Brian Laundrie Autopsy: Forensic Anthropologist Says Laundrie Died of Suicide

(Fox News) – Deceased fugitive Brian Laundrie died of suicide, a forensic anthropologist told Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino on Tuesday.

Laundrie took his own life with a gunshot wound to the head, Bertolino said.

“Chris and Robert are still mourning the loss of their son and are hopeful that these findings bring closure to both families,” he said.

Laundrie was a person of interest in the disappearance and homicide of his former fiancée, Gabby Petito — a tragedy that captured the nation’s attention for more than a month after Petito’s family reported her missing on September 11.

Authorities recovered Laundrie’s partial skeletal remains, along with a backpack and other personal items belonging to Laundrie, on Oct. 20 at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port, Florida. The following day, after a comparison of dental records, the agency confirmed the remains as Laundrie’s.

The Florida District 12 Medical Examiner conducted an initial autopsy in late October, but results came back inconclusive. The remains were then sent to a forensic anthropologist.

Forensic anthropologists analyze human remains, conduct DNA tests and look for any signs of weapon evidence to help determine how a person died.

Authorities also found Laundrie’s notebook on Oct. 20, which police say “may be salvageable.” It is unclear what is inside the notebook.