Gabby Petito’s mom slammed Brian Laundrie’s lawyer, Steven Bertolino, after he called Gabby Petito’s death a “tragedy” on Tuesday. Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue revealed that Gabby’s homicide was caused by “manual strangulation.”
Gabby’s remains were discovered in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest on September 19, approximately four weeks after she was killed, Dr. Blue revealed. Her former boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, returned to his parents’ Florida home on Sept. 1 in Gabby’s white van but without her. He then disappeared on Sept. 13 after telling his parents he was going for a hike. Brian is a person of interest in Gabby’s death and is currently wanted for alleged debit card fraud.
Brian Laundrie’s lawyer, Steven Bertolino, told Fox News on Tuesday that “Gabby Petito’s death at such a young age is a tragedy.” He further told the news outlet that Brian is only considered a person of interest in Gabby Petito’s death even though he is currently charged with the unauthorized use of her debit card.
Gabby’s mom, Nichole Schmidt, dismissed Bertolino’s comments on Tuesday. Schmidt told WFLA that Bertolino’s words are garbage, urging him to keep talking. While Gabby’s remains are still in Wyoming, no further statement will come from her family until they bring her home, Fox News reports.
Ever since Gabby’s mom initially reported her missing on Sept. 11, Brian’s family reportedly laid low in their North Port home. When her remains were discovered last month, Bertolino called her death “heartbreaking” and said that Brian’s family prays for Gabby and her family.
Brian’s older sister, Cassie Laundrie, appears to be the only family member who has addressed Gabby’s death and her brother’s disappearance. She told a group of protesters outside her home last week that her parents were ignoring her calls.
See the last known photos of Gabby Petito and Brian together.
