Brian Laundrie Suicide Shocker: Late Fugitive Died From Gunshot Wound To Head
Nov. 23 2021, Published 1:30 p.m. ET
Brian Laundrie died from a gunshot wound to the head. The 23-year-old fugitive's cause of death has just been revealed after more than a month of waiting.
Brian's death has been ruled a suicide, according to the family's attorney Steve Bertolino.
"Chris and Roberta Laundrie have been informed the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death was suicide," he said on Tuesday.
Adding that "Chris and Roberta are still mourning the loss of their son," Bertolino ended his statement by referencing Gabby Petito's family. He said that Brian's parents are "hopeful" these findings bring "closure to both families."
As RadarOnline.com reported, skeletal remains — including a skull — were found at the Carlton Reserve last month. After a five-week manhunt, it all came to a halt when the coroner revealed the remains belonged to Brian. He was only identified because of dental records.
Due to the level of decomposition, officials were unable to determine a cause of death at the time. Brian's remains were sent to an anthropologist for "further evaluation."
Several experts gave their input on what might have happened to Brian's remains, including a former cop who believed he was most likely torn apart by alligators, crabs, and other swap-like creatures.
According to retired NYPD commander Tom Joyce, Brian's remains suffered "a lot of post mortem predation."
"If the remains are skeletal, that means the tissue has been pulled away from the bones," Joyce said. "Most likely by alligators, crabs, fish and stuff like that."
The FBI is still investigating the case. Agents are reportedly searching through Brian and Gabby's text messages and emails to see if the former couple left any "digital footprint" behind.
Brian and Gabby were on a cross-country road trip when he returned home to his parents' FL home without her on September 1. Her family reported her missing 10 days later.
Gabby's body was found in Wyoming on September 19 near a campground she reportedly visited with Brian. Unlike her fiancé, the coroner revealed her death was a homicide. It was later confirmed she was manually strangled.
Gabby was only 22 years old.