Federal Charges Against Brian Laundrie Dropped by Wyoming US Attorney

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie in an undated photo. Facebook selfie

The Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s office dismissed an indictment against Brian Laundrie in the wake of the FBI’s announcement that it is closing its investigation into his case.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Scott Skavdahl granted a motion to dismiss bank fraud charges against Laundrie “for the reason that the Defendant is deceased,” according to a Wednesday court filing. Steve Bertolino, Laundrie’s family’s attorney, provided no comment on Thursday.

The US Attorney’s Office in Wyoming on Tuesday filed a motion to dismiss the charges after  prosecutors “secured Brian Laundrie’s certified death certificate.”

Officials said that Laundrie, 23, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park near North Port, Florida. Laundrie was wanted as a person of interest in the disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito, his girlfriend, while they were on a cross-country sightseeing trip.

Laundrie was named as the only person of interest in the death of Petito, who was found dead at a campsite in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming.

Laundrie was wanted on a federal warrant for allegedly using Petito’s debit cards after her death.

In a statement on Jan. 21, the FBI said a notebook that was recorded near Laundrie’s remains contained a passage that was written by Laundrie in which he allegedly admitted to killing Petito.

“A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr. Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms. Petito’s death,” the FBI said in a statement.

The Petito family thanked the FBI for its support last week after the FBI’s revelation.

“We truly appreciate the FBI’s diligent and painstaking efforts in this extremely complicated case. The quality and quantity of the facts and information collected by the FBI leave no doubt (that) Brian Laundrie murdered Gabby,” said a family lawyer to CNN.

Steven Bertolino, a lawyer for the Laundrie family, told the outlet that “Gabby and Brian are no longer with their families and this tragedy has caused enormous emotional pain and suffering to all who loved either or both of them.”

“We can only hope that with today’s closure of the case each family can begin to heal and move forward and find peace in and with the memories of their children. May Gabby and Brian both rest in peace,” he said.

Before Laundrie’s remains were discovered, a massive manhunt was initiated by the FBI and local law enforcement. Meanwhile, there were dozens of reported sightings around the country.

Laundrie’s remains were found at the 25,000-acre reserve just miles from his parents’ home in North Port on Oct. 20.