LAL #054 — The Missing Gabby Petito and the Right to Remain Silent

Social media is abuzz just now about the disappearance of Gabby Petito. Why isn't her boyfriend talking to police? Why won't he talk to Gabby's family?  Doesn't he have some explaining to do? Yes, and no. Ms. Petito and Brian Laundrie were childhood sweethearts. The couple, in their early 20s, set out on a months-long road trip earlier this summer, hoping to cross the country and visit some of the nation's most beautiful national parks. Their trip ended dramatically when Mr. Laundrie returned to Florida alone, with Gabby's van, on September 1st. Where was Gabby? Mr. Laundrie refused to talk to police and to Gabby's family, sparking outrage. How dare he refuse to speak? What's he hiding? Doesn't this prove he is guilty of foul play? Maybe. But maybe he's just got a good lawyer. The Fifth Amendment give him the right not to testify, and no one can compel his to speak if his words would tend to implicate him in a crime. Nothing makes you a suspect quite as quickly as being the last person to see a missing person before the person disappeared. This podcast explores why pleading the Fifth makes sense in this case, even if Mr. Laundrie is guilty of foul play. It also raises the possibility that Mr. Laundrie might be innocent, but afraid that what he knows could hurt him were he to blurt it out. As I write this, Mr. Laundrie has himself turned up missing. Rate Law and Legitimacy six stars on your respective platforms. We'll perhaps settle for five. And join Norm on Patreon. Thank you to each of you who already do! An enhanced podcast experience is around the corner.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/norm-pattis/support