Gabby Petito's parents sue Brian Laundrie parents claiming they knew he had murdered her
Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, the parents of Gabby Petito have filed a civil action suit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie in Sarasota County, Florida on March 10, 2022. According to reports, the Laundrie family is accused of hindering the police search for their son, and helping Brian Laundrie "escape the country". The action comes nearly two months after the FBI formally closed the case, confirming that Laundrie indeed killed Petito.
The tragic disappearance and death of Gabby, who went on a country-wide trip with boyfriend Brian turned the Laundrie family into social outcasts. Their home became a camping spot for protesters, and the family business was quickly flooded with 1-star reviews by angry internet users. Brian's sister Cassie's family was also targeted with death and kidnapping threats. The family turned into villains practically overnight, after the FBI began searching for Brian on the discovery of Gabby's remains.
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In October 2021, months after the search for Gabby began, Brian's remains were located in the Carlton Reserve in Florida. Then in January 2022, the FBI closed the case confirming Laundrie confessed to killing Gabby in his notebook, found alongside his remains. It seemed like the end of the story for both families, but apparently, Gabby's parents are still seeking justice for their daughter.
Laundrie family sued
The civil action was filed on March 10, with several serious accusations levied against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie. The Petito family alleges that the couple's September 14 statement (supporting the search for Gabby) was made "with full knowledge that Gabrielle Petito had been murdered by their son." It added, "Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie refused to respond to either Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, or law enforcement."
The Petito family goes on to say the Laundries knew "of the mental suffering and anguish" they were going through, but still "acted with malice or great indifference" by refusing to disclose where Brian was hiding. "It is believed ... that on or about August 28, 2021, Brian Laundrie advised his parents, Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie, that he had murdered Gabrielle Petito," they also say.
Even more seriously, the Petito's allege the Laundries "were making arrangements for him to leave the country" and kept his location a secret. The Laundrie family has not directly responded to the suit, but their lawyer Steven Bertolino did issue a statement to the press. "Assuming everything the Petitos allege in their lawsuit is true, which we deny, this lawsuit does not change the fact that the Laundries had no obligation to speak to law enforcement or any third-party including the Petito family. This fundamental legal principle renders the Petito’s claims to be baseless under the law," he said according to NBC News.
It's unclear how much exactly the Petito family are seeking in damages, with the suit only mentioning that it would exceed $30,000. While we know how Gabby and Brian died, what remains unclear is why exactly Brian killed his girlfriend. It's not clear if he ever confessed the reason to his parents. The FBI did not comment on that in their statement closing the case, simply noting he had confessed to the murder.