Brain Laundrie's parents open up about son’s frantic call declaring Gabby Petito ‘gone’, deny suspecting murder
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org
NORTH PORT, FLORIDA: In a recent deposition hearing, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, parents of Brian Laundrie, opened up about the frantic call they received from their son days after the tragic murder of Gabby Petito.
While the Laundries admitted their concern for Petito's well-being, they staunchly denied any suspicion about their son's involvement in her death.
Christopher Laundrie recalls son Brian's frantic call
The revelation came to light during depositions related to the ongoing civil case brought by Gabby's parents, Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito, against the Laundries for pain and emotional distress from the aftermath of the tragic events that unfolded in August 2021.
Christopher recounted the phone call with his son, revealing Brian's heightened state of distress. "He [Brian] was not calm and he got very excited and told me things had — you know, 'Gabby's gone' and he got very frantic. Everything was frantic and quick," Christopher stated during the deposition.
“He was very panicked and he said he didn’t know what to do. He said, you know, ‘Can you help me?’ you know, and he might need a lawyer.” Despite the urgency in Brian's plea, Christopher claimed he had "no idea" what his son meant when he said Gabby was "gone".
Brian had reportedly refused to divulge any details but insisted on his need for legal assistance during the brief, "scattered" phone call. Almost three weeks later, on September 19, Gabby's remains were found in an undeveloped camping area in Grand Teton National Forest, Wyoming.
Subsequently, it was disclosed that Brian had strangled her before driving back to his parents' residence in North Port, Florida, using her 2012 white Ford Transit van on September 1. Following police initiation of an investigation into his fiancée's disappearance, he disappeared, eventually taking his own life with a gunshot to the head in an alligator-infested swamp near his home.
Roberta Laundrie claims she was unaware of Gabby Petito's whereabouts
Further, the day before, Brian had spoken with Roberta twice, totaling 17 minutes. However, she asserted that her son did not inform her that Gabby was "gone".
While she admitted not understanding the phrase, she sensed the gravity from her husband's tone, stating, "I knew something was wrong."
Roberta offered a differing perspective, describing her son as merely "upset" and "didn't sound like himself," as per New York Post.
Petito family lawyer unveils contrasting perspectives on Brian Laundrie's frantic call
The Laundrie couple faced rigorous questioning from Petito family lawyer Patrick Reilly, who probed into their understanding of the term "gone."
Reilly consistently questioned why they didn't interpret it as an indication of Gabby's death. However, both parents maintained that their primary concern was Brian's urgent request for legal representation.
“If she just left and walked away, do you think he would have needed an attorney for that?” lawyer Reilly questioned Christopher.
Meanwhile, days later when Brian arrived at their doorstep with Gabby's van, he portrayed a troubled demeanor that Christopher likened to "a kid who came home in trouble".
“Let’s connect the dots,” Reilly queried the father. “He told you Gabby was gone. He’s frantic, and he’s upset. He’s like a kid that came home, and he was in trouble. Did that lead you to believe he murdered Gabby?”
"No,” Christopher replied, but later insisted he was “worried about Gabby".
Attorney Steve Bertolino, representing the Laundries, has sought a summary judgment in the Petito family's case. If successful, it would bypass a trial and let a judge make a ruling. If denied, the trial is scheduled to commence on May 13, with the Laundries set to appear in court on February 21.
