New Netflix Docuseries Unveils Brian Laundrie’s Family Turmoil After Gabby Petito’s Death

NEW YORK, NY — Following the release of Netflix’s docuseries “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” Cassie Laundrie, sister of Brian Laundrie, has publicly expressed her grief not only for her brother but also for Gabby Petito. The series, launched on February 17, 2025, recounts the complex events surrounding Petito’s tragic death and Laundrie’s subsequent suicide.

Cassie, who stated she was “just as upset, frustrated, and heartbroken as everyone else,” revealed the strain on her personal relationships after the tragedies. In the docuseries, she explained, “I am losing my parents and my brother and my children’s aunt and future sister-in-law on top of this. We have literally been finding everything out with the news like everybody else.”

Despite her grief, Cassie has distanced herself from her parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, due to the ongoing public scrutiny and their handling of the situation. Karen and Nicholas Schmidt, parents of Gabby Petito, stated in the docuseries that they attempted to contact Cassie while their daughter was missing but received no response.

“I reached out to Brian’s parents and they just never responded,” said Joe Petito, Gabby’s father. “Neither did Cassie, Brian’s sister.” In an effort to clarify her position and actions, Cassie recently took to social media, asserting, “I’ve been non-contact with my parents for almost two years.”

In the Netflix docuseries, allegations arose about a statement given to police by Suffolk County detective Tracey Barry, who claimed Cassie recounted a conversation where Brian said he flew home while leaving Gabby at a Wyoming hotel. Cassie refuted this, explaining, “No one from my family contacted me until detective Barry called me. Detective Barry gravely miscommunicated what I told her on the phone.”

During the docuseries, Steven Bertolino, lawyer for the Laundrie family, commented on the episode, indicating that the portrayal offered one perspective, saying, “One perspective depicted as the ‘truth’ as seen through their lens.” Bertolino continued to challenge the accuracy of information in the documentary, calling out inaccuracies and mischaracterizations. “We all know Brian took Gabby’s life and Brian then took his own as well,” he stated.

The heart-wrenching saga began when Gabby Petito was reported missing on September 11, 2021. She was found dead weeks later, and Brian Laundrie was named a person of interest. His body was discovered weeks after he returned to Florida without Gabby, alongside a note confessing to her murder.

The case has reignited public interest and scrutiny over the Laundrie family’s actions during the investigation. The documentary includes interviews with Petito’s family and close friends, detailing Gabby’s struggles leading up to her death. It presents a comprehensive timeline of the couple’s last days together, raising more questions regarding the Laundrie family’s involvement before and during the search for Petito.

Cassie’s life has changed dramatically since these events, as she navigates her own grief while striving for mental health awareness. She has emphasized the importance of sharing her story for those suffering from emotional distress. On her social media accounts, she frequently promotes mental health resources and commends individuals for their perseverance.

As she continues to deal with the fallout from the love and loss in her family, those close to Cassie note her commitment to mental health advocacy. “I miss and think about my brother every day. Today marks one year I’ve been without him, but it’s worse than that,” she stated on social media, urging followers to cherish life even through pain.

The release of “American Murder: Gabby Petito” has not only reignited discussions about the case but also encouraged broader dialogues about familial relationships and mental health in the wake of tragedy. Additional developments from the docuseries continue to unfold as it captures the public’s attention and compassion for the families involved.