Brian Laundrie. Dead.

I predicted this would happen.

About a month ago, I wrote a piece on Medium asking “Where is Brian Laundrie?” Now, we have our answer and I’m not surprised. Laundrie was found in a place in the reserve that had been recently flooded. When the waters receded, a notebook, backpack, and human remains were discovered. Upon further analysis, it was determined that the remains were Laundrie’s. Now we only have to wait to learn how he died and how long ago it happened.

I’m not surprised that Laundrie is dead. I predicted his death would happen over a month ago. In most cases, when a man murders a woman, he usually offs himself immediately after committing the crime. It’s so easy for men to kill, but much harder for them to face the consequences. They’d rather face an eternity in Purgatory (or wherever their spirits go) than face a jury of their peers.

Gabby Petito was strangled. Laundrie became the prime suspect once the cause of death had been announced. Did Laundrie hear about the autopsy report? Is that when he killed himself? Or was he dead long before the results were announced? Either way, he’s gone and only his personal belongings may shed some light on this gruesome crime.

I can’t wait to learn what was in the notebook found with Laundrie’s remains. What did he write when he was on the run? Did he leave behind a suicide note? Did he write an apology to Petito’s family? Did he write a note to his family? Is there a confession in the notebook? What caused Laundrie to murder Petito?

Next is the backpack. What are its contents? Is there any additional evidence connecting Laundrie with Petito’s murder? I can’t wait for the police to give a press conference about Laundrie’s belongings. The information the notebook and backpack contain will surely have everyone talking for weeks to come. In any event, another sad chapter in the long history of violence against women comes to an end.

Parents, husbands, fathers, boyfriends — if you have sons raise them to respect girls and women. Raise them to treat girls and women as allies and partners. Raise them to understand that any form of violence is wrong — especially against girls and women. Raise your sons to be compassionate and gentle. Raise your sons to use their strength to build — not destroy. Raise your sons to know that if they have mental health issues that it’s ok to seek professional help. Raise your sons to understand that seeking help does not make them weak — or less of a man. Raise your sons to not raise their hand against a girl or woman. Raise them to be better than you.