“One minute, they’d be all over each other, the next minute, he’d be like, ‘We’re fighting,'” says Laundrie’s friend, Ben Matula, describing their relationship when they were teenagers in Long Island, New York. “They always had some drama.”
Matula, who spoke to PEOPLE exclusively for this week’s issue, adds: “There was always something below the surface where things weren’t 100% wonderful.”
Last Wednesday, Laundrie was named a person of interest in the case. Last Friday, he was reported missing. Laundrie has not been named a suspect in the case.
“They had times they were toxic and times where everything seemed a lot more healthy,” Chen tells PEOPLE. “They had very low lows and very high highs. But they really seemed to love each other. When things were good, you’d be like, ‘Why can’t I have a relationship like that?’ When they were bad, you’d be like ‘Oh my God, just break up and spare yourself from the drama and everyone else from having to hear about it.’ "
Alix also lists the “domestic disturbance” between the couple, which led to an encounter between the couple and police that was seen inwidely-circulated body cam footage, as a reason he was seeking the warrant.
Matula says the tragedy of their road trip has made him reflect upon what he thought he knew about the couple.
“The guy who he’s being made out to be isn’t the guy I knew,” Matula insists. “But then I have to look at what’s going on and realize that he did some stuff that seems like it was shady — seems like maybe he wasn’t on the up and up. And because he did that stuff, a girl might be dead and he might be in trouble.
“It seemed like they were seeing the world with the person they loved,” Matula says. “They were living the dream that all of us want to do. But they were doing it. All their friends were either still in college or searching for entry level jobs, and they’re out there killing it. I was jealous, and I know I’m not the only one. I was happy for them.”
On Sept. 15, PEOPLE spoke with Petito’s father, Joseph Petito, who said his daughter was “amazing.”
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“She’s so artistic. She’s an amazing artist. She loves to draw,” he said. “She has a great eye with decorating … She’s that flower child type of personality. The old soul, you know?”
“If Woodstock was still going on, she’d still be there, man,” Joseph added. “She’s a hippie from the ’60s, all right? She’s a Beatles fan, round glasses … a free spirit.”
If you have information on this case, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
source: people.com
