Episode Summary:
Gabby Petito had a dream — to explore the world and document her journey on YouTube with the person she loved. But her story became a viral tragedy that shocked the world. In this episode of Criminal Motives, we go beyond the headlines to explore the manipulative dynamics between Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie — from early signs of emotional abuse, to the toxic influence of Brian’s family, to the heartbreaking unraveling that led to a nationwide manhunt.
We dive deep into trauma bonding, isolation, manipulation, and the failure of law enforcement to properly assess danger in toxic relationships. This isn't just a true crime story — it’s a warning, a pattern, and a plea for better support for those in emotionally abusive situations.
If you or someone you know is in a toxic or abusive relationship, you're not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Healing starts with support.
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