A lawyer representing Brian Laundrie’s parents has proposed a settlement in the civil case filed against him by Gabby Petito’s mother and father.
“Settlement, discussions and proposals are part of the process with every civil litigation,” the Laundries’ attorney, Steven Bertolino told WFLA. ”This case is no different.”
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, and a lawyer representing, Gabby’s parents, Joe Petito and Nicole Schmidt, declined to comment to the outlet.
On July 2, 2021, 22-year-old Petito left her native Long Island for a cross-country trip with fiance Laundrie. Her family grew concerned when her husband-to-be returned alone to his parents’ home in North Port, Florida, on Sept. 1 of that year.
Petito’s disappearance sparked a massive search effort that culminated in the discovery of her body on Sept. 19 at a campground near Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming.
Upon returning home, Laundrie reunited with his parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, and then almost immediately left with them for a camping trip on the beach at Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Petersburg. But Laundrie never returned from the trip.
After months of speculation regarding his whereabouts, Laundrie was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park on Oct. 20, 2021.
Petito’s parents went on to file a civil lawsuit against the Laundries, alleging they had been aware of their daughter’s death and that their son had killed her. It further accused the couple of failing to come forward with information amid the investigation, in addition to helping their son cover up his crime.
In December 2022, the Petitos added attorney Bertolino to the suit. They argued he too knew Petito was dead, but instead issued press releases and statements expressing hope for her safe return.
Its not clear if the Petitos are considering Bertolino’s settlement offer. Documents obtained by WFLA make no mention of the Laundries, who are not believed to be part of the offer.
Depositions for the lawsuit began in August and the civil trial is scheduled to begin in May 2024.