and awkward fiancé, Laundrie's true character began to emerge, revealing him to be controlling, manipulative, and increasingly toxic. His actions, like confiscating Petito's ID to stop her from socialising with friends, were apparent to those who observed him. She even reached out to her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, revealing to him that she was planning to leave Brian. She confided in Jackson that she was trying to figure out when and how to break free from the abusive situation. This conversation was a telling moment, a 'cry for help,' and it showed the desperation she was feeling.
CNN
10-03-2025
- CNN
How to protect your teen from dating violence
A new Netflix docuseries reveals never-before-seen details about the story of travel vlogger Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during a cross-country road trip in 2021. Like many domestic violence cases, the story depicted in 'American Murder: Gabby Petito' sparked outrage over the lack of intervention before the young woman's strangled remains were found in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. (Laundrie later died by suicide, according to a medical examiner.) Petito's case is one of many domestic violence tragedies involving young people that continue to provoke anger and fear, and that's especially true when these cases involve teenagers. In the United States, teen dating violence remains common, with about 1 in 3 teenagers experiencing physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, according to statistics from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The consequences of teen dating violence can be both immediate and are more likely to face depression, anxiety and substance abuse and have aggressive behavior and suicidal thoughts, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to get help If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. Navigating healthy relationships can be challenging for both teens and parents, but caution and open communication are critical to prevent acts of violence. Early warning signs Many people associate physical violence, such as pushing, hitting or even sexual assault, with abusive relationships, but a form of psychological violence called coercive control is also common in such relationships. This tactic is used to exert power over someone, typically to instill feelings of isolation and fear, said Sherry Hamby, a distinguished research professor of psychology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and director of the Life Paths Research Center, which is dedicated to promoting resilience and social justice in marginalized communities. Common signs of coercive control might include demanding to know a partner's whereabouts or forcing them to share their location, pressuring for explicit photos or other information such as passwords, as well as engaging in isolating behaviors, such as discouraging a partner from seeing friends, family members or others perceived as a 'threat' to the relationship. Many teens struggle to recognize these unhealthy dynamics, especially because pop culture often portrays jealousy as a sign of love. However, control-driven behaviors are usually red flags for deeper issues, said Dr. Krista Mehari, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the department of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Sexual victimization is another key concern teens and parents should be aware of. Even if an incident doesn't involve rape, coercion of any kind — forced kissing, nonconsensual touching or pressure to engage in sexual activities — is still considered sexual assault. Consent must always be explicit, enthusiastic and ongoing, meaning it can change at any point during an interaction, Hamby said. Additionally, reproductive coercion, which includes pressuring a partner to have unprotected sex, lying about contraception or manipulating a partner into having a baby, is another form of abuse that teens may not easily recognize, according to Hamby. Questions for teens to consider about their relationships To help teens examine the health of their romantic relationships, Hamby recommends parents and guardians engage in frequent check-ins to take note of any changes or problems. Teens should ensure they aren't being insulted or put down in a relationship, particularly when it comes to criticisms about their appearance or weight. For those who are involved in sports or general interest activities, a supportive partner should encourage them to continue these hobbies and be happy to see them thrive. Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth. A partner should support the other's decision to pursue college or job opportunities that best suit their lifestyle and well-being. More obvious signs of dating violence include blatant threats, damage or destruction of any kind of property, or aggressive physical advances. Parents and caregivers can observe a teen's relationships for these warning signs to help identify abuse that adolescents might overlook. How parents and guardians can help Intervening in a teen's relationship can be tricky, with adolescents tending to resist oversight from parents or caregivers. Instead, Hamby suggests sharing resources with information about both abusive and healthy relationships, allowing teens to explore them independently rather than feeling pressured. Another approach is bringing in a trusted outside source, such as another family member, coach or religious leader whom the teen sees as a more objective guide. Girls and young women are often taught to avoid saying 'no' to be polite, which can make them vulnerable to sexual coercion later in life, Vanderbilt's Mehari said. Teaching children to assert boundaries early on can help them navigate these situations confidently before they enter the dating world. Since conversations about sensitive subjects can sometimes feel awkward, Hamby suggests taking advantage of long car rides to provide a more relaxed setting for open discussions. Modeling and discussing healthy relationships Parents and guardians play a crucial role in demonstrating respect, communication, kindness and boundaries as they model healthy relationships for their kids. However, leading by example may not always be enough, which is why adults should focus on explicit guidance for handling relationship challenges. Since some teens may be hesitant to open up about their relationship struggles, use pop culture as a conversation starter. Discussing relationship dynamics from a TV show or movie can provide a low-stakes way to distinguish between healthy and harmful behaviors. Mehari pointed to the example of the popular Christmastime song 'Baby, It's Cold Outside,' which some critics say romanticizes coercion and disregards consent. Use this song as an opportunity to discuss what to do if someone won't take 'no' for an answer. Parents and guardians can also initiate conversations based on real-life relationships their teen observes, such as divorced friends or peer relationships at school, creating less personal and emotionally charged discussions. Most importantly, families who want their kids to be honest must create a safe, judgment-free environment in which teens feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of immediate punishment. 'Parents need to build relationships … in which their child knows that the parents will listen and be curious, instead of reacting right away,' Mehari said.
CNN
08-03-2025
- CNN
How to protect your teen from dating violence
A new Netflix docuseries reveals never-before-seen details about the story of travel vlogger Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during a cross-country road trip in 2021. Like many domestic violence cases, the story depicted in 'American Murder: Gabby Petito' sparked outrage over the lack of intervention before the young woman's strangled remains were found in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. (Laundrie later died by suicide, according to a medical examiner.) Petito's case is one of many domestic violence tragedies involving young people that continue to provoke anger and fear, and that's especially true when these cases involve teenagers. In the United States, teen dating violence remains common, with about 1 in 3 teenagers experiencing physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, according to statistics from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The consequences of teen dating violence can be both immediate and are more likely to face depression, anxiety and substance abuse and have aggressive behavior and suicidal thoughts, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to get help If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. Navigating healthy relationships can be challenging for both teens and parents, but caution and open communication are critical to prevent acts of violence. Early warning signs Many people associate physical violence, such as pushing, hitting or even sexual assault, with abusive relationships, but a form of psychological violence called coercive control is also common in such relationships. This tactic is used to exert power over someone, typically to instill feelings of isolation and fear, said Sherry Hamby, a distinguished research professor of psychology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and director of the Life Paths Research Center, which is dedicated to promoting resilience and social justice in marginalized communities. Common signs of coercive control might include demanding to know a partner's whereabouts or forcing them to share their location, pressuring for explicit photos or other information such as passwords, as well as engaging in isolating behaviors, such as discouraging a partner from seeing friends, family members or others perceived as a 'threat' to the relationship. Many teens struggle to recognize these unhealthy dynamics, especially because pop culture often portrays jealousy as a sign of love. However, control-driven behaviors are usually red flags for deeper issues, said Dr. Krista Mehari, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the department of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Sexual victimization is another key concern teens and parents should be aware of. Even if an incident doesn't involve rape, coercion of any kind — forced kissing, nonconsensual touching or pressure to engage in sexual activities — is still considered sexual assault. Consent must always be explicit, enthusiastic and ongoing, meaning it can change at any point during an interaction, Hamby said. Additionally, reproductive coercion, which includes pressuring a partner to have unprotected sex, lying about contraception or manipulating a partner into having a baby, is another form of abuse that teens may not easily recognize, according to Hamby. Questions for teens to consider about their relationships To help teens examine the health of their romantic relationships, Hamby recommends parents and guardians engage in frequent check-ins to take note of any changes or problems. Teens should ensure they aren't being insulted or put down in a relationship, particularly when it comes to criticisms about their appearance or weight. For those who are involved in sports or general interest activities, a supportive partner should encourage them to continue these hobbies and be happy to see them thrive. Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth. A partner should support the other's decision to pursue college or job opportunities that best suit their lifestyle and well-being. More obvious signs of dating violence include blatant threats, damage or destruction of any kind of property, or aggressive physical advances. Parents and caregivers can observe a teen's relationships for these warning signs to help identify abuse that adolescents might overlook. How parents and guardians can help Intervening in a teen's relationship can be tricky, with adolescents tending to resist oversight from parents or caregivers. Instead, Hamby suggests sharing resources with information about both abusive and healthy relationships, allowing teens to explore them independently rather than feeling pressured. Another approach is bringing in a trusted outside source, such as another family member, coach or religious leader whom the teen sees as a more objective guide. Girls and young women are often taught to avoid saying 'no' to be polite, which can make them vulnerable to sexual coercion later in life, Vanderbilt's Mehari said. Teaching children to assert boundaries early on can help them navigate these situations confidently before they enter the dating world. Since conversations about sensitive subjects can sometimes feel awkward, Hamby suggests taking advantage of long car rides to provide a more relaxed setting for open discussions. Modeling and discussing healthy relationships Parents and guardians play a crucial role in demonstrating respect, communication, kindness and boundaries as they model healthy relationships for their kids. However, leading by example may not always be enough, which is why adults should focus on explicit guidance for handling relationship challenges. Since some teens may be hesitant to open up about their relationship struggles, use pop culture as a conversation starter. Discussing relationship dynamics from a TV show or movie can provide a low-stakes way to distinguish between healthy and harmful behaviors. Mehari pointed to the example of the popular Christmastime song 'Baby, It's Cold Outside,' which some critics say romanticizes coercion and disregards consent. Use this song as an opportunity to discuss what to do if someone won't take 'no' for an answer. Parents and guardians can also initiate conversations based on real-life relationships their teen observes, such as divorced friends or peer relationships at school, creating less personal and emotionally charged discussions. Most importantly, families who want their kids to be honest must create a safe, judgment-free environment in which teens feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of immediate punishment. 'Parents need to build relationships … in which their child knows that the parents will listen and be curious, instead of reacting right away,' Mehari said.
CNN
08-03-2025
- CNN
How to protect your teen from dating violence
A new Netflix docuseries reveals never-before-seen details about the story of travel vlogger Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during a cross-country road trip in 2021. Like many domestic violence cases, the story depicted in 'American Murder: Gabby Petito' sparked outrage over the lack of intervention before the young woman's strangled remains were found in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. (Laundrie later died by suicide, according to a medical examiner.) Petito's case is one of many domestic violence tragedies involving young people that continue to provoke anger and fear, and that's especially true when these cases involve teenagers. In the United States, teen dating violence remains common, with about 1 in 3 teenagers experiencing physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, according to statistics from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The consequences of teen dating violence can be both immediate and are more likely to face depression, anxiety and substance abuse and have aggressive behavior and suicidal thoughts, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to get help If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or visit the 988 Lifeline website. Navigating healthy relationships can be challenging for both teens and parents, but caution and open communication are critical to prevent acts of violence. Early warning signs Many people associate physical violence, such as pushing, hitting or even sexual assault, with abusive relationships, but a form of psychological violence called coercive control is also common in such relationships. This tactic is used to exert power over someone, typically to instill feelings of isolation and fear, said Sherry Hamby, a distinguished research professor of psychology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and director of the Life Paths Research Center, which is dedicated to promoting resilience and social justice in marginalized communities. Common signs of coercive control might include demanding to know a partner's whereabouts or forcing them to share their location, pressuring for explicit photos or other information such as passwords, as well as engaging in isolating behaviors, such as discouraging a partner from seeing friends, family members or others perceived as a 'threat' to the relationship. Many teens struggle to recognize these unhealthy dynamics, especially because pop culture often portrays jealousy as a sign of love. However, control-driven behaviors are usually red flags for deeper issues, said Dr. Krista Mehari, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the department of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Sexual victimization is another key concern teens and parents should be aware of. Even if an incident doesn't involve rape, coercion of any kind — forced kissing, nonconsensual touching or pressure to engage in sexual activities — is still considered sexual assault. Consent must always be explicit, enthusiastic and ongoing, meaning it can change at any point during an interaction, Hamby said. Additionally, reproductive coercion, which includes pressuring a partner to have unprotected sex, lying about contraception or manipulating a partner into having a baby, is another form of abuse that teens may not easily recognize, according to Hamby. Questions for teens to consider about their relationships To help teens examine the health of their romantic relationships, Hamby recommends parents and guardians engage in frequent check-ins to take note of any changes or problems. Teens should ensure they aren't being insulted or put down in a relationship, particularly when it comes to criticisms about their appearance or weight. For those who are involved in sports or general interest activities, a supportive partner should encourage them to continue these hobbies and be happy to see them thrive. Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth. A partner should support the other's decision to pursue college or job opportunities that best suit their lifestyle and well-being. More obvious signs of dating violence include blatant threats, damage or destruction of any kind of property, or aggressive physical advances. Parents and caregivers can observe a teen's relationships for these warning signs to help identify abuse that adolescents might overlook. How parents and guardians can help Intervening in a teen's relationship can be tricky, with adolescents tending to resist oversight from parents or caregivers. Instead, Hamby suggests sharing resources with information about both abusive and healthy relationships, allowing teens to explore them independently rather than feeling pressured. Another approach is bringing in a trusted outside source, such as another family member, coach or religious leader whom the teen sees as a more objective guide. Girls and young women are often taught to avoid saying 'no' to be polite, which can make them vulnerable to sexual coercion later in life, Vanderbilt's Mehari said. Teaching children to assert boundaries early on can help them navigate these situations confidently before they enter the dating world. Since conversations about sensitive subjects can sometimes feel awkward, Hamby suggests taking advantage of long car rides to provide a more relaxed setting for open discussions. Modeling and discussing healthy relationships Parents and guardians play a crucial role in demonstrating respect, communication, kindness and boundaries as they model healthy relationships for their kids. However, leading by example may not always be enough, which is why adults should focus on explicit guidance for handling relationship challenges. Since some teens may be hesitant to open up about their relationship struggles, use pop culture as a conversation starter. Discussing relationship dynamics from a TV show or movie can provide a low-stakes way to distinguish between healthy and harmful behaviors. Mehari pointed to the example of the popular Christmastime song 'Baby, It's Cold Outside,' which some critics say romanticizes coercion and disregards consent. Use this song as an opportunity to discuss what to do if someone won't take 'no' for an answer. Parents and guardians can also initiate conversations based on real-life relationships their teen observes, such as divorced friends or peer relationships at school, creating less personal and emotionally charged discussions. Most importantly, families who want their kids to be honest must create a safe, judgment-free environment in which teens feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of immediate punishment. 'Parents need to build relationships … in which their child knows that the parents will listen and be curious, instead of reacting right away,' Mehari said.
Fox News
01-03-2025
- Fox News
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Bryan Kohberger transcript, Princeton preppy murder, Gabby Petito's last days
'PEACE OF MIND': Woman who survived parents' murders as toddler reveals 'missing piece' after killer's execution. 'THREE RING CIRCUS': 'Doomsday cult mom' asks court to ban cameras from upcoming murder trial. PAINT THE TOWN RED: Nightclub hostess's love affair with race car driver was 'eye for an eye': author. 'LIKE A LUNATIC': Witness describes Brian Laundrie's behavior 2 weeks before Gabby Petito murder, FBI files reveal. 'FRANKE' TALK: Husband of mommy blogger convicted of child abuse, has 'regrets' after wife's fall from fame. 'BIG TIP OFF': Idaho judge in Bryan Kohberger case unseals transcript of closed-door IGG hearing. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER 'BOURBON STREET HUSTLER': Super Bowl reporter dead in hotel had Xanax in system after meetup: police COST BENEFIT: Menendez brothers 'risk assessment' ordered by Newsom ahead of resentencing hearing. RUNAWAY BRIDE: Fugitive wife of slain fire captain served time for ex's death as manhunt extends beyond US borders. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB FAMILIAR TERRITORY: Suspected serial killer's 1980s summer job may have been road map to murders: prosecutors. HOUSE OF HORROR: Savage timeline in Princeton preppy murder could bolster insanity defense for suspect brother: expert.
