Gabby Petito's Family to Brian Laundrie: Turn Yourself In
Published Date: 9/28/2021
Source: NBC New York
The family of a 22-year-old Long Island woman whose mysterious death during a cross-country road trip sparked a national manhunt for her fiancé pleaded directly Tuesday with that man to turn himself in as they reflected on a bright young woman whose zest for life they want to propel forward as they grapple with relentless grief. Gabby Petito's mother and stepfather, Nichole and Jim Schmidt, along with her father and stepmother, Joe and Tara Petito, each wore light blue ribbons on their hearts as they debuted new tattoos that were designed by her or hold her memory. "We don't stop remembering Gabby and keeping her name out there and fighting for other people out there like her. She's always with us every day," said Jim Schmidt as the family announced plans to create a new foundation in Petito's name. "It's difficult. Where do you go from here? How do you go back to normal?" Apart from keeping Petito's memory alive, the family wants justice for her homicide, their attorney, Richard Stafford, said. Stafford said the family trusts the FBI to get it and asked for continued privacy on their behalf as they mourn. The lawyer would not discuss Petito's relationship with her fiance Brian Laundrie, citing a recommendation from the FBI as they continue their ongoing investigation.