The intent: to give other victims the resources to protect themselves and escape violent relationships.
Schmidt learned that her daughter was in an abusive relationship in 2021, after Petito and her boyfriend,Brian Laundriespent the summer traveling across the country in a white van together,documenting their adventures on YouTubealong the way.
Soon, Petito stopped responding to messages. On Sept. 1, Laundrie quietly returned to his parents' home in North Port, Fla., with their van but without Petito. Ten days later, Schmidt reported her daughter missing.
Days after Petito’s body was discovered, the U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued awarrant for Laundrie’s arrestin relation to activities that occurred after Petito’s death — not for her death itself.
Laundrie was never arrested on the Wyoming charges or charged with the disappearance and murder of Petito. On Oct. 20,his remains were discoveredin a Florida nature park alongside his backpack and notebook. He had killed himself and left behind a confession about killing Petito.
“She touched the world, right?” Schmidt toldToday. “This whole tragedy that happened is for a higher purpose. That’s what keeps me going.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
