‘It’s Infuriating,’ Says Gabby Petito’s Mom Claiming Brian Laundrie’s Parents Ignored Her Calls

Nichole Schmidt says she reported her daughter, “van life” blogger Gabby Petito, missing on September 11, 2021, after not hearing from the 22-year-old since late August. She says that the last she knew, Gabby, who had been on a cross-country trip with her former fiancé, Brian Laundrie, was camping in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Nichole says she later learned that Laundrie, 23, had returned to his parent’s home in North Port, Florida on September 1, with Gabby’s van – but without her. Nichole says she and her ex-husband, Joe Petito, tried to contact Brian Laundrie’s mother, Roberta, multiple times, but claim their calls and texts went unanswered. “It’s infuriating,” says Nichole. “We didn’t actually know the van was in Florida at the time we contacted her. I was just worried that I hadn’t heard from Gabby.” Joe says, “We actually thought that they were both missing at that time.” According to Nichole and Joe, not only did Brian Laundrie and his family ignore their calls and texts, but they also declined to speak with police, refused to provide any information regarding Gabby’s whereabouts, and directed investigators to speak to Laundrie’s attorney. On September 17, 2021, Brian Laundrie’s family reported him missing. Gabby Petito’s body was recovered in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming on Sunday, September 19. Her death was ruled a homicide, and Brian Laundrie named a person of interest. Watch part one, “Gabby Petito’s Family Speaks Out – A Dr. Phil Exclusive,” on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday, tune in for the conclusion, “Gabby’s Parents Come Together,” Check your local listing for air times. Gabby Petito’s family has started the Gabby Petito Foundation, dedicated to bringing awareness to the dual causes of domestic violence and missing persons. To learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation or to donate, visit https://gabbypetitofoundation.org. WATCH: Stepfather Says FBI Described A Piece Of Clothing To Him To Help Identify Gabby Petito’s Remains TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Are you involved in a story making headlines?