Surveillance footage from a Jackson, Wyoming Whole Foods captured Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie on August 27, 2021, the last known sighting of Petito alive. This video has become a key piece of evidence in the ongoing legal battle between the Petito and Laundrie families.
A Florida judge recently rejected motions to dismiss the civil lawsuit filed by the Petito family against the Laundries and their legal counsel, Steven Bertolino. The lawsuit alleges that the Laundries and Bertolino were aware of Petito's death when they released a statement on September 14, 2021, expressing hope for her reunion with her family, despite the ongoing missing person investigation. The trial is set for May 2024.
Judge Danielle Brewer's decision emphasized that the statement, which referenced the Petito family twice, could reasonably be interpreted as directed towards them. Bertolino expressed disappointment but not surprise at the ruling, maintaining confidence that the Petitos will ultimately lack sufficient evidence to support their claims.
The Laundries argued for dismissal on the grounds that plaintiffs must be present for the infliction of emotional distress. Bertolino contended that his "reunited with her family" statement could refer to the eventual return of Petito's remains. Judge Brewer deemed both arguments insufficient for dismissal.
In a separate ruling, the judge clarified that Bertolino's September 14th statement, while not inherently outrageous on its own, becomes so when considered alongside other statements, particularly one made on September 19, 2021, the day Petito's remains were discovered near Jackson, Wyoming.
Judge Brewer concluded that a reasonable inference could be drawn that Bertolino, possessing the same knowledge as his clients, acted as alleged in the amended complaint. The judge granted the Laundries and Bertolino 10 days to respond to the lawsuit.
While the Laundries have not faced criminal charges related to Petito’s death, this civil case continues to unearth details about the tragic 2021 cross-country trip. Brian Laundrie confessed to killing Petito in a suicide note found near his remains in October 2021. The FBI confirmed Laundrie's death was a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Press conference held by Gabby Petito's family in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito in Moab police bodycam footage.
Chris and Roberta Laundrie.
Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt in court.
Gabby Petito.
Christopher and Roberta Laundrie at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.
