The community in North Port, Florida, has not been kind to the parents of Brian Laundrie since the tragic events of 2021 when their son killed his girlfriend, Gabby Petito. The recent release of the Netflix docuseries “American Murder: Gabby Petito” has only intensified the animosity towards Christopher and Roberta Laundrie.
The documentary portrays the Laundrie family as distant and unhelpful towards Petito when she was in a relationship with their son. It also sheds light on the allegations that the family obstructed the investigation and refused to assist in locating Petito after she was reported missing in September 2021.
Neighbors in the area have expressed their disdain for the Laundries, with some even resorting to throwing garbage, including dirty diapers and dog feces, into their yard. There have also been instances of people hurling insults at Roberta Laundrie as she enters her home.
The heart-wrenching pleas for help from Petito, as documented in the series, have only fueled the anger towards the Laundrie family. Petito had confided in old friends about her plan to leave Brian Laundrie, indicating the abusive nature of their relationship.
The summer of 2021 saw Petito and Laundrie traveling across the country in a white van, documenting their adventures on social media. However, Laundrie returned home alone on September 1, sparking concerns about Petito’s whereabouts.
Tragically, Petito’s body was found in Grand Teton National Park on September 19, revealing that she had been strangled by Laundrie. Despite a warrant for his arrest and his subsequent suicide, the Laundrie family remained uncooperative with authorities.
The new docuseries has reignited the anger towards the Laundries in their neighborhood. Residents express their deep-seated animosity towards the family, wishing them nothing but ill will and emphasizing that they are not welcome in the community.
The Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino, has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The community’s resentment towards the Laundries is palpable, with the documentary serving as a painful reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in their midst.
