MIAMI , Brian Laundrie’s attorney said Tuesday that he had shot himself in the head.
Laundrie was the target of a manhunt that lasted more than a month. Investigators were looking for clues to the murder of Gabby Petito, his girlfriend, during their cross-country van ride.
In a statement, Steve Bertolino stated that Laundrie’s parents were informed that Laundrie died from a gunshot to the head and that Laundrie committed suicide.
Bertolino stated that Roberta and Chris still grieve the loss of their son, and hope these discoveries bring closure for both families.
Laundrie’s bones were found in a Florida nature preserve. They were positively identified using dental records last month.
The search for the remains ended a lengthy federal, state, and local investigation that began after Laundrie vanished Sept. 14, two weeks after he returned home alone to North Port, Florida.
However, the investigation into Petito’s murder has not been completed. Law enforcement officials only identified Laundrie as a person of concern in the case.
Petito’s family reported that the 22-year old woman had disappeared on Sept. 11. This triggered a worldwide media search. Laundrie’s case focused mainly on the Carlton Reserve wilderness parks near her home. This swampy, densely wooded area is home to coyotes and bobcats as well as snakes and many other creatures.
Petito’s remains were found Sept. 19 at the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. This was one of the places that Petito and his wife had visited during their trip to Wyoming. According to authorities, the body was there for approximately a month.
A Wyoming autopsy concluded that Petito died from strangulation. However, Laundrie was only charged with fraudulently using a debit card that he didn’t own.
