Featured Image Credit: Instagram - gabbypetito
Topics: News
Kimberley Bond
Topics: News
Brian Laundrie has taken responsibility for Gabby Petito's death in a "suicide note" that was retrieved nearby where his body was found.
The FBI has now officially concluded their four month case into the death of the social media influencer, whose disappearance in August 2021 prompted a worldwide response.
“A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms Petito’s death,” the FBI said in a statement.
Laundrie's body was recovered in October last year, retrieved from a Florida swamp after his disappearance sparked a national manhunt.
The FBI has not specified the exact wording of the note.
In a statement that was released on social media, FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said: “All logical investigative steps have been concluded in this case.
"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 endeavour was invaluable as the investigation was covered in the media around the world. 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.”
Petito was reported missing in September last year by her parents, after her and then-fiance Laundrie had been on a cross-country road trip.
While Laundrie had returned, Petito was not with him, which prompted fears for her safety.
The case gained international attention when footage was released seeing Petito looking deeply distressed when their van was pulled over by two police officers.
The pair were separated overnight, but no charges were brought.
They had been living in the campervan while travelling across the States, with their journey documented on social media.
However, their content stopped abruptly and reports state Petito was last in contact with her family at the end of August.
Petito's body was found on 19th September in Wyoming, eight days after she was reported missing.
The Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue confirmed that Petito died as a result of a homicide, which was later reported by strangulation.
Laundrie was named as a person of interest in the case, before he was found dead in October.
It has also been reported that Laundrie's parents will not be charged in connection to Petito's death.
Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino said on Friday: “To my knowledge there will be no charges.”
Roberta and Chris Laundrie had been criticised Petito’s family for remaining silent amid and not disclosing any knowledge of their son's whereabouts.
This story is breaking and will be updated.