FBI Says Brian Laundrie Claimed Responsibility For Gabby Petito’s Death

Topline

Brian Laundrie wrote in a notebook found near his body that he was responsible for the death of his fiancé Gabby Peitito, whose disappearance during a cross-country road trip last year set off a weeks-long search for her and later a manhunt for Landrie, the FBI said Friday.

Key Facts

The FBI’s Denver field office said in a statement Friday that investigators have only identified one person directly involved in Petito’s death: Laundrie, whose death after his fiance’s disappearance was ruled to be a suicide.

A notebook found near Laundrie’s remains contained “written statements” by Laundrie claiming responsibility for Petito’s death, the FBI revealed for the first time Friday.

The agency said it met with Petito’s family before the announcement, and the investigation into Petito’s death is drawing to a close.

The Petitos thanked the FBI in a statement Friday, saying the investigation “(leaves) no doubt (that) Brian killed Gabby.”

The Laundrie family wrote in a statement that with the closure of the case they hope “each family can begin to heal.”

Key Background

Petito was reported missing in September 2021 by her family, who said they hadn’t heard from their daughter in several weeks. At the time, Petito and Laundrie were embarking on a cross-country road trip together, but Laundrie returned home alone on September 1 and was reported missing by his parents more than two weeks later. Petito’s body was found September 19 at a campground in the Bridger–Teton National Forest in Wyoming, near where she and Laundie were seen together, and her death was later ruled a likely homicide. Following a weeks-long search for Laundrie, his remains were found on October 20 in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port, Florida, along with belongings like a backpack, a notebook and a revolver. A report later concluded Laundrie died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Further Reading

FBI Confirms Body Found In Wyoming Is Gaby Petito, As Death Is Ruled Likely A Homicide (Forbes)