Gabby Petito Case: Brian Laundrie's Parents Absent From First Civil Lawsuit Hearing

Brian Laundrie's parents Christopher and Roberta Laundrie did not attend the first hearing of the March civil lawsuit brought against them by Gabby Petito's parents. Find out more below.

By Emlyn Travis Jun 23, 2022 11:24 PMTags
Watch: Gabby Petito's Family Pleads for Justice

The legal battle between the parents of Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito continues. 

On June 22, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie did not attend the first court hearing of the civil suit brought against them by the Petito family, per People. The couple was not legally required to attend the hearing—which will determine if the case goes to trial—however Gabby's parents Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt were in attendance.   

During the hearing, judge Hunter Carroll heard arguments from both attorneys and later shared that he expects to make a decision within the next two weeks, CNN reports. 

E! News has reached out to the Laundrie family's lawyer for comment.    

Back in March, the Petito family filed a lawsuit against the Laundries for allegedly helping their son attempt to cover-up Gabby's death.   

In their complaint, Gabby's parents allege that Christopher and Roberta were "keeping the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie secret" and "making arrangements for him to leave the country" after he went missing in September during the search for the then-missing Gabby. They are seeking "compensation for the damages they have suffered" alongside additional relief, according to the docs. 

read
Gabby Petito’s Mom Files $30K Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Brian Laundrie's Estate

In response, the Laundrie's lawyer Steven Bertolino told E! News that the family had "no obligation to speak to Law Enforcement." 

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Two months later, Gabby's mom Nichole filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit against the curator of Brian Laundrie's estate in May.

The complaint asked for a trial by jury and compensatory damages of at least $30,000 after the family "incurred funeral and burial expenses," experienced "a loss of care and comfort" and suffered "a loss of probable future companionship, society and comfort" after their daughter's death in 2021.    

Bertolino previously told E! News that the wrongful death lawsuit was "fully expected."    

He continued, "This lawsuit will most likely not be defended and the Petitos will have gained nothing more than a piece of paper that tells them what everyone already knows—which is that Brian was responsible for Gabby's death as indicated by the FBI."   

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In September 2021, Gabby, an aspiring YouTuber, made national headlines when she was declared missing after embarking on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé Brian. The 22-year-old's remains were discovered later that month at a camping ground in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming.   

Brian, who had returned home to Florida without Gabby, later disappeared during the investigation and was found dead at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port, Fla. He claimed "responsibility" for Gabby's death in a notebook which was found near his remains.   

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