Brian Laundrie's suicide note reveals key detail about Gabby Petito's death
The FBI has revealed Brain Laundrie claimed responsibility for Gabby Petito's death in a suicide note found near his remains.
A statement released on Friday (local time) identified Mr Laundrie, 23, as solely responsible for Ms Petito's death.
The investigation into Ms Petitio's death lasted for four and a half months, with Mr Laundrie the only suspect.
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The statement released by FBI Denver said the Teton County Coroner’s Office concluded Ms Petito, 22 died of “blunt-force injuries to the head and neck, with manual strangulation.”
"While law enforcement investigated all logical leads, the investigation quickly focused on the last person believed to see her alive—Mr Laundrie," it read.
The FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said the primary focus throughout the investigation was to "bring justice to Gabby and her family."
"The public’s role in helping us in this endeavour was invaluable as the investigation was covered in the media around the world," he said.
"On behalf of the FBI, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the public for the thousands of tips that were provided during the investigation, and to our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their work throughout the investigation.”
The statement said a backpack, notebook, and a revolver were found near Mr Laundrie's remains.
"A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr. Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms. Petito’s death," it read.
Ms Petito was reported missing on September 11, after her fiancé Brian Laundrie returned home from a road trip they embarked on together without her.
Ms Petito's body was discovered in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19. An autopsy ruled Ms Petito died from strangulation.
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Mr Laundrie's remains were found on October 20 in a nature reserve near his Florida home, weeks after vanishing on September 13.
Ms Petito's family —who met with the FBI in Tampa on Thursday according to Fox 5— released a statement through their attorney saying they had “no doubt” that Mr Laundrie murdered her.
“We truly appreciate the FBI’s diligent and painstaking efforts in this extremely complicated case," the statement released by Rick Stafford said.
"The quality and quantity of the facts and information collected by the FBI leave no doubt [that] Brian Laundrie murdered Gabby."
The Laundrie family’s attorney also released a statement Friday after the FBI findings came out.
“Gabby and Brian are no longer with their families and this tragedy has caused enormous emotional pain and suffering to all who loved either or both of them,” Steve Bertolino said.
“We can only hope that with today’s closure of the case each family can begin to heal and move forward and find peace in and with the memories of their children. May Gabby and Brian both rest in peace.”
FBI's timeline of the investigation:
The FBI investigation revealed that, between August 30 and September 1, 2021, Mr Laundrie had used Ms Petito’s debit card without authorisation on his drive back to Florida from Wyoming
After Ms Petito’s death, there were several text messages identified between Mr Laundrie’s telephone and Ms Petito’s telephone. The timing and content of these messages are indicative of Mr Laundrie attempting to deceive law enforcement by giving the impression that Ms Petito was still alive
On September 15, 2021, Mr Laundrie’s Ford Mustang was recovered from the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve and Myakkahatchee Creek Park in North Port, Florida
On September 17, 2021, Mr Laundrie’s parents reported him missing shortly after law enforcement conducted a welfare check at their residence
On September 18, 2021, law enforcement officials commenced an extensive search of the park where Mr Laundrie’s vehicle was parked and did not locate Mr Laundrie. The area where Mr Laundrie’s remains were later found was part of this search area, but the area was submerged due to recent flooding at the time of this initial search
On September 22, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming issued a federal arrest warrant for Mr Laundrie in relation to Mr Laundrie’s activities following the death of Ms Petito.
On October 7, 2021, after law enforcement made a request through Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino, the Laundries provided personal effects to law enforcement which were to be used to assist in the search of the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
On October 20, 2021, after water had receded from the area and the park was reopened, Mr Bertolino notified law enforcement that Mr Laundrie’s parents intended to return to the park to search for Mr. Laundrie. Law enforcement officers were present when Mr Laundrie’s parents located an item in the park later determined to belong to Mr Laundrie
Upon further search of the area, investigators found human remains later confirmed to be Mr Laundrie, along with a backpack, notebook, and a revolver. A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr. Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms Petito’s death
On November 23, 2021, the District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office in Sarasota, Florida, released its report on the manner and cause of death of Mr Laundrie. The report concluded Mr Laundrie died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound
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