FBI: Brian Laundrie claimed responsibility for Gabby Petito's death in notebook

According to the FBI, the messages were sent by Laundrie as a way to deceive law enforcement into believing that Petito was still alive.

News 12 Staff

Jan 21, 2022, 10:38 PM

Updated 846 days ago

Share:

The FBI has released a final investigative update on the Gabby Petito case, saying that Brian Laundrie left behind a written confession.
They say the investigation "did not identify any other individuals other than Brian Laundrie directly involved in the tragic death of Gabby Petito."
The updates come four months after Petito first disappeared in mid-September while on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Laundrie.
The Blue Point native's remains were found on Sept. 19 in Wyoming. The FBI says she was strangled and suffered blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
The FBI also announced Friday that text messages were sent between Laundrie and Petito's phones after Petito was already dead. According to the FBI, the messages were sent by Laundrie as a way to deceive law enforcement into believing that Petito was still alive.
Laundrie's remains were found in October in Florida near his family's home. He had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The FBI found a backpack and a notebook belonging to Laundrie near his skeletal remains.
They say the notebook contained written statements by Laundrie claiming responsibility for Petito's death.
Ralph Cilento who works with John Jay College of Criminal Justice says the notebook confession brings the investigation to a conclusion that makes sense.
"What the notebook does is, No. 1 it rules out any other suspects as far as the FBI is concerned," Cilento says. "And it affirms to them what they had suspected all the time based on the evidence that they had."
Petito's family attorney Richard B. Stafford released a statement Friday, saying "The quality and quantity of the facts and information collected by the FBI leave no doubt that Brian Laundrie murdered Gabby."
News 12 reached out to Laundrie's family attorney, but he refused to comment.
Both the Laundrie and Petito families are working to retrieve items that belonged to their children and are currently in the FBI's possession.


More from News 12
0:34
Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

Man arrested in connection to fatal hit-and-run of 75-year-old Bronx woman

2:17
Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

Wet and cloudy conditions stick around overnight before a sunny Friday

1:49
Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

Lithium-ion batteries fire prevention bill for the Bronx goes to Senate for final vote

0:36
Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

Bronx DA: 2 NYPD officers indicted for sexual assault while off-duty

0:58
Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

Mayor Adams announces pilot program to fight against retail theft in NYC

1:47
NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

NYPD: Robbers wanted for targeting people buying, selling cars in the Bronx

1:38
BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

BX-Factor competition names $10,000 winner at Yankee Stadium

1:51
Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

Con Edison says it's struggling with gas meter inspections because tenants won't let inspectors inside homes

0:32
GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

GROWNYC program to close its doors for good due to budget cuts

0:24
NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

NYC teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness starting June 1

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

1:41
Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

Ready for an adventure this summer? Visit the Bronx's Van Cortlandt Park

1:33
Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

Bronx high school student among 18 chosen for High School Broadway Shadowing Program

1:53
Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Bronx courthouse back on the real estate market for fist time in years

Your New York City Graduation Photos

Your New York City Graduation Photos

0:33
DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

DOT seeking artists to create 5 public artworks across NYC

2:12
Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

Local groups demand apology from Mayor Eric Adams over controversial comment

2:10
Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

Community organization holds town hall to address uptick in gun violence

1:24
Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

Funeral procession held for 17-year-old Bronx girl fatally stabbed earlier this month

1:55
Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe

Mott Haven tenants forced to remove door cameras say they’re already feeling less safe