Laura Gehrke, a 27-year-old real estate agent, recently married Joshua Stewart, a 21-year-old prisoner, after communicating for just six weeks. Feeling lonely during the festive period due to being stranded in Dubai, Laura decided to send a Christmas message to a prisoner through the WriteAPrisoner.com website. She was drawn to Joshua’s profile, where he mentioned his love for poetry. The two quickly bonded over their conversations, leading to Joshua proposing after six weeks of correspondence.
Laura flew to Washington last month to marry Joshua, who is currently serving a seven-year sentence for controlled substance homicide and other charges related to drug distribution. Despite his criminal background, Laura chose to focus on his emotional intelligence and the stories he shared about his life before incarceration. She stated that knowing his backstory made her see the situation differently and didn’t change her opinion of him.
Joshua is eligible for release under house arrest in December 2025, and the couple hopes to live together in the U.S. once he is out. Laura remains supportive and optimistic about their future, acknowledging the unique challenges they face due to his imprisonment. They are also seeking approval for conjugal visits to strengthen their relationship while Joshua remains behind bars.
Laura’s story has garnered a mix of reactions, with some praising her for seeing beyond Joshua’s past and others questioning the wisdom of her decision. Nevertheless, she stands by her choice, emphasizing the deep connection they share and her belief in his potential for rehabilitation. The couple’s journey highlights the complexities of relationships formed under unconventional circumstances.
