Vaccine Requirements at Regis University

Charlie Means, Staff Writer

Regis has partnered with Tepeyac Community Health Center to provide free vaccines for all students at Regis, allowing students to protect themselves against a host of illnesses. However, the federal government has recently been steadily working to make it harder to obtain vaccines. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the new Covid vaccine, but only made it accessible to people 65 or older, or to those that have pre-existing health problems. This is a drastic shift from the previous administration, which made the vaccine available to everyone. This reduction of vaccine accessibility is beginning to influence individual states throughout the country. For example, the state of Florida is moving to end all vaccine mandates. This sort of attitude towards vaccines can make it harder for populations to gain herd immunity to diseases and could see certain diseases and illnesses develop mutations that make vaccines less effective.

Stephanie James is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Regis, and helped run the vaccine program on campus. Dr. James said that the number of students that have gotten vaccines have gone down since the pandemic ended. This can be attributed to our increased distance from the height of the pandemic, and the former abundance of vaccine clinics and appointment availability. However, I think that numbers are also going down this year due to actions by the federal government. Again, this part is purely speculative, but I do think that there is a chance it might play a part in numbers going down.

Another reason that vaccine participation has gone down over the years is the rise in vaccine skepticism, which I understand. Having someone stick a needle in you and put something in your body that you might not know a lot about can be frightening. But, I do think that a big reason that vaccine skepticism is on the rise is the amount of misinformation that is easily accessible. With this convenient, never-ending source of information, people not only become skeptical of vaccines in their own systems, but also begin to not want them on the market at all, making a bigger impact than if it was just their personal choice. 

Dr. James told me that the rise in skepticism and misinformation is a big concern within the scientific community at the moment. Dr. James talked about how a potential solution would be to implement more exercises in schools, even at the middle school level, about teaching students how to evaluate if a source is credible and teaching young students how to find evidence based data. I think this is a fantastic idea as it would allow people to continue to make their own choices, while also providing them with the tools to make the best possible choices for them, be it getting vaccinated or not.

To wrap things up, if you are interested in getting vaccinated, or if you want to find out more about vaccines, here is a list of resources I’d recommend:

• The official Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website

• Immunization Information for Children 

• The American Institute of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

The Murder of Gabby Petito: An Anxious Girlfriend's Worst Nightmare

Austin Price, Editor in Chief

WARNING: This article contains graphic content with descriptions of domestic violence, domestic abuse, murder, and suicide. Please read at your own discretion.  

Gabby Petitio was an all-American, Barbie Doll of a girl. From her bleach blonde hair to her bright blue eyes, with her tanned, clear skin, and thin build, Gabby was the “it” girl. With a picture-perfect physique, always complete with her signature smile, Gabby was the girl the rest of us wish we could be like. The girl the rest of us wish we could look like. The girl the rest of us wish we could act like. However, she is the girl that the rest of us do not want to die like. Gabrielle Venora Petito died sometime between August 27th and September 1st, 2021, at the hands of her fiancé, Brian Laundrie.  

Before we continue, I’d like to make a few things clear. First, Gabby Petito was a victim of domestic violence, emotional and verbal abuse, gaslighting, intimidation, and threats, all from her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. As you read this story, please remember something. Nothing that happened to Gabby was her fault. She did not choose her fate; she did not force the outcome to be the way it was. Gabby did not control her torturous end and deserves respect and understanding as we tell her story. Gabby did not deserve to die, and both she and her family should be given dignity, compassion, and love.  

Second, Brian Laundrie killed Gabby. There are many speculations, and unhinged conspiracy theories about the cause of Gabby’s death. But before we proceed, I need you all to understand that Brian is the reason Gabby is dead. Her death was not caused by natural causes, mental illnesses, or self-inflicted pain. Her death was caused by the savage brutality of a narcissistic, predatory abuser. Brian Laundrie is guilty, and his family helped him cover up his crime. The Laundrie Family are the villains in this story and should not be admired or pitied.  

Third, despite her demise, Gabby Petito is the hero of this story. Her surviving family are also heroes, but without Gabby’s guidance, they could not honor her with the same amount of progression, education, and awareness as they are now. Gabby Petito’s family created the Gabby Petito Foundation, designed to offer support, transparency, and advocacy for domestic violence victims and their families. The family operates with active efforts to prevent Gabby’s tragic ending from happening to another young girl and deserves support and respect in their efforts.  

With all of these things in mind, I encourage you to read on. To embrace this story with an open mind, an empathetic heart, and a non-judgmental attitude. Gabby’s story is a cautionary tale for many young people in abusive relationships. Her death should not be forgotten, nor should it be ridiculed. Rather, her death deserves our curiosity, sensitivity, and compassion.  

When I initially heard Gabby’s story, the first thing I thought of was myself. Sounds selfish, I know, but as an avid consumer of true crime, I often find myself listening to stories of murder and death and thinking “Oh that could never happen to me!”. However, as I listened to Gabby’s story, an insidious pool of dread flowed through me. Gabby was just like me. I am just like Gabby. Our characteristics, attributes, passions, and responses are uncanny to an unsettling degree. My story, and life, could have ended just as easily as Gabby’s. From her passions and dreams, to her anxieties and fears, I see myself in Gabby and that is why I want to tell her story with clarity, humanity, and fearlessness.  

Gabby Petito 

Gabrielle Venora Petito was an American travel blogger and pharmacy technician from Suffolk County, New York. Known by her friends and family as simply “Gabby”, she was born and raised in Blue Point, New York. With 6 younger siblings and half-siblings, Gabby was the ringleader in sibling shenanigans and was a ray of light in the family dynamic. Her sunshine personality gave her a large group of close friends, and many cherished high school memories. However, there was a snake in the grass in Gabby’s social circle. Enter Brian Laundrie.  

Brian Laundrie 

Brian Laundrie grew up less than two miles from Gabby Petito, whom he met when he was a junior and she was a sophomore at Bayport Blue Point High School. The couple began dating in March 2019, and the relationship intensified when Gabby moved in with Brian and his parents, Chris and Roberta Laundrie. In this move, Gabby gave up many close friendships, strained the existing relationships within her family, and halted her search for higher education, by abandoning her application to Cape Fear Community College. 

Relationship Milestones  

The fast pace of Gabby and Brian’s relationship was the first of many red flags. In relocating to be with Brian and his family, Gabby moved from her beloved hometown of Suffolk County, New York, to North Port, Florida. During this time, the couple worked at a Publix, where Gabby was a pharmacy technician, and Brian worked in the grocery department. The couple held down their jobs for around a year and quit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

As the world desperately tried to adapt to the unprecedented times and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian and Gabby began to spend more time together. They celebrated Gabby’s 21st birthday in Nokomis Florida, and by July 2020, the couple was officially engaged. As quarantines were put into place, and cities were under lockdown, Gabby, like many of us, turned to the internet for entertainment and company. In doing so, Gabby began to discover the world of travel vlogging. Gabby drew inspiration from this lifestyle and dedicated the next few months of her life to saving up for the start-up costs of becoming a full-time travel vlogger.  

In December of 2020, Petito purchased a 2012 Ford Transit Connect van that had been converted into a camper. This vehicle eventually served as the main mode of transportation for the couple’s cross-country trips. Through the makeshift conversion from van to mobile home, the couple were ready to embark on Gabby’s new influencer lifestyle. Petito documented her life and travels on social media sites such as YouTube and Instagram, where she described her interests as "art, yoga, and veggies,”.  

When Gabby shared the news of her upcoming career and lifestyle change, her family was supportive of her creative endeavors. "She always had that creative eye," stepmother Tara Petito said. "She always enjoyed taking photos. We would go on vacation, and she had her GoPro camera. "She would take videos of us doing things. So, I think that's something that she always really enjoyed doing. So why not try to make it a career?”. Before Gabby and Brian officially began their cross-country travels, they returned to New York for Gabby’s brother TJ's high school graduation. This gathering was the last time the Petito family would see Gabby.  

Road Trip 

On July 2, 2021, the couple left Blue Point for their trip. Throughout the month of July, the couple visited Monument Rocks, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Mystic Hot Springs, and Canyonlands National Park. These trips were documented in Gabby’s only published YouTube video, titled “VAN LIFE | Beginning Our Van Life Journey.” Gabby’s YouTube channel, Nomadic Statik, is still accessible on YouTube. The singular video posted is a harrowing reminder of the tragic events to come, and the unexpectedness of future brutality.  

As the young couple continued their new nomadic lifestyle, the cracks in their relationship began to show. What had initially started as emotional abuse behind closed doors, Brian started to intensify his cruelty towards Gabby with verbal threats, physical confrontation, and manipulative tactics. Early in the relationship, Gabby’s friends expressed concern over Brian’s toxic levels of control over Gabby. Gabby dismissed the concerns of her friends, and as the saying goes, she was blinded by love.  

Gabby’s defense of Brian would ultimately lead to her demise. As we continue with the story, I want to remind everyone that Gabby’s death was not her fault. She did not deserve this treatment and certainly did not deserve to die. Brian was a monster and extinguished a beautiful soul with savagery and barbarity.  

Domestic Disturbance Incident  

On August 12th, 2021, nearly a month after the couple attended Gabby’s brothers' graduation, the veil covering Brian’s true tendencies was revealed to the public. A 911 call regarding domestic violence, which was later revealed to feature Gabby and Brian, was made when the couple was seen fighting in front of the Moonflower Community Cooperative in Moab, Utah. The caller stated that they saw a man slap a woman, after which the man and woman ran up and down the sidewalk, then the man hit the woman again before they drove off together. An additional witness stated that the couple was “talking aggressively” and claimed that Petito hit Laundrie in the arm. This witness also said that Brian seemed to be getting away from Gabby, with the intention of leaving her stranded there, while he drove away in their van. However, before the couple departed, Gabby climbed into the driver’s seat, crawled over to the passenger seat, and let Brian start to drive. Gabby’s final remark in this interaction was allegedly asking Brian “Why do you have to be so mean?”.  

As the couple drove away, officers from the Moab City Police Department (MCPD) identified the van driving erratically near the entrance to Arches National Park and conducted a traffic stop. As the officers approached the van, the entire interaction was recorded by the officer’s body camera. The interaction between the officers and the couple is worrisome and shows the disregard the authorities had for Gabby in a vulnerable situation. In the body cam footage, both Gabby and Brian are questioned by officers.  

As I watched this video, there were several key moments that signified the danger behind their relationship, and the signs of abuse and manipulation at play. In delving into the video, male privilege is utilized by Brian, in his relaxed stance and burgeoning rapport with the officers. As officers speak to Brian, a charming glamour masks his aggression, with a casual “buddy to buddy” conversation with officers.  

Brian downplays the situation in speaking to officers, claiming that Gabby was stressed and emotional. This defense uses a tired tactic of accusing women’s high emotional maturity as a catalyst for disaster and upset. Using a silver tongue of manipulation, Brian earns trust and respect from the officers, by playing towards their own personal experiences with women in their lives such as their wives, mothers, and sisters. Throughout this charming interaction between Brian and the authorities, Gabby sits in the police car, sobbing hysterically and experiencing a mental breakdown.  

The conversation Gabby has with police officers is a conversation I relate to greatly. It is a vulnerable outburst with a repeated chant of “I’m sorrys” and personal blame. Between heaving signs and hiccupped words, Gabby exhibits high levels of anxiety, shame, and fear. Body cams recorded Gabby saying the following, “Yeah, I don't know if some days, I have really bad OCD. I was just cleaning and straightening up, back in the... I was apologizing to him and saying, ‘I'm sorry that I'm so mean,’ because sometimes I have OCD and sometimes I can get really frustrated. Not like mean towards him. I just like, I just, my vibe is, I'm in a bad mood. And, I was just saying I'm sorry if I'm in a bad mood. I just... I had so much work I was doing on my computer this morning. And, I just now quit my job to travel across the country and I'm trying to start a blog. I have a blog. So I've been building my website. I've been really stressed, and he doesn't really believe that I could do any of it, so, we've just been fighting all morning, and he wouldn't let me in the car before,”.  

The responding officer noted in his report that “At no point in my investigation did Gabrielle stop crying, breathing heavily, or compose a sentence without needing to wipe away tears, wipe her nose, or rub her knees with her hands,”. The level of panic Gabby was feeling was callously ignored by officers, allowing Brian to continue his onslaught of emotional abuse.  

Once again, this is Gabby’s story, but I’d like to chime in with my own personal anecdotes. I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), among other things. Some of the most common episodes of panic that come with these mental illnesses are the debilitating breakdowns that Gabby was dealing with in this situation. When I have experienced these panic attacks, your entire body and spirit are tied down by unrelenting, constant thoughts of fear, worry, restlessness, and edginess. The body and mind are no longer in control; the mental illness is.  

In these episodes, the cyclical thoughts of worry are amplified to block out logic and reason, with fear as the driving force. The overwhelming experience of a panic attack is like the physical sensation of being waterboarded, with more and more distress being added on, with no time to rest in between. All control over yourself is lost to the panic of the moment, and this lack of control adds fuel to the fire, creating a repetitive onslaught of excessive, persistent, and unrealistic thoughts. During a panic attack, the best way to support someone is to remain calm, validate their feelings, offer reassurance, guide them through breathing and grounding exercises, and most importantly, be patient with them. Unfortunately, the responding officer to the domestic dispute offered none of these tactics, and interrogated Gabby with an air of indifference with no regard to her mental crisis.  

Law enforcement is often portrayed as something to fear, rather than something to help, and the interaction between Gabby and this officer reinforces this reasoning. Rather than offer emotional support and empathy to her situation, the officer proceeded with repetitive questioning, without giving Gabby a chance to rest or properly defend herself. A confrontation with an authority figure is scary for anyone, but for someone with anxiety, it is a nightmare, sustained by the fear that something you say will be misconstrued and will hurt you more than being silent. Sadly for Gabby, this nightmare became her reality.  

As the interaction with the police came to an end, Brian had convinced the officers that he was innocent, and that things just got a little out of hand. The officers dismissed Gabby’s emotional outburst as a mental breakdown, rather than as a call for help. Neither Petito nor Laundrie wanted to press charges as a result of the incident, which was characterized by police as a mental breakdown rather than domestic violence, which would have required an arrest. The police separated the couple, arranging for Laundrie to spend a night at the Bowen Motel in Moab, and for Petito to stay in the van. This choice for physical separation showed the officers obvious favor towards Brian, by offering him a night in a nice, safe, temperature-controlled hotel room with access to food, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Meanwhile, they left Gabby, a small, young woman alone in a van in Utah for the night with no safety equipment or security procedures in place. The Moab City Police Department (MCPD) later investigated whether or not its officers handled the case in accordance with the department's policies, and its chief of police took a leave of absence during the investigation. I don’t know about you, but to me, that screams guilt. The officers did not respond to the call without bias, and chose to favor one individual over the other, without proper consideration or follow through.  

Last Reported Sighting of Gabby  

After the domestic dispute incident, the couple spent several days apart. On August 17th, just 5 days after the reported “mental breakdown”, Brian flew to Tampa, Florida, leaving Gabby in Moab, Utah. Brian’s untimely trip away from his fiancé seemed suspicious. Laundrie’s family attorney said that Brian made the trip to "obtain some items and empty and close the storage unit to save money as they contemplated extending the road trip". Brian returned on August 23 to rejoin Gabby and continue their trip.  

Gabby Petito's mother, Nichole Schmidt, claims that the last time she spoke to her daughter was on a phone call on August 25th. During this conversation, Gabby updated her mother on the trip, saying that she and Brian were on their way to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Gabby made no mention of the domestic dispute incident during the call and did not tell her mother about Brian's growing aggression. Gabby also made her last Instagram post on August 25th. It consisted of photos of herself taken in front of a butterfly mural outside a restaurant in Ogden, Utah.  

Two days after her final Instagram post, on August 27th, another public dispute occurred. A witness said that the afternoon of the 27th, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., they saw Laundrie and Petito together at the Merry Piglets Tex-Mex restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Per the witness, Laundrie was "aggressive" and had an argument (apparently regarding money) with the manager, waitress, and hostess. The witness said she later saw Petito return to the restaurant, crying and apologizing for Laundrie's behavior. Restaurant staff confirmed via Instagram that the couple were indeed there.  

Later that day, another interaction between the couple was captured, signaling the very last time that Gabby Petito was seen alive. Petito and Laundrie were filmed by CCTV at a Whole Foods store in Jackson, Wyoming. They arrived at the parking lot at 2:11 p.m. and entered the store at 2:14 p.m. before exiting at 2:30 p.m. and heading back into the van. After about 20 minutes of sitting in the van, they eventually drove away and got on Highway 89, the road north to Bridger–Teton National Forest campsite at 2:56 p.m. Following this interaction, there were no known further sightings of Petito before her death.  

An Empty Block of Time  

After the couple got on Highway 89 on the afternoon of August 27th, there were no confirmed sightings of the couple, alone or separately for several days. While the couple was missing, a witness claimed to have seen their van vacant and deserted. The surrounding area was without any occupants or signs of camping near Spread Creek. This same witness claimed they had previously seen a "generic" young white man, believed to be Laundrie, driving his van slowly and "acting weird" in the same area on August 26th. From the afternoon of August 27th to the evening of August 29th, there were no sightings of Petito or Laundrie.  

On August 29th, a witness reported picking Laundrie up from an area near Colter Bay Village after seeing him hitchhiking alone. She said that Laundrie "freaked out" upon learning that they were going to Jackson Hole instead of Jackson, Wyoming, disembarking the vehicle at 6:09 p.m. near the Jackson Lake Dam less than 30 minutes and 10 mi (16 km) after being picked up. Shortly after his first hitchhiking excursion, Laundrie joined another witness in her vehicle. The second witness stated that she picked up Laundrie from the Jackson Lake Dam area at 6:20 or 6:30 p.m. on August 29, dropping him off at the entrance to the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping area. Laundrie offered gas money for the 20-minute ride but did not want to be taken further than the entrance of the campground, which was several miles from the van. According to the witness, Laundrie acted "antsy" about getting out of the vehicle as it got closer to the campsite.  

Family Secrets 

Once Laundrie returned to the van he called his mother. While the precise details of the conversation are unknown, reports say that towards the end of the phone conversation, Laundrie’s tone rapidly changed into one of intensity and anger. After this phone call, Laundrie texted his father, “Gabby’s gone” and mentioned that he may need a lawyer. On September 1st, Laundrie returned alone to his parents' North Port home in the Ford Transit Connect. On September 6th and 7th, he and his parents went camping at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County.  

Before we continue onto the investigation, let’s examine the peculiarities present amongst Brian and his family. It’s important to note that in most cases, when a child frantically calls their parent asking for help, the parent provides help. That’s standard familial behavior between child and guardian. So, I completely understand the “no questions asked, what do you need” mentality that Laundrie’s parents were operating under. However, after the initial agreement to help, I think the Laundrie couple took their mother and fatherly instincts too far. At the time, the Laundrie’s responded to Brian’s return and plea for help by immediately hiring a lawyer for him and laying low in their North Port home.   

Revealed later in the investigation, Brian’s parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, withheld information from Gabby’s parents, and from law enforcement. At the time, the Laundrie’s responded to Brian’s return and plea for help by immediately hiring a lawyer for him and laying low in their North Port home.  Then, on September 6th and 7th, he and his parents went camping at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County. During this time, the Laundrie family made no effort to contact law enforcement, or Gabby Petito’s family. They continued to follow their normal routine, go on family trips, and behave in a way that seems hypocritical to the heinous crime Brian had committed.  

On September 11th, after not hearing from Petito since late August, Petito's mother filed a missing person report. Four days later, Laundrie was named a person of interest. Under the advice of his lawyer, Brian and his family stayed silent, refusing to comment or speculate on Gabby’s disappearance. While the police could not force the Laundrie family to speak, they were able to implement 24/7 surveillance of the family. Unfortunately, the surveillance team made a pretty big mistake. Police surveilled the Laundrie home and saw him leave on September 13th. On September 17th, Laundrie was reported missing by his parents, who claimed not to have seen him since September 13th. It was at this time that the police realized that they had mistaken Laundrie's mother for Laundrie himself on September 13th. Yeah, a pretty big mistake in my opinion as now no information pertaining to Brian Laundrie’s whereabouts is known. Just like Gabby, Brian has disappeared. After obtaining search warrants, police seized the Ford Transit Connect, an external hard drive, and the Laundrie family's Ford Mustang from the North Port residence.  

Gruesome Discoveries 

With both individuals of the couple now missing, search parties began to scour the area where Petito was last seen. On September 19th, human remains matching the description of Petito were found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping area in Wyoming, close to where the couple’s van had been parked in late August. Her identity was confirmed and an autopsy determined that the manner of death was homicide by "blunt-force injuries to the head and neck, with manual strangulation", which occurred three to four weeks before the body was found. The time between Gabby’s last sighting and the discovery of her remains lines up with the last time Brian was with her, alone in the wilderness.  

By this point, Gabby’s remains have been collected and examined but Brian still remains missing. A search for Brian begins, with public outreach from his family to news outlets, pleading him to come home. Brian’s father, Christopher led the search parties through the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County, Florida, focusing on areas Brian used to frequent in the reserve and the adjacent Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. On October 20th, Laundrie's skeletal remains and some of his belongings were found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, in an area that had recently been underwater due to flooding. His remains were given to a forensic anthropologist for further examination. On November 23rd, the anthropologist concluded that Laundrie died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  

On January 21st, 2022, the FBI revealed that Laundrie's notebook, which was found near his remains, contained an entry in which he admitted to killing Petito and deceiving people that she was still alive via text messages. He was officially blamed for Petito's death by authorities, and the investigation was closed. While the police had declared this a closed case, many loose ends were left hanging, and many family members were left with broken hearts.  

Brian’s Admission 

In June 2022, the Laundrie family's lawyer released the full notebook entry, in which Laundrie claims that he killed Petito after she had fallen into water and injured herself. Once the notebook became accessible to the public, speculations began to swarm about the supposedly closed case. As someone who has read the entire transcript, I have some of my own thoughts and speculations regarding Gabby’s final moments. But first, let’s analyze Brian’s version of events.  

To sum it up, Brian’s letter is a pathetic attempt to portray himself as the hero, and to portray Gabby as a casualty of the elements, as the weak link. The entire transcript is deeply unsettling, especially when you consider the tumultuous relationship between the two, and the lack of empathy, patience, and compassion Brian had for Gabby. The entire transcript spans 8 pages, showing a long writing process, with plenty of forethought.  

The letter begins with Brian directly addressing Gabby, as he states that he wishes they were together, and that he can’t stand to live without her. With sappy sweet nothings, and overexaggerated notions of affection, Brian intentionally starts the letter with the focus on not only Gabby, but also on himself. Considering that the first words were “Gabby, I wish I was....” it’s pretty clear that Brian believes this letter is more about boosting his ego, rather than honoring Gabby. The theme of “Gabby, I” is consistent throughout the entire epic, showing that just as in their entire relationship prior, Brian is more concerned with himself and how others perceive him, rather than Gabby, and her overall well-being.  

The letter progresses into recognition of the people Gabby left behind. Her mother, father, siblings, friends, and former coworkers. However, it’s imperative to note that once again, Brian writes with himself at the center of attention, saying that his family is also devastated by her loss, even though the Laundrie family repeatedly withheld information and allowed Brian to escape despite his status as a person of interest in Gabby’s case.  

After addressing his own family and how distressed they are by the entire ordeal, Brian gives his account of the last night of Gabby’s life. In a detailed, lengthy description of her supposed final moments, Brian paints a picture of heroism, showing how he tried to be her knight in shining armor, but that the harsh elements of wilderness and the discomfort Gabby was in, were too much for him to withstand. This incredibly detailed narrative is one that repeatedly portrays Gabby as a “damsel in distress” and as someone too weak to stand up to the climate they were experiencing, unlike her heroic lover, Brian. In his description of Gabby’s demise, Brian depicts himself as a modern-day Romeo, a starstruck lover, tormented by the realities of the world, and controlled by fate that is out of his hands. After several pages detailing the supposedly “weak and fragile” state Gabby was in, Brian writes that he killed her himself, as an act of mercy, designed to end her suffering. In reflecting on her death, Brian once again apologizes to Gabby’s family, for not protecting her from the dangers of the outdoors. He then explains he rushed home to spend time with his family, before he killed himself, and chose to take his own life because he “can’t stand to live another day without her,”.  

Brian ends the letter with a final selfish statement saying ““I have killed myself by this creek in the hopes that animals may tear me apart. That it may make some of her family happy.” This unsettling conclusion once again shows the self-pity that Brian is manifesting, showing a false sense of remorse, and a gross reflection of the couple’s abusive relationship.  

Obviously, there’s a lot to unpack from that letter of twisted love. With such cryptic writing and excessive focus on his own issues, Brian’s admission has garnered attention from mental health professionals, and relationship advocates. In the recovered notebook, Laundrie's diary entries revealed disturbing thoughts about self-harm and mania, including references to smashing holes in walls, pouring gasoline on himself, and wanting to die. Gabby's family believes that these writings and drawings indicate Brian was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Although a formal diagnosis isn't possible, some experts have theorized that Laundrie's behaviors, such as manipulation, disregard for others' rights, and control over Gabby, may be associated with traits of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD). While mental illnesses do not excuse Brian’s horrific actions, they do provide some insight into the instability of his mind, and the breaking down of his control.  

After reading countless articles, examining court documents and transcripts, and watching several documentaries, as well as reflecting on my own mental illnesses and emotional struggles, I personally believe that Brian killed Gabby with anger, brutality, and savagery. I think that because of Gabby’s enhanced needs for affirmation and increased levels of emotional instability, Brian lost his patience and took out his own issues onto the one person he was supposed to protect. I think Brian killed Gabby with full awareness of his actions and ran to his parents for cover once he realized the severity of his crime. Based on the unacceptable and disgusting way the Laundrie family handled Gabby’s disappearance, they served as accomplices in her death. The Laundrie family offered a killer sanctuary, legal protection, and an escape plan, all to avoid the questioning of police, and the scrutiny of the public. My skepticism of Brian’s sincerity is shared by many other researchers, journalists, and crime experts. Michael Alcazar from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice believed Laundrie was "someone who doesn't want to own up to what he did" and was "trying to find justification for the actions he did".   

The life of Gabby Petitio was one of close friendships, nature appreciation, adventurous spirits, and joyous occasions. According to Gabby’s surviving family, she loved travel, art, and nature. Her family states that “Gabby was just starting her life as a vanlife travel vlogger and was so full of joy as her journey was just beginning. She created the YouTube channel, Nomadic Statik, where she posted about her travels. Her smile could fill a room, she loved movies, music, healthy food, and created amazing works of art. Gabby was a wonderful big sister, the oldest of six, they looked up to her and adored her,”.  

Gabby lived a joyful life, one that was cruelly and unfairly ripped away from her by a monster, disguised as a protective boyfriend. This devastating event highlights the horrific reality that some individuals can become perpetrators of violence against those they should cherish and safeguard. As an anxious girlfriend myself, I see the possibilities in certain situations, leading to an unfair, torturous demise of a gentle soul. While I am very fortunate to have a partner that does not maintain the same aggression and does not judge or belittle me based on my mental illnesses and emotional issues, Gabby’s story serves as a cautionary tale for women all over the world. Gabby’s death is truly an anxious girlfriend’s worst nightmare, and a terrifyingly real possibility for many.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse, call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or go to thehotline.org  

For more information and resources on relationship abuse, visit https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/ 

To support Gabby Petito’s surviving family, visit: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/make-an-impact

Pizza Picnic on the Quad

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer 

Earlier this season, Regis University and Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza combined to provide a pizza picnic on the quad. This picnic was open to all members of campus and was a delicious treat, complete with a sunny sky and warm temperatures. 

Students pick their pieces of pizza to enjoy. Photo by James Ortiz

The Regis community brings blankets to enjoy the summer sun while they eat. Photo by James Ortiz

Students enjoy a tasty treat. Photo by James Ortiz

The History of AI: Part 3

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the continually evolving AI technology we have come to currently know and use, there have been various forms of evolution. From mechanical automatons, to artificial brains, to chatbots. It’s evident that the new, modern generation of AI has gotten better, faster, and stronger at a very rapid and astonishing rate. Now, in 2025, we’re at a point in time in which AI has the ability to generate videos based on prompts, and create music, storylines, books, podcasts, and pieces of art that look human-made all within seconds. According to the National Institutes of Health, signals from AI systems function at almost the speed of light. This is much faster than the human brain that functions with an average speed of 120 m/s, at most. 

Possible Risks with Modern AI Features

With AI advancing so fast, anyone can do anything with almost no rules, and that includes misusing features such as AI generated voice memos that only require a clip of a person’s voice; or a video that only requires a photo or clip of that person. Compared to the use of voice cloning from 2019 till now, AI created voices have gotten more realistic. With these advancements, we must ask: Is it possible that we may reach a point in which voice memos can’t be easily distinguished between human and AI?

Many agree that technology that has the ability to recreate human voices and replicate human characters poses implications. As of October 2024, the success rate of voice scams has increased to 77%, leading to stolen credentials, data loss and more. The implications of AI generated video scams, which allows you to upload a video clip of someone, create an avatar of that person, and manipulate the script of that person to make that “person” say anything you want. We used to think that AI generated videos would never be able to mimic human emotions, and if so, there would be an uncanny valley feeling. But now, AI character generated videos are not only able to convey human emotions, but complex emotions now too.

character.ai

A popular app called character.ai thrives on their motto of “AI that feels alive.” The many features on this app allow users to chat with millions of AI characters including celebrities. There’s a feature that allows users to call these characters and have conversations with them for hours. Many argue that this app presents some concern, due to the risk of people gaining attachments with these AI “celebrities" rather than using this app unseriously. 

Even moreso, the most popular AI chatbot on character.ai with over 170 million chats, is a character called psychologist; a character that will pretend to be your psychologist and give you real advice. While many can, and will, find this character helpful, there is no doubt that many find the existence of this feature uncanny. One question is worth considering: Does AI have the potential to create future generations that are less equipped with in-person social and communication skills?

The Next Phases of AI Evolution

There are seven stages of AI; with stage 1 being the infancy of AI, to stage 7 of the AI singularity, also known as the final stage. Currently, we are at stage 4: AI as a thinker, where most AI technology has unlocked the ability to mimic human capacity for thinking and reasoning. While it sounds crazy, it's true, AI now has the power to solve captcha tests and recently passed The Turing Test (which is actually insane!)

We’re very close to stage 5: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). “An AGI system would be capable of understanding, learning, adapting, and implementing knowledge across a broad range of tasks, just like a human. It would possess self-awareness, consciousness, and the ability to understand and navigate the world.” Imagine living in a world in which robots operate similarly to humans not only physically, but also mentally; I’d rather not!

It’s suggested that every invention after AGI will be obsolete, due to AGI being every level above human intelligence. Let’s hope we don’t go beyond stage 5, because stage 6: Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) will be able to surpass human cognitive skills. ASI could mean that we can potentially be looking at a timeframe in which automation replaces human labor. As a result, this could lead to stage 7 which intensely advocates against technological growth that becomes uncontrollable and irreversible.

The Next Steps

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, has raised concern over the dangers that AI may have on society. Now, as far as AI taking over the world, I don’t think we need to look that far into it at the moment, but if the creator of AI is warning consumers about his own invention, then that may be something worth considering. Aside from AI becoming too powerful, if AI is left unchecked, it poses risks of sufficient damage and harm.

ChatGPT is the fastest-growing consumer product in history and with that being said, there must be more rules, regulations, and restrictions set in place to ensure proper and safe use of AI technology.

The Highlander Staff Visits 9News Headquarters

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer 

Earlier this month, the Highlander Staff had the incredible opportunity to visit 9News Headquarters in Denver. The visit was a behind the scenes look into a fast paced journalistic environment, fueled by a large team of dedicated creatives, wanting to bring news to viewers with accuracy and credibility. With this trip, the Highlander staff witnessed live interviews and toured the sets where the morning news is filmed. 

The newsroom is constantly filled with the hustle and bustle of day to day journalism. Photo by James Ortiz

The 9News set is ready for the anchors to begin filming their segment. Photo by James Ortiz 

A segment is recorded to air later in the evening. Photo by James Ortiz

Tariffs and the Role they Play in Politics

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Tariffs are a tax on imported and exported goods directly affecting our trade. Tariffs can protect a country’s domestic companies, increase profits, and get the upper hand politically on other countries. Tariffs also make the price of imported goods more expensive, deterring customers from purchasing those goods. In President Trump’s executive order “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico, and China”, he claims that he will be putting an extra 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico and an extra 10% tariff on Chinese products. According to Trump, this order is meant to “hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country.” 

Many believe this is not to be Trump’s true intention in raising these tariffs, but rather, his intention is to increase American profits and to get a head start, politically, from the other countries. The countries having these tariffs put on them are skeptical, causing anticipation for retaliation. In response, Mexico, Canada, and China can also place high tariffs on America’s goods. This could create economic conflict that would be hard to solve, and could worsen our international relations, such as a trade war. 

Tariffs can impact us greatly as we are all consumers in this country. We should know why certain prices rise, where our products come from, and how our economy is interlinked with tariffs. We should also know that sometimes, tariffs can cause inflation, a loss of jobs, decreased economic growth, etc. A change in these tariffs founded on a political basis could change our economy and society immensely.