In a recent interview with NBC News, Nicole Schmidt referenced the notebook confession that Brian Laundrie wrote in which he claimed that he took Petito’s life because he believed she wanted to die.

“That was his character, even in his last moments,” Schmidt told NBC News. “He wanted to make sure he looked like the good guy. That’s ridiculous. We know how she died.”

A lawyer for Laundrie’s parents released photographs of Laundrie’s notebook in June. In one entry, Laundrie wrote, “I ended her life.”

“I thought it was merciful, that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made,” Laundrie wrote in the notebook. “I panicked. I was in shock. But from the moment I decided, took away her pain, I knew I couldn’t go on without her.”

Shortly after the notebook contents were released, Schmidt tweeted: “Narcissists rewrite history to escape accountability.”

Petito, 22, and Laundrie, 23, traveled across the country in a van in Summer 2021 and posted about their experiences on social media. But the trip took a tragic turn.

On August 12, 2021, police stopped the couple in Utah. Body cam footage from that interaction showed Petito crying and telling officers that she and Laundrie had been “fighting all morning,” which had prompted Laundrie to lock her out of her van.

Then on September 1, 2021, Laundrie returned to his parents’ home in Florida in the van but without Petito. Laundrie refused to talk with Petito’s parents or police about what happened, and her parents later reported her missing.

Authorities on September 19 located Petito’s remains in Grand Teton National Park. Investigators determined she died by strangulation and had been deceased for several weeks before being found.

Laundrie’s parents later reported him missing after they told police that he went for a hike but had not returned for several days.

His remains were eventually found on October 15 in a nature preserve along with a backpack and the notebook. Police believe he died by suicide.

In the wake of the tragedy, Schmidt has announced a donation of $100,000 to help address domestic violence so other victims like her daughter are better positioned to escape abusive relationships, according to NBC News.

If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, help is available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org.

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[Featured Photo: Instagram]