Petito’s mother has called the family’s response “garbage.”
Brian Laundrie’s family have issued a statement following the news that Gabby Petito died by strangulation.
Petito’s remains were discovered at a camp site in Wyoming last month following an extensive search. The YouTuber was reported missing after she didn’t return from a road trip with her boyfriend Laundrie.
Laundrie has since vanished and his parents have stated that they do not know where he is. His family have since issued a statement following the news of Petito’s cause of death.
“Gabby Petito’s death at such a young age is a tragedy,” lawyer Steven Bertolino told local news station WFLA.
“While Brian Laundrie is currently charged with the unauthorised use of a debit card belonging to Gabby, Brian is only considered a person of interest in relation to Gabby Petito’s demise.
“At this time Brian is still missing and when he is located we will address the pending fraud charge against him.”
Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, responded to the family’s statement, saying: “His words are garbage, keep talking.”
A Wyoming coroner announced yesterday that 22-year-old Petito had died by “strangulation” and the “manner is homicide.”
He said: “After a detailed investigation by our forensic pathologists, our anthropologists and local law enforcements, the Teton County Coroner’s Office filed the following verdict in the death of Gabrielle Petito.
“We hereby find the cause and manner of death to be death by strangulation, and the manner is homicide.”
The coroner added it is thought that Petito died three to four weeks before her remains were discovered.
A warrant has been issued by the FBI for Laundrie’s arrest over credit card fraud. The Petito’s lawyer recently issued a statement asking the 23-year-old to turn himself in.
“The Laundries did not help us find Gabby,” he said. “They’re sure as not gonna help us find Brian. For Brian, we’re asking you to turn yourself in to the FBI or the nearest law enforcement agency.”
