The family of Gabby Petito filed a lawsuit against Brian Laundrie’s parents this week, claiming the defendants knew their son murdered Petito and were planning to help him flee the country.
According to court documents filed against Chris and Roberta Laundrie on Thursday, numerous allegations were made that were never disclosed by the FBI, WFLA reports. The lawsuit claims Laundrie, who was reportedly the last person to see Gabby alive, told his parents that he murdered her.
“It is believed, and therefore averred that… Brian Laundrie advised his parents, Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie, that he had murdered Gabrielle Petito,” the lawsuit reads. “On that same date, Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie spoke with Attorney Steve Bertolino, and sent him a retainer on Sept. 2, 2021.”
Further, the lawsuit claims that Gabby was found with blunt force trauma to her head and neck, although her cause of death was listed as strangulation. The Laundries are also accused of making plans to get their son out of the country while ignoring desperate calls and messages from Gabby’s family.
“While Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt were desperately searching for information concerning their daughter, Christopher Laundrie and Roberta Laundrie were keeping the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie secret, and it is believed were making arrangements for him to leave the country.”
“Christopher and Roberta Laundrie exhibited extreme and outrageous conduct which constitutes behavior, under the circumstances, which goes beyond all possible bounds of decency and is regarded as shocking, atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Laundrie was wanted on a felony warrant following Gabby’s death. The couple had embarked on their cross-country trip in July, but by September 1, Laundrie returned to his parents’ North Port, Florida, home with Gabby’s van, but without Gabby.
On September 19, authorities found Gabby’s deceased body in a remote area at the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. According to Teton County coroner, Dr. Blue, Gabby died from strangulation; her death has been listed as a homicide.
Authorities issued the warrant for Laundrie after he allegedly used a Capitol One Bank debit card without permission following Gabby’s death. Laundrie is said to have used the card between August 30 and September 1, “knowingly and with intent to defraud.”
In November, the FBI announced that Laundrie’s remains were found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida. He had a gunshot wound to his head.
Laundrie’s parents reportedly told authorities that Laundrie fled to the Carlton Reserve while highly upset on September 13, even though his father begged him to stay at home. Chris Laundrie told his attorney that Brian Laundrie claimed he wanted to get some fresh air and take a hike at the reserve.
Laundrie’s parents reportedly stumbled upon some of his belongings, while authorities found his remains nearby.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to a related episode.
[Featured Photo: Instagram]
