Can Chris and Roberta Laundrie go to jail?
CHRIS and Roberta Laundrie are the parents of Gabby Petito's ex-fiance Brian Laundrie.
The parents have been under intense scrutiny since the remains of Gabby Petito, were found on September 19.
Can Chris and Roberta Laundrie go to jail?
Brian Laundrie's disappearance has prompted those following the case to query whether or not his parents will receive any jail time.
Chris and Roberta Laundrie are not currently facing any charges in relation to the case.
There is no indication that authorities intend to charge Chris and Roberta.
The parents initially claimed to have last seen Brian on September 14 but later revised that date in a statement issued through their attorney.
After finally reporting him missing on September 17, they told police they had driven to the reserve in search of him.
While they say they didn't find Brian, they did find his silver Ford Mustang and drove it back to their home before contacting the cops the next day.
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An investigation continues.
The couple was last seen assisting police joined in search of their son at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida.
It was later revealed that police had found human remains near a backpack and notebook belonging to 23-year-old Brian.
Brian's remains were officially identified on October 21, 2021, after an extensive search at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.
The FBI released a statement after it was confirmed on October 21 that the human remains found in the search for Brian were bones.
The statement read: "On October 21, 2021, a comparison of dental records confirmed that the human remains found at the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve and the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park are those of Brian Laundrie."
The family lawyer, Steven Bertolino confirmed that Brian's parents were informed of the finding, saying: "Chris and Roberta Laundrie have been informed that the remains found yesterday in the reserve are indeed Brian’s.
"We have no further comment at this time and we ask that you respect the Laundrie’s privacy at this time."
How long has Brian Laundrie been missing?
Brian was on the run since September 13, two days after Gabby was reported missing by her mother in New York.
Her remains were discovered at a campsite in Teton County, Wyoming on September 19.
A coroner later ruled that she had been strangled to death by a "human force" and that she'd been killed between three to four weeks before she was found.
The pair had been on a cross-country road trip touring the US' national parks at the time of Gabby's death.
Brian was not been named as a suspect but was the only named person of interest in the case.
Brian Laundrie timeline
Brian Laundrie has not been seen since the morning of September 13. Here is a timeline of Laundrie's latest whereabouts:
- July 2021: Brian Laundrie and his fiancé Gabby Petito leave for a grip across the country. The couple visit numerous national parks across the way.
- August 12: Police in Utah respond to an incident involving the couple. The bodycam footage is not released for another month but it shows a visibly upset Gabby talking to police after reports of a domestic violence incident outside a grocery store.
- August 24: Gabby is seen leaving a hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Laundrie.
- September 1: Laundrie returns to his home in North Port, Florida without Gabby.
- September 6: Laundrie joins his family on a camping trip about 75 miles from their home in North Port.
- September 11: Gabby's family reports her missing.
- September 13: Laundrie leaves home to go hiking in Carlton Reserve, Florida. His family had initially said he departed on September 14, but revised their timeline weeks later.
- September 15: Laundrie is named a person of interest in the case of Gabby.
- September 16: Bodycam footage is released regarding the incident between Gabby and Laundrie.
- September 19: The FBI announces a body found at a Wyoming national park is believed to be that of Gabby's.
- September 23: The FBI issued a warrant for Laundrie's arrest claiming he "used unauthorized debit cards after Gabby Petito's death."
- September 26: A funeral is held for Gabby in New York.
- September 27: Dog the Bounty Hunter announces he will lend a hand and help search for Laundrie.
- September 28: Gabby's family held an emotional press conference as the search for Laundrie continued.
- October 5: Laundrie's sister, Cassie, appeared on Good Morning America and urged her brother to come forward.
- October 7: Laundrie's father, Chris Laundrie, assisted law enforcement in the search to find his son.
- October 12: Gabby's autopsy results were made public. Teton County Coroner Dr Brent Blue confirmed Gabby died by strangulation.
- October 20: Laundrie's personal items were found near the Myakkahatchee Creek Park trail in Florida. The medical examiner was called to the scene to investigate.
- October 21: Reports stated the human remains found in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park were bones.
- October 21: The FBI confirmed the remains found have been identified as Laundrie's.
Will Chris and Robert Laundrie address the public?
Family lawyer Steve Bertolino claimed that Brian's parents may never speak, even if their son is confirmed dead.
Bertolino spoke with CNN’s Chris Cuomo regarding the family’s silence.
Cuomo asked the reason behind the family’s decision not to speak with authorities or Gabby's family to which Bertolino said he advised them not to.
“I can tell you the reason,” he said. “I told them not to.”
Cuomo then asked if the Laundries will “explain the situation” if and when Brian is found.
“It may come out in the future, it may not,” said Bertolino, alluding to his previous statement that the family is awaiting the forensic results.
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“We may come back on that subject sometime in the future.”
“The probability is strong that it is Brian’s remains but we are going to wait for the forensic results to come in to verify that.”