After rumors indicated the FBI would speak out on the Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie case, the organization has now released its final report.
On January 20, the families of both Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie met with the FBI in Tampa, Florida. No official details were provided to the nature of the meeting, but Laundrie family attorney Steve Bertolino provided insight that the meeting was regarding distribution of property between the families, including the notebook left behind at the scene where Laundrie's remains were discovered in October 2021.
Now the FBI has spoken out and confirmed what many suspected. The notebook, according to officials, contained statements that link Laundrie to Petito's death.
In its report, the FBI confirmed the case will be closing shortly.
"All logical investigative steps have been concluded in this case," said FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider.
"The investigation did not identify any other individuals other than Brian Laundrie directly involved in the tragic death of Gabby Petito."
"The FBI's primary focus throughout the investigation was to bring justice to Gabby and her family. The public's role in helping us in this endeavor was invaluable as the investigation was covered in the media around the world," the statement continued.
"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 FBI also shared a timeline of its investigation, revealing that its involvement began on September 12, 2021. Gabby Petito's remains were found days later on September 19, at the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area near where she and Brian Laundrie had last been spotted together by witnesses. It was three weeks after Petito had last spoken to family members.
The timeline confirms that Laundrie used Petito's credit card after her death without authorization as he drove from Wyoming home to Florida. He also texted back and forth between his phone and Petito's to attempt to "deceive law enforcement by giving the impression that Ms. Petito was still alive."
The FBI also touched on the search for Laundrie after he became a missing person. The statement confirms that Laundrie family attorney Steve Bertolino notified law enforcement that Laundrie's parents planned on searching Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. It also confirms that law enforcement officials were present when they found an object that belonged to Brian 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," the FBI report noted.
"A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr. Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms. Petito's death."
The Petito and Schmidt families released a statement on the FBI's findings. "Gabby's family would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specifically the Wyoming, Denver, New York, and Tampa offices, all of their task force members and their assisting agencies," the statement begins.
"Gabby's family would like to thank the FBI's Victim Services Department for all they have done for them. Victim Services has been there for support from the earliest stages of this investigation and helped the entire family navigate through the worst moments of their lives.
"We truly appreciate the FBI's diligent and painstaking efforts in this extremely complicated case. The quality and quantity of the acts and information collected by the FBI leave no doubt that Brian Laundrie murdered Gabby."
Steve Bertolino has also released a statement on behalf of the Laundrie family. "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," he 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."
