The heartbreaking case of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old travel blogger who was killed during a cross-country road trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie, continues to spark emotional reactions and legal developments years after her death. In a recent podcast interview, Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, made new claims that have reignited public interest and speculation regarding the role Brian’s parents may have played in the tragic events.
Shocking Claims on ‘The Squeeze’ Podcast
During her appearance on The Squeeze, a podcast hosted by actor Taylor Lautner and his wife Tay Lautner, Nichole Schmidt revealed that she had received information suggesting Brian Laundrie’s parents may have been directly involved in their son’s death. According to Schmidt, she was told by someone she considers trustworthy that Brian’s bedroom had been entirely cleared out and renovated shortly after he went missing in September 2021. This detail raises serious questions. Schmidt shared her disbelief that this could have been a coincidence, saying she now suspects Brian didn’t die by suicide in the Florida reserve—as officially reported—but that he may have been killed by one or both of his parents. Although no evidence has emerged to support this claim, Schmidt stated that her “mother’s instinct” leads her to believe Brian didn’t take his own life.
Background of the Case
Gabby Petito was reported missing in September 2021 after going on a van trip with Brian Laundrie, her fiancé. While Brian returned home to Florida without her and refused to speak with law enforcement or her family, Gabby’s body was later found in Wyoming. A coroner ruled her death a homicide by strangulation. Brian Laundrie went missing shortly afterward. Weeks later, his remains were discovered in the Carlton Reserve, along with a notebook in which he allegedly confessed to killing Gabby. The FBI closed the case in 2022, concluding that Brian had acted alone and died by suicide.
Legal Action Against the Laundries
In March 2022, Gabby Petito’s parents, Nichole Schmidt and Joseph Petito, filed a civil lawsuit against Brian’s parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie. The lawsuit accuses the Laundries of knowing that Brian had murdered Gabby and of attempting to help him flee law enforcement. It alleges that the Laundries not only failed to notify the Petito family or authorities but also hired a lawyer for their son and issued a public statement expressing hope for Gabby’s safe return—while allegedly knowing she was already dead. A Florida judge allowed the lawsuit to proceed, stating that if the Laundries knew Gabby was dead and still gave such a misleading public statement, their actions could be considered “particularly callous and cruel.”
Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Emotional Toll
In addition to the civil suit against Brian’s parents, Nichole Schmidt filed a wrongful death lawsuit in May 2022 against Brian Laundrie’s estate, seeking damages for funeral costs and the immense emotional toll her daughter’s death has had on the family. The Petito family continues to advocate for justice and transparency, emphasizing the need to hold all potentially responsible parties accountable.
Legacy and Advocacy
Gabby Petito’s story captured national attention not just because of its tragedy but also because of the many questions it raised about domestic violence, media coverage, and missing persons cases. Her family has since created the Gabby Petito Foundation, an organization that supports efforts to locate missing persons and provide resources to domestic violence victims.
Conclusion
Nichole Schmidt’s latest claims have reopened painful wounds but also renewed calls for continued investigation and accountability. Whether or not new evidence emerges, one thing is clear—Gabby’s family will not stop seeking justice for their daughter and using their voice to protect others from similar fates.
