In August 2021, Gabby Petito’s parents' worst fears became reality. She was murdered by boyfriend Brian Laundrie. Gabby Petito’s dad and stepmom, Joe and Tara Petito, and Gabby’s mom and stepdad, Nicole and Jim Schmidt, were heartbroken and forced to face a world without their loved one.
In June 2024, Nicole Schmidt spoke at CrimeCon. She shared her grief journey. She revealed she forgives Brian Laundrie but will not forgive his mother. She believes his mom knew about his crime and did nothing to help bring him to justice. Nicole Schmidt even sued his family because of it.
The lawsuit against Christopher and Roberta Laundrie was settled in February 2024. The details of it remain private. What is public is Nicole Schmidt’s dislike of Roberta Laundrie.
Nicole Schmidt realizes her forgiveness of Brain Laundrie might shock some people. "I speak for myself here when I say, 'Brian, I forgive you,'" she stated. "I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness, and I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life."
More from LittleThings: Inside The 'Extreme' Letter Brian Laundrie's Mother Wrote Her Son Before He Took His Life
Brian Laundrie died by suicide in 2021. His remains were found in Florida's Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in October 2021, along with a confession. Before this he showed up at his parents' house without girlfriend Gabby Petito after their cross-country road trip. Nicole Schmidt believes that Roberta Laundrie knew what her son had done then. She was “denied the chance to confront our daughter's killer, to look him in the eye.”
Nicole Schmidt believes that Roberta and Christopher Laundrie were “complicit in his cowardly flight from justice.” Their actions only “added salt” to her already horrific wounds. She especially blames Roberta Laundrie for this.
Nicole Schmidt did not hold back. “As for you, Roberta — and I call you out individually because you are evidently the mastermind that shattered your family and mind with your evil ways — I see no empathy in your eyes, no remorse in your heart and no willingness to take responsibility for your actions,” she stated.
"You are the dark," Gabby Petito's mother continued. "You are the sociopath that everyone fears. The one who appears so innocent and kind, but harbors darkness within your soul. You do not deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be forgotten and dehumanized. You epitomize pure evil."
Nicole Schmidt is determined to keep the spirit of her daughter alive. She believes her daughter "was and still is a bright light in this world." She has promised to "continue to honor her memory, to cherish the moments we shared, and to fight tirelessly for justice and change in her name."
Nicole Schmidt wants others to learn from Gabby Petito. "May Gabby's legacy serve as a beacon of hope in the world desperately in need of light, hope for a future where such senseless violence and injustice are eradicated from our society," she went on to say. "I implore you all, live by these simple words directly from Gabby: Just be a nicer person."
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter domesticshelters.org.
