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Additional criminal charges against Florida fugitive Brian Laundrie are “extremely likely” in Gabby Petito’s death – if he is found alive, according to a Sunshine state prosecutor.
“It happens,” said David Aronberg, state prosecutor for Palm Beach County, adding that Laundrie’s decision to flee would also hurt his case if he was ever arrested and charged.
“At trial, his theft may come back to haunt him because prosecutors can point it out,” Aronberg said at a recent press conference. interview with News Nation Now.
“In fact, it’s even in some jury instruction that says if you run away it’s guilt conscience and juries hate it when you run away,” he said.
Laundrie, 23, has been on the run since his parents said he left their North Port home and went for a hike on September 14 and never returned.
He refused to cooperate with police after returning home from the couple’s unfortunate cross-country trip without Petito, a 22-year-old Long Island native, on September 1.
Petito’s body was found in a Wyoming campground on September 19, with a coroner declaring his death a homicide – although the cause was not disclosed.
The FBI carried out a massive manhunt for Laundrie and raided Laundrie’s house last month, coming back at least twice more for evidence.
Although Laundrie was not charged in his death, he is the subject of a Wyoming federal fraud warrant for allegedly using someone else’s bank card to pocket at least $ 1,000 in cash. and in goods.
Federal authorities have not disclosed whether it was Petito’s card.
According to Aronberg, Laundrie’s parents, Chris and Roberta, could also be involved in the case if it turns out they helped their son escape or cover up a crime.
“Brian Laundrie’s parents, they did everything to incriminate themselves in the court of public opinion,” prosecutors said. “But in court, it’s different.
“Under the law, to be charged with aiding and abetting after the fact, you have to know that Brian has committed a crime and then you have to do something to prevent his punishment or arrest,” he said.
“So, for example, if they disinfect the van, it will make them addicted to a crime,” he added. “If they were hiding evidence, if they bought him a plane ticket to leave town because they knew he was involved in a crime, then you would see prosecutors preparing to press charges immediately. But we don’t have that proof yet.
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