Brian Laundrie's Parents Fight Back Against Claims Made By Gabby Petito's Family Alleging They Knew Of The Vlogger's Killing
March 12 2022, Published 11:29 a.m. ET
Brian Laundrie's parents Chris and Roberta Laundrie are speaking out against the lawsuit Gabby Petito's family filed against them calling it "baseless."
Petito's family allege that the Laundries knew of the vlogger's death before authorities were able to find her body.
As RadarOnline.com reported yesterday, Petito's parents claim Chris and Roberta knew their son murdered their daughter, adding that his parents were allegedly in on helping him flee the country.
The FBI confirmed Brian to be Gabby's killer after finding a notebook confession found near the hiker's remains at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida. There is no concrete reason given as to why he killed her and reports have even suggest that there may have been a third party who helped Brian kill himself.
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The lawsuit against the Laundrie parents claim that, after the hiking blogger's death, Brian used Gabby's cell phone to send several text messages to make it seem as if she was still alive. They believe he might have used this phone to contact his own parents soon after.
Gabby Petito's Parents Sue Brian Laundrie's Parents For Allegedly Helping Their Son Flee The Country
"It is believed, and therefore averred that on or about August 28, 2021, Brian Laundrie advised his parents, Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie, that had murdered Gabrielle Petito," the lawsuit read. "On that same date, [Chris & Roberta] spoke with their attorney, and sent him a retainer on September 2, 2021."
The Laundries and their legal counsel have adamantly denied these claims but also clarify if they DID know about Gabby's death they weren't obligated to go to the authorities with that information.
Attorney Steve Bertolino released a statement soon after the suit was filed.
"As I have maintained over the last several months, the Laundrie‘s have not publicly commented at my direction which is their right under the law," Bertolino continued. "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."
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The Laundries and their attorney believe that, due to the lack of legal clarification, the law "renders the Petito's claims to be baseless."
The lawsuit doesn't include any documents or exhibits to back the Petito's claims - and the FBI hasn't officially closed Gabby's murder case - but the suit against the Laundries has reportedly been in the works for at least a month.
A family friend close to the Petitos has said that there's a "possibility down the road" for there to be evidence added to the case once the dust finally clears.
