'COWARDS': Gabby Petito's parents slam Laundrie family in Dr Phil interview
Gabby Petito's family has slammed the Laundrie family, accusing them of being cowards, as authorities continue their search for Brian Laundrie.
Gabby's parents and step-parents, along with the attorney representing them, sat down with Dr Phil to share their pain of the loss of their daughter whose remains were found on September 19 in remote northern Wyoming.
Nichole Schmidt, Gabby's mother, said during the interview she knew Gabby was gone when when the van she was travelling in was found in Florida on September 11, though she said she didn't want to admit it.
"I felt in my heart, that she was gone," Ms Schmidt said.
Tara Petito, Gabby's step-mother, said her body went into shock when she found out the van had been found.
"It was horrible, just horrible," Ms Petito said.
"Because you have all this hope that maybe she would be found."
Calls, texts to Laundrie family go unanswered
When the family lost contact with Gabby, they weren't just worried about her, but also her partner Brian Laundrie.
Jim Schmidt, Gabby’s step-dad, said they actually thought he was missing too.
The whole family was trying to get in contact with Gabby, Brian and his parents, only to get the voicemail message.
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Gabby's father, Joseph Petito, said he would send text messages when their calls went unanswered. He even said he let the Laundrie family know they would be contacting the police because they had "no idea" what was going on.
"A normal parent when you text someone that they're going to call the cops because you can't find your child, they would reply," he said.
But Christopher and Roberta, Brian's parents, didn't respond.
Mr Petito questioned why Mr and Mrs Laundrie weren't on any TV shows trying to find Brian, who has been missing for weeks and now subject to a manhunt.
Dr Phil suggested the reason his parents haven't made a plea for him is because they know where he is, or they don't want him found.
Gabby's parents and step-parents all believe Brian is out there somewhere hiding, with Mr Petito saying he believes he's hiding because he is a "coward".
"He's a coward, flat out, I use some other words, but I can't use them on your show, he's a coward," Mr Petito said
"Anyone that lived in that house is a coward, and they don't know how to stand up for their actions."
Brian's parents said they last saw him on September 14 when he reportedly told them he was going for a hike in a nature reserve.
His parents have denied helping their son evade police however they and Mr Laundrie refused to speak with police before he disappeared.
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