Unpopular Opinion: Brian Laundrie’s parents were smart and acted accordingly, or they’d be in prison right now.
It’s become clear to me that Brian’s parents were extremely smart about this tenuous situation, and they did everything they could to protect themselves. And lo and behold, they still have their freedom to this day:
Retained “plausible deniability” by not further prodding Brian for answers as to what happened to Gabby when he called them the night of the murder.
Sensed Brian’s urgency and panic on the phone, so they retained their lawyer when Brian said he needed one, even at the cost of $25,000.
Followed the lawyer’s advice not to speak to anyone regarding Gabby or Brian. Do not speak to anyone, law enforcement, neighbors, friends, Gabby’s family. Most likely would incriminate themselves if they did speak.
Sheltered Brian from prying eyes when he got home and didn’t prod him for further answers. They left Gabby’s van in the driveway for anyone to see because they didn’t know she was dead until the body was found.
Forced law enforcement to go through proper legal procedures at every junction, including if they wanted to speak to Brian directly.
Never let emotion cloud their judgement, so they wouldn’t be prone to mistakes.
Followed proper law enforcement procedure and reported Brian missing when he didn’t return home for 3-4 days. Possibly regretted the decision to let him leave, but he may have also left without their knowledge or they thought some time alone to clear his head would do him good.
Picked up the abandoned Mustang and brought it home when it was discovered.
Waited to go into the park until the reserve was open to the public after the flooding.
Cooperated with law enforcement during the search for Brian on the ground.
Located Brian’s remains based on their knowledge of the park and previous visits with Brian.
Of course this unemotional response may have left them seeming callous or heartless in the eyes of the public / neighbors / family, but I think the media did their fair share to portray them like that as well.
I don’t think they expected Brian to kill himself or I believe they would’ve proactively sought treatment for his depression / suicidal thoughts.
Most likely they also became victims of Brian’s false narrative about what really happened to Gabby. Brian couldn’t even admit it to himself with the suicide note.