Brian Laundrie ‘motive’ could be exposed by body cam footage if he stands trial, lawyer says
BRIAN Laundrie’s past domestic incidents could be used as evidence against him if he’s found by the FBI, a lawyer has said.
The 23-year-old has managed to dodge authorities since he was reported missing on September 17.
Days later, an arrest warrant was issued by the FBI after he allegedly used a bank card belonging to his missing fiance Gabby Petito – whose body was found in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Laundrie allegedly withdrew $1,000 between August 30 and September 1, the days in which Gabby Petito went missing.
Normally, the prosecution isn’t allowed to use a prior crime as evidence to show that just because a defendant has committed a similar crime before means they’ll do it again.
However, certain circumstances in Florida law allows the prosecution to introduce evidence of previous incidents to show possible intent, motive, or knowledge, criminal defense attorney Ajay Pallegar told Fox News.
The court could allow prosecutors to introduce evidence regarding “prior bad acts to show motive, intent, knowledge, modus operandi or lack of mistake,” Pallegar said.
Convictions of old crimes may also be used against a witness if it was a felony charge or shows previous dishonestly.
The couple was pulled over in Moab, Utah on August 12 after witnesses saw a domestic dispute. One of the witnesses said in a 911 call that “the gentleman was slapping the girl,”
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In the bodycam footage, Gabby says she hit Laundrie first.
The two were separated for the night and reunited the next morning.
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Gabby was reported missing a month later on September 11 and her remains were found days later on September 19.
Laundrie returned to his home of North Port, Florida on September 1. His parents say that haven’t seen him since September 13.
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