In a letter addressed toBrian Laundrie’s parents, and read aloud Thursday in front of the news media, the parents ofGabrielle Petitobegged for help in finding the missing 22-year-old, who hasn’t been heard from in nearly a month.
Lawyer Richard Stafford read the letter for reporters on behalf of his clients, Petito’s parents,Joe Petitoand Nichole Schmidt, and her stepparents, Tara Petito and Jim Schmidt.
Gabrielle Petito with her dad, Joseph.Facebook
Petito and Laundrie —named a person of interest in his fiancée’s disappearance— had been traveling across America in a white Ford Transit van since early July.
Petito was reported missing on Sept. 11 — 10 days after Laundrie, 23, returned to his parents' North Port, Fla., home in their van.
Petito was last heard from on Aug. 25, when she was near Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyo.
Police body camera footageof the police questioning the pair for over an hour was released late Wednesday. Both Petito and Laundrie were released without criminal charges.
“We understand you are going through a difficult time and your instinct to protect your son is strong,” the letter reads. “We ask you to put yourselves in our shoes. We haven’t been able to sleep or eat and our lives are falling apart.”
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It was unclear Friday if the letter was actually mailed to Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, or just read aloud, in hopes they’d see the media coverage.
Gabrielle Petito.Facebook
PEOPLE has not been able to reach the attorney for Laundrie’s family.
Petito is a white female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 110 lbs. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, and several tattoos, including one on her finger and one on her forearm that reads “let it be.”
Anyone with information on Petito’s whereabouts is urged to call 800-CALL-FBI.
source: people.com
