# Van lifer goes missing on cross country trip with fiancee **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 13, 2021, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604 "2021-09-13T13:48:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/101 "2021-09-16T17:31:52Z")
The van was hers. Maybe they can put him in jail for grand theft auto while they investigate. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/102 "2021-09-16T17:35:27Z")
> [@Oredigger77](#): > > It could have even been something as dumb as they had a fight and she went for a hike to cool down and he figured fuck it and drove off and left her there. Or she walked off in the dark, fell off a cliff and he’s thinking, “Oh crap, they’ll never believe me.” and he takes off. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/103 "2021-09-16T17:39:46Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > Nothing wrong with lawyering up; the problem is lawyering up and not cooperating or even attempting to assist in an investigation of a person he knows intimately. Tell that to the [“dingos took my baby”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Azaria_Chamberlain) mom. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/104 "2021-09-16T17:40:59Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I’m not wondering _yet_ about an arrest, but about establishing that there has even been a **crime**. It’s usually used more in the context of stopping people, frisking people, and the like, but reasonable suspicion would fit I think. > **[Reasonable suspicion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reasonable_suspicion)** > > Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard of proof in United States law that is less than probable cause, the legal standard for arrests and warrants, but more than an "inchoate and unparticularized suspicion or 'hunch'"; it must be based on "specific and articulable facts", "taken together with rational inferences from those facts", and the suspicion must be associated with the specific individual. If police additionally have reasonable suspicion that a person so detained is armed and da In Terry... I don’t know if there is another term meaning ‘we think a crime has been committed but have no suspects.’ ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/105 "2021-09-16T17:42:04Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > > [@Oredigger77](#): > > > > It could have even been something as dumb as they had a fight and she went for a hike to cool down and he figured fuck it and drove off and left her there. > > Or she walked off in the dark, fell off a cliff and he’s thinking, “Oh crap, they’ll never believe me.” and he takes off. I think in both situations, there’d be a crime. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/106 "2021-09-16T17:44:07Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I think in both situations, there’d be a crime. Maybe not. IANAL but I believe there needs to be a legal (not moral) duty to help. I honestly don’t know if because of their relationship he had the duty to help. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/107 "2021-09-16T18:01:15Z")
I didn’t realize the van was clearly in her name, if that was the case any scenario where he “drove off without her” likely would be considered theft. While he can probably argue she allowed him use of the van as they cohabitated in it, it’d be unlikely that a court would assume such permissive use extended to “taking the van away from her permanently and driving it cross country without her.” ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/108 "2021-09-16T18:14:31Z")
Yeah, the fact that it’s not his van is what really, I don’t know, I guess raises the stakes? It certainly makes it hard to put any stock in a hypothetical that he just ditched her, either in a safe location or not. If someone shows up weeks later in my car, with me nowhere to be found, go ahead and assume the worst. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/109 "2021-09-16T19:25:00Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Why is everyone assuming he killed her? The simplest explanation involves an argument and a parting of ways. I’m gonna go back and watch the whole body-cam vid when I got nothing better going on, but the 30 seconds or so they showed on the news, I could _totally_ understand that happening. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/110 "2021-09-16T19:50:25Z")
It’s a difficult video to watch. Gabby needs to get treatment for her anxiety and ocd. I’ve been looking at the police photos of the van. It’s obviously been washed. They haven’t shown the inside. It’s probably been cleaned too. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/111 "2021-09-16T19:51:39Z")
With ‘maybe she just wanted to disappear and he agreed to help’ angle, is missing persons report enough to get a warrant for her phone data? Or his? ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/112 "2021-09-16T20:00:00Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s obviously been washed. They haven’t shown the inside. It’s probably been cleaned too. As someone mentioned up thread - they both lived in the van. A lack of trace evidence of Gabby would actually be more incriminating. Assuming he: a) killed her b) in the van anything short of a huge bloodstain would be fairly easy to “reasonable doubt” away. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/113 "2021-09-16T21:27:17Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The authorities are one thing; he should at least tell her family what he knows. > [@kayaker](#): > > Sure, to be polite. _Polite_? They’re suffering. I think it involves more than mere courtesy. And apparently, Laundrie’s family is also refusing to speak to law enforcement. I think [this letter](https://www.insider.com/gabby-petito-family-brian-laundrie-family-help-any-decency-left-2021-9) from the Petitos gives a glimpse of the kind of pain they’re in: > Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, > > We are writing this letter to ask you to help find our beautiful daughter. We understand you are going through a difficult time and your instinct to protect your son is strong. We. ask you to put yourselves in our shoes. We haven’t been able to sleep or eat and our lives are falling apart. > > We believe you know the location where Brian left Gabby. We beg you to tell us. As a parent how could you let us go through this pain and not help us. As a parent how could you put Gabby’s younger brothers and sisters though this. > > Gabby lived with you for over a year. She was going to be your daughter in law. How can you keep her location hidden? You were both at Jim and Nichole’s house. You were both S0 happy that Brian and Gabby got engaged and were planning to spend their lives together. Please, if you or your family has any decency left, please tell us. ‘where Gabby is located. Tell us if we are even looking in the right place. > > All we want is Gabby to come home. Please help us make that happen. > > [signed] > > Jim Schmidt Joe Petito Nichole Schmidt Tara Petito and from [a previous statement:](https://www.thecut.com/2021/09/disappearance-of-gabby-petito-what-we-know.html) > Brian, how could you do this to Gabby? You selfishly remain silent while Gabby is all alone in the wilderness. > > Brian, your silence is reprehensible! We beg you to do the right thing and help us bring Gabby home. > > Brian, whatever happened in Wyoming, happened. The only thing you can control is what you do now. Tell us where Gabby is. You tarnish your love for her with your silence. Maybe the smart thing to do if he wants to save his own skin is to refuse to provide any information, but it sure as hell isn’t the morally right thing to do. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/114 "2021-09-16T21:28:11Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > As someone mentioned up thread - they both lived in the van. A lack of trace evidence of Gabby would actually be more incriminating. Unless he returned and had the vehicle detailed. There was significant time between the kid’s return and the van being impounded. Seriously, regardless of how this turns out, I Won’t Be Surprised. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/115 "2021-09-16T21:30:50Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Seriously, regardless of how this turns out, I Won’t Be Surprised I’d be seriously surprised if she showed up at her parent’s house in an Uber. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/116 "2021-09-16T21:39:58Z")
Right the idea that she legally gifted her boyfriend her van, so that he could abandon her in the wilderness, and then this digitally connected young woman who has been documenting her life online in public social media posts, goes completely incommunicado on all of her social accounts, cell phone, financial accounts etc because she’s on an extended “break” from society is highly unlikely. I think the idea that that is “equally as likely” as foul play is extremely naive. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/117 "2021-09-16T21:41:38Z")
Really? People are weird, relationships make things weirder. Maybe her dad abused her and she’s acting out in an attempt to whatever. Relationships can be really, really strange. And I’m drunk/high making this observation which seems incredibly obvious. When people interact with other people, all bets are off. So far the only evidence of abuse was the admission the missing girl slapped her (ex?) fiancé. Wait and see how this plays out. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/118 "2021-09-16T22:51:59Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > Bodycam video (note it’s an hour and 17 minutes long): Just watched The Whole Thing: Observations… 1. That cop’s wife is gonna kill him! 2. I very much doubt that Yogurt Boy killed her, even if he wanted to 3. Worst episode of _Law & Order_ ever! 4. Jesus Christ! Wrap it up, already! What? Was this some kind of training exercise? 5. Body-Cam cop is wearing sunglasses over his eyes… with a second pair on his hat. What happened to Gabby? No idea. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/119 "2021-09-16T23:22:22Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > And I’m drunk/high making this observation This is a key point to remember when reading postings by **kayaker**. Doing so helps keep my blood pressure down. And helps me follow his reasoning. ;-D ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2021, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604/120 "2021-09-16T23:26:01Z")
I’ve seen reports that Brian flew back to Florida Aug 17 and returned 23? He may have left because of the blow up with Gabby. Then changed his mind and came back. It’s not been officially confirmed. I can see him returning and the emotional fights resumed. There’s also a strange coincidence that 2 women campers (newlyweds Crystal Turner Kylen Schulte) were murdered in Moeb Aug 16. Schulte was a cashier at the Moonflower Community Cooperative. That’s where Gabby and Brian had their fight. > **[Kylen Schulte & Crystal Turner: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know](https://heavy.com/news/kylen-schulte-crystal-turner/)** > > Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner are a Utah couple who were found murdered at their camp site in Moab, Utah. Short 9 min video. Mike is a retired homicide detective. He mentions the possibility that Brian flew back to Florida and the murders of the newlywed couple. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/FGnNI6Xzexw/maxresdefault.jpg "Gabby Petito Police Report | Profiling Evil") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGnNI6Xzexw) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/van-lifer-goes-missing-on-cross-country-trip-with-fiancee/950604.md?page=7)