48 Hours: "Living with a Stranger" – Episode Summary

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Anne-Marie Green
Producer: CBS News

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Living with a Stranger," CBS News' award-winning series "48 Hours" delves into the mysterious disappearance of Jamie Laity, a promising University of Michigan graduate, and the unraveling of her seemingly perfect relationship with her boyfriend, Brian Stewart. This detailed investigation uncovers secrets, deceit, and ultimately leads to a shocking revelation that alters the course of justice.

Case Overview

Jamie Laity, a vibrant and independent woman, vanished in March 2010 from Phoenix, Arizona. Her disappearance puzzled friends and family, especially given her respected standing and close-knit social circle. The episode meticulously traces Jamie's last known months, revealing her growing isolation and the strains in her relationship with Brian Stewart.

• Gwyneth Newman reflects on the personal impact:
  "Jamie lost. We don't know where she is and it's really sad. She was a good person and she didn't deserve this." (00:00)

Disappearance and Initial Signs

Jamie moved to Phoenix post-graduation to carve out her own identity. Despite her success in a high-paying job, the economic downturn in 2009 led to her unemployment, causing significant distress.

• Brian Stewart expresses concern:
  "I believe Jamie was murdered because there's no clear explanation as to where she is now, what happened to her..." (02:55)

Jamie became increasingly reclusive, and her friends initially overlooked her absence, attributing it to her desire for privacy.

• Gwyneth Newman shares her disbelief:
  "I think people were just respecting her privacy and her space. And that was unfortunate." (11:18)

Investigation Unfolds

Marlena Buffa, the president of Jamie's University of Michigan alum club in Phoenix, became suspicious when Jamie failed to show up, prompting her friends to hire a private investigator, Burke Files. Their investigation revealed unsettling details about Brian Stewart's past, including his association with a man named Rick Wayne Valentini.

• Marlena Buffa remarks on Brian's behavior:
  "He had a warrant for his arrest for driving on a suspended license for a traffic offense." (12:24)

Detectives soon discovered inconsistencies in Brian's identity, including mismatched Social Security numbers and birth dates. Further investigation uncovered that Brian Stewart was, in fact, Rick Wayne Valentini, who had forged a new identity to escape his troubled past.

• Detective Moffatt confronts Brian:
  "You have to be very careful because you only get one chance." (15:00)

Trial and Revelation

In October 2011, Rick Wayne Valentini (alias Brian Stewart) stood trial for Jamie's murder and fraud. The prosecution built a case based on circumstantial evidence, including Jamie's missing wallet, driver's license, and Brian's unauthorized use of her credit cards.

• Prosecutor Juan Martinez states:
  "This is a really telling piece of evidence." (25:26)

During the trial, testimonies revealed Brian's deceit, including his false claims of a military background and fabricated personal history. A jailhouse informant provided crucial testimony, asserting that Brian had confessed to Jamie's murder.

• Andrea Aardsma, a witness, testified about Brian's negative remarks:
  "Whiny, naggy bitch. Sugar mama. Nothing. Nothing positive at all." (32:29)

In a pivotal moment, Brian chose to take the stand, appearing confident yet evasive. His testimony failed to provide clarity, only deepening suspicions.

• Brian Stewart (Rick Valentini) declares:
  "I am the only human being who knows what happened. I'm the only human being who knows why things happened when they happened." (37:16)

Despite lacking a body or direct evidence, the jury convicted Brian of second-degree murder and fraudulent schemes based on the amassed circumstantial evidence.

• Jury Verdict:
  "We, the jury...do find the defendant guilty." (41:24)

Conclusion and Aftermath

Rick Wayne Valentini was sentenced to 54 years in prison. However, the mystery lingered until 2018, when Jamie Laity's remains were discovered in a construction yard in Chandler, Arizona, providing closure to her unsettling disappearance.

• Gwyneth Newman poignantly states:
  "Every time they mention her name, it hurts me so much. I think that I'm not going to see her anymore." (36:38)

The episode underscores the complexities of identity, trust, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of deception.

Key Takeaways

• Identity Deception: The case highlights how forged identities can conceal heinous crimes and complicate investigations.

• Circumstantial Evidence: Demonstrates the power of thorough investigative work in building a compelling case without direct evidence.

• Personal Impact: Reflects on the profound effects of disappearance and loss on friends and family, emphasizing the emotional toll of unresolved cases.

Notable Quotes

• Gwyneth Newman on Jamie’s disappearance:
  "How can one of my best friends have been missing for 10 weeks? How did it come to this that she could be gone so long and nobody reported it?" (01:15)

• Marlena Buffa on the investigation:
  "There's no smoking gun in this case, but there is a lot of burning matchsticks." (02:25)

• Detective Moffatt analyzing Brian's inconsistencies:
  "I have no friggin clue who's sitting in front of me. And it's extremely uneasy for me as I'm investigating a case of this magnitude." (15:16)

• Rick Wayne Valentini on his new identity:
  "Everybody takes their name for granted. Your name is the very core essence of who you are... and then you find out that it's all a lie." (19:00)

• Prosecutor Juan Martinez on the evidence:
  "This is a really telling piece of evidence. Oh my gosh. In this many pieces." (25:26)

Final Thoughts

"Living with a Stranger" serves as a compelling narrative on the depths of human deceit and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous reporting and in-depth interviews, "48 Hours" brings to light the intricate web surrounding Jamie Laity's disappearance and the ultimate downfall of her deceitful partner. This episode not only recounts a tragic story but also underscores the importance of vigilance and integrity in both personal relationships and the justice system.