Adam Fravel, the ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury, has been found guilty of murder after chillingly warning the Minnesota mother of two that she would “end up like Gabby Petito” before she was tragically found dead in 2023.
The 30-year-old was convicted on Nov. 7, facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder for Kingsbury’s death, according to KSTP, KARE 11, and The Minnesota Star Tribune.
The conviction followed a month-long trial, with the jury reaching a decision after 10 hours of deliberation. Fravel now faces a life sentence, with formal sentencing scheduled for Dec. 17.
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Kingsbury, 26, was reported missing under suspicious circumstances on March 31, 2023, after dropping off her two young children at daycare. Fravel initially denied involvement, telling ABC News, “I want the mother of my 5-year-old and 2-year-old to be found and brought home safely.”
However, on June 7, authorities discovered her remains in a densely wooded area off Highway 43 near Mabel, Minnesota. Fravel was taken into custody that same day and formally charged shortly thereafter.
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Court documents revealed Kingsbury’s remains were found wrapped in a bed sheet from the home she shared with Fravel. The area was near property owned by Fravel’s parents.
During the trial, a medical examiner testified that Kingsbury likely died of asphyxia, noting a towel was wrapped around her neck, covering part of her face.
Evidence presented in court included a criminal complaint revealing Fravel had previously referenced the high-profile Gabby Petito case, stating he was “infatuated” with it and admitting he once made a comment to Kingsbury about “ending up like Gabby Petito.”
The Petito case involved the 2021 murder of the 22-year-old, who was killed by her fiancé Brian Laundrie. Fravel allegedly dismissed his statement as a joke, according to the complaint.
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Friends and family who testified provided further insight into Fravel’s abusive behavior, with one recalling a September 2021 incident in which Fravel allegedly put his hand around Kingsbury’s neck and pushed her.
Fravel’s defense, however, claimed there was no history of abuse or signs of struggle at the crime scene. His attorney, Zachery Bauer, expressed disappointment in the verdict, calling it an unfair outcome.
Kingsbury’s family shared emotional responses to the verdict. Her father described the decision as a “pyrrhic victory,” expressing that “we’re not going to get Madeline back.
Fravel can’t be punished enough.” Her brother, Steven, added, “You have to trust the process. The truth kind of rises to the top, and the evidence, it always comes out.”
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