Gabby Petito’s parents have filed a lawsuit against Brian Laundrie’s parents for allegedly helping him get away with the crime before his death.
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The lawsuit claims Chris and Roberta Laundrie knew that their son, Brian, killed Gabby and helped him with the process of fleeing the country. Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt added that Brian pretended to be Gabby after her death by using her cellphone to answer text messages so people would think she was still alive. In one example, Brian responded to a text message from Gabby’s grandfather and referred to him as Stan.
Gabby’s parents said that is something she wouldn’t do if she was still alive. He reportedly used the phone until August 30 and claimed there was no cellphone service in Yosemite as reported by TMZ. The family also believes that Brian allegedly told his parents what happened a day after Gabby was killed and they immediately hired an attorney to help with the case.
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Additionally, Brian’s mom reportedly blocked Schmidt’s phone number and Facebook account during Gabby’s disappearance. The lawsuit is asking for an undisclosed amount in damages, citing emotional distress.
The Laundrie family’s attorney, Steven Bertolino, said his clients have continued to deny the claims.
“The Laundrie‘s have not publicly commented at my direction which is their right under the law. Assuming everything the Petitos allege in their lawsuit is true, which we deny, this lawsuit does not change the fact that the Laundries had no obligation to speak to Law Enforcement or any third-party including the Petito family. “