Chris and Roberta Laundrie slammed over claims Brian told them of Gabby's death before she went missing

NORTH PORT, FLORIDA: New court documents reveal Brian Laundrie may have confessed to his parents that Gabby Petito was dead in a "frantic" phone call on August 29, 2021, two days after she disappeared and nearly three weeks before she was reported missing, as per The Sun.

Brian Laundrie told parents Chris and Roberta on call that Gabby was 'gone'

According to a recent deposition by Chris and Roberta Laundrie for an ongoing civil lawsuit, their son Brian called them on August 29, two days after 22-year-old Gabby Petito was last seen alive in Wyoming.

The Laundries stated Brian was "frantic" on the call and said Gabby was "gone." While they did not explicitly state Brian confessed Gabby was dead, the Petito family attorney Pat Reilly told NBC affiliate WFLA the context implied as much.

Additionally, Chris and Roberta claimed Brian told them he needed a lawyer during this call. They proceeded to relay this information to their longtime attorney Steven Bertolino on September 2 and sent him a retainer fee, kicking off Brian's legal representation according to court filings.

The same day, Bertolino entered into a fee agreement with Wyoming law firm Fleener Peterson LLC on Brian's behalf, despite the firm being located six hours from where Gabby's body would eventually be found on September 19.

One partner at the firm, Tom Fleener, has experience representing high-profile defendants like Guantanamo detainees.

Gabby's family has since filed a motion to uncover exactly what Brian told Bertolino about her disappearance, aiming to circumvent attorney-client privilege. A hearing on December 20 may decide whether those details can be revealed.

Gabby Petito's body was found strangled to death in a Wyoming national forest

Brian Laundrie returned home to Florida alone from his cross-country road trip in Gabby Petito's van on September 1. Her family lost contact with Gabby around August 25 as she explored national parks out West with her fiancé Brian.

Gabby's mother filed an official missing person report for her daughter on September 11 in response. Then on September 13, Brian reportedly vanished after leaving home with only a backpack, refusing to cooperate with the investigation into Gabby's whereabouts.

Days later on September 17, Brian was named a person of interest in Gabby's disappearance. Just two days after that, Gabby's body was discovered strangled to death in a Wyoming national forest. The coroner ruled her death a homicide.

A widespread search ensued for Brian in a Florida nature reserve for over a month before his remains were found there on October 20. Along with his body, a written confession was recovered in which Brian appeared to take responsibility for Gabby's death.

"I ended her life,” the alleged note from Brian stated. “I thought it was merciful, that it is what she wanted, but I see now all the mistakes I made. I panicked. I was in shock. But from the moment I decided, took away her pain, I knew I couldn’t go on without her.”

Gabby's family has since filed and settled a wrongful death lawsuit against Brian's estate, calling him directly responsible for her murder while on their fateful trip. They agreed to a $3 million settlement, with plans to direct funds toward Gabby's namesake foundation.

Internet outraged over news about Laundrie family's lack of public disclosure

The revelation that Brian may have confessed to his parents in late August has sparked outrage on social media over the Laundrie family's early knowledge and lack of public disclosure.

One user on X called the Laundries "Sick, heartless people," while another blasted that "His parents need to be held accountable."

A third commenter stated: "So, they knew even earlier than suspected. My heart goes out to the Petitos."

Another person wrote: "This is worrisome." And one user simply wrote: "Hmm."