Roberta and Chris Laundrie’s attorney released a series of statements this week addressing the new Netflix true-crime series, American Murder: Gabby Petito. The three-part documentary, which has sparked widespread controversy, delves into the tragic case surrounding the death of Gabby Petito and features extensive footage of the Laundrie family during police interviews, including a damning note purportedly written by Roberta Laundrie to her son, Brian. The docuseries has drawn intense public scrutiny, with many viewers questioning why the Laundrie parents were never charged with any involvement in the case, despite allegations that their actions may have hindered the initial investigation into Gabby Petito’s disappearance.

Context of the Documentary

The Netflix series revisits the 2021 case in which Brian Laundrie, the son of Roberta and Chris Laundrie, was implicated in the murder of his 22-year-old fiancée Gabby Petito. According to reports, Gabby was killed during a cross-country road trip, and her body was later discovered in the Wyoming wilderness. The case captured national attention following an extensive police investigation that was initially spurred by Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, who reported her missing after repeated unanswered messages. The investigation eventually revealed that Brian had returned to Florida without Gabby and, tragically, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A waterproof notebook found near his body contained a brief, chilling confession in which he stated, “I ended her life, I thought it was merciful.”

The documentary not only chronicles the events surrounding Gabby’s death but also includes previously unreleased footage of the Laundrie family being questioned by investigators. One particularly contentious aspect is a note written by Roberta Laundrie—titled “Burn After Reading”—in which she allegedly offered to assist her son with “disposing of a body” if necessary. While Roberta claimed during questioning that the letter had been written before Brian’s road trip with Gabby, its inclusion in the series has fueled further debate about the family’s potential involvement.

Attorney’s Comments and Response

In response to the public criticism and the portrayal of the Laundrie family in the series, their attorney, Steven Bertolino, spoke to The Sun US. Bertolino asserted that while the documentary largely reflected what the Laundrie family had anticipated, they were deeply dissatisfied with several aspects of how their story was presented. “One perspective depicted as the ‘truth’ as seen through their lens,” Bertolino told the publication, comparing the situation to the current partisan battles between Republicans and Democrats. He emphasized that each side is convinced of its own correctness, making it challenging to see through the lens of the other amid the prevailing noise and distrust.

Bertolino further stated that there were no contradictions in the statements provided by his clients, Chris and Roberta Laundrie. However, he criticized the series for including what he described as “many inaccuracies, incorrect juxtapositions of timelines, and misstatements and omissions of fact.” He suggested that these discrepancies could have been introduced deliberately to reinforce one narrative, or they might simply have resulted from errors.

“Let’s be clear,” Bertolino continued, “Brian Laundrie’s actions resulted in the tragic death of Gabby Petito, and he subsequently ended his own life. Our focus is on allowing the parents of both Gabby and Brian to mourn in peace.” This statement is intended to underscore that the family’s primary interest is in the healing process, rather than in becoming embroiled in further legal or public disputes.

Public and Legal Repercussions

The release of the series has reignited public debate over the Laundrie family’s involvement in the case, with many viewers and critics questioning why Roberta and Chris Laundrie were not charged with any crimes. The controversy intensified after revelations surfaced regarding the initial interactions between Gabby Petito’s family and the Laundries. For instance, on September 10, 2021, Gabby’s mother texted Roberta to report that she had not heard from the couple in nearly ten days—a follow-up that some believe indicated that the Laundries may have blocked communication. Gabby’s father also attempted to reach out, but received no response, prompting him to contact law enforcement. Moreover, when authorities later searched Brian Laundrie’s home for evidence, they discovered a note written by Roberta, further stoking suspicions about the family’s involvement in a potential cover-up.

Despite these allegations, the Laundrie parents were never formally charged. In 2022, Gabby Petito’s parents filed a lawsuit against the Laundrie family for at least $100,000 in damages, accusing them of aiding in the cover-up of Gabby’s murder and knowing she was deceased. The case was reportedly settled out of court in 2024 after a day of mediation, with all parties agreeing—albeit reluctantly—to the settlement in order to avoid prolonged legal expenses and further personal conflict.

Broader Implications and Industry Response

The release of American Murder: Gabby Petito has also spurred broader discussions about the portrayal of true-crime narratives in the media, particularly when it involves families deeply affected by tragedy. Critics have pointed out that the documentary’s focus on the Laundrie family’s interactions and internal dynamics has, in some instances, overshadowed the central crime itself. For many viewers, the series raises uncomfortable questions about how the media and streaming platforms choose to depict such deeply personal and traumatic events, and whether these portrayals contribute to further public scrutiny and stigma for those involved.

The Laundrie family’s attorney has indicated that his clients are considering their legal options and are closely reviewing the content of the documentary for potential inaccuracies. His comments suggest that the family is prepared to take appropriate legal action if the misrepresentations continue to cause further damage to their reputation and emotional well-being.

Concluding Thoughts

As American Murder: Gabby Petito continues to generate intense public debate, the response from Roberta and Chris Laundrie’s legal representatives underscores the complexities inherent in true-crime storytelling. On one hand, there is a pressing public interest in understanding every facet of a high-profile case; on the other, there is the equally important need to respect the privacy and dignity of those who have been directly impacted by tragedy.

In a time when media portrayals can often exacerbate the pain of loss, the Laundrie family’s attorney has called for a balanced approach—one that respects the truth while also allowing families the space to mourn and heal in peace. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further legal challenges will reshape the narrative presented by the documentary.

Ultimately, this case serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities of those who produce true-crime content, as well as the enduring human consequences of a tragedy that has touched many lives. The ongoing legal, ethical, and emotional debates surrounding American Murder: Gabby Petito will likely continue to influence public discourse on media ethics and the portrayal of sensitive criminal cases for the foreseeable future.