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By Jenna deJong
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The release of Netflix's docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito has reignited interest in the 2021 case that captured national attention, as well as the current whereabouts of Brian Laundrie's family.
The series explores the disappearance and murder of Petito, her fiancé Laundrie's role in her death and the subsequent legal battle between the Petito and Laundrie families.
Why It Matters
Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito set off on a cross-country road trip in 2021, documenting their travels on social media. In late August, Petito stopped communicating with her family. Laundrie returned alone to his parents' home in North Port, Florida, on September 1, 2021. Petito's remains were found weeks later in Wyoming, with an autopsy confirming she died from strangulation.
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Laundrie himself went missing shortly after Petito was reported missing, prompting a massive manhunt. His remains were discovered in October 2021 in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, where he died by suicide. The FBI later determined he was responsible for Petito's murder based on a written confession found in his notebook.
The Petito case sparked widespread discussions on domestic violence, law enforcement responses and media coverage of missing persons. Laundrie's parents were heavily scrutinized for their actions before and after their son's death, leading to legal battles and public backlash.
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What To Know
Petito's parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, filed a civil lawsuit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie in March 2022, alleging they knew about Gabby's murder and the location of her body while remaining silent. The lawsuit accused them of withholding information and blocking communication with Gabby's family. In 2022, a judge ruled in favor of Petito's parents, awarding them $3 million in a wrongful death settlement.
In February 2024, the Laundries reached a confidential settlement with the Petito family to resolve their legal dispute.
What We Know About Brian Laundrie's Parents, Christopher and Roberta
Christopher and Roberta Laundrie lived in North Port, where their son Brian returned after his cross-country trip with Petito. The couple largely refused to engage with law enforcement or the media during the investigation, instead referring all inquiries to their attorney.
Before Petito's body was found, the Laundries maintained that they had no knowledge of her whereabouts. However, a later lawsuit alleged they were aware of her murder and helped their son evade authorities. Protesters gathered outside their home for weeks, chanting for justice and demanding answers, while media outlets closely followed their every move. The protests eventually sparked legislation in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis, a Florida Republican, signed the bill into law, which now makes picketing and protesting outside a person's residence illegal, according to local ABC affiliate WWSB.
Reports indicate that Brian called his parents on August 27, 2021—the day Gabby is believed to have been killed—and they reportedly later wired $25,000 to their attorney. When law enforcement arrived at their home on September 11, they refused to speak to authorities and instead provided their lawyer's contact information.
After Brian's body was discovered, the Laundries continued to stay out of the public eye.
Were Brian Laundrie's Parents Ever Charged?
Despite widespread speculation and legal battles, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie were never criminally charged in connection with Gabby Petito's murder. While the civil lawsuit filed by Petito's parents accused them of withholding information and causing emotional distress, no criminal charges were brought against them. Their actions, including refusing to cooperate with law enforcement initially and their subsequent legal battles, have fueled ongoing criticism and public scrutiny.
Where Is Brian Laundrie's Sister, Cassie, Now?
Brian's sister, Cassie Laundrie, was the only family member to speak publicly during the investigation. In a 2021 interview with Good Morning America, she said, "Obviously, me and my family want Gabby to be found safe. She's like a sister, and my children love her."
Since then, Cassie has stayed out of the public eye. She urged her brother to come forward when he was still missing, telling Good Morning America, "I would tell my brother to just come forward and get us out of this horrible mess."
On Monday, Cassie broke her silence on Instagram in response to what she characterized as attacks from social media users. In her post, she stated that she hasn't had contact with her parents in "almost two years."
What People Are Saying
Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito's mother, said at a CrimeCon event in May 2024: "I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you...I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness. And I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life."
*"*As for you, Roberta—and I call you out individually because you are evidently the mastermind that shattered your family and mind with your evil ways—I see no empathy in your eyes, no remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions."
Cassie Laundrie, Brian's sister, posted on Instagram on February 17: "If you're new here. And just starting to attack me today. I've been non contact with my parents for almost two years. Have fun."
Joseph Petito, Gabby's father, posted to Instagram on August 27, 2024: "3 years ago this evening you were taken from us. We can't stop crying when we think of you. There is no waking up from this nightmare. We push forward for you and all those you have inspired and nothing can make us stop. I ask anyone who reads this, please share a #missingperson flyer today."
Roberta Laundrie, Brian's mother, previously wrote in an undated letter to her son that she says was written when Petito was still alive and before the young couple's road trip: "I just want you to remember I will always love you, and I know you will always love me. You are my boy. Nothing can make me stop loving you, nothing will or could ever divide us. No matter what we do, or where we go or what we say—we will always love each other. If you're in jail, I will bake a cake with a file in it. If you need to dispose of a body, I will bring show up with a shovel and garbage bags. If you fly to the moon, I will be watching the skies for your re-entry. If you say you hate my guts, I'll get new guts."
What's Next
While the legal battles between the Laundrie and Petito families have ended, the case's impact continues. Gabby's family remains vocal advocates for domestic violence awareness and have worked on legislation aimed at improving protections for missing persons and abuse victims.
As for Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, they continue to stay away from public appearances.
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