FBI reveals: Brian Laundrie admitted to killing Gabby Petito in note

A notebook entry found next to the body of the killer has led to one final twist in the grisly case that captivated the world.

Brian Laundrie admitted he killed girlfriend Gabby Petito in a notebook entry he wrote shortly before he took his own life, the FBI has revealed.

He also sent text messages between his mobile and Ms Petito’s after he killed her to fool police into thinking she was still alive.

The 22-year-old social media influencer was strangled to death by Laundrie, 23, last September. She went missing during a cross-country trip with Laundrie and her body was found on September 19 at a Wyoming campground.

Laundrie, 23, became the prime suspect after he returned to Florida from the trip without Ms Petito - before he too then disappeared.

A massive manhunt for him made headlines around the world and ended when his remains were found at a nature preserve on October 20.

,Brian Laundrie admitted in a notebook entry he killed his partner Gabby Petito. Picture: Instagram

A revolver, backpack and the notebook were found near his body. Police said Laundrie had used Ms Petito’s debit card on his drive from Wyoming to Florida.

The FBI didn’t say what exactly he wrote in the notebook entry other than it “revealed written statements by Mr Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms. Petito’s death.”

All “logical investigative steps have been concluded in the case,” FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said in a statement to conclude the case that captivated people around the world.

“The investigation did not identify any other individuals other than Brian Laundrie directly involved in the tragic death of Gabby Petito.

“The FBI’s primary focus throughout the investigation was to bring justice to Gabby and her family,” Mr Scheider said.

Laundrie was the prime suspect after Ms Petito disappeared. Picture: Instagram

“The public’s role in helping us in this endeavour was invaluable as the investigation was covered in the media around the world.

“On behalf of the FBI, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the public for the thousands of tips that were provided during the investigation, and to our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their work throughout the investigation.”

Steven Bertolino, the lawyer for the Laundrie family, issued a statement after the release of the FBI report.

The case of Ms Petito, a social media influencer, gripped the world. Picture: Instagram

“Gabby and Brian are no longer with their families and this tragedy has caused enormous emotional pain and suffering to all who loved either or both of them,” Mr Bertolino’s statement said.

“We can only hope that with today’s closure of the case each family can begin to heal and move forward and find peace in and with the memories of their children.

“May Gabby and Brian both rest in peace.”

Originally published as FBI reveals: Brian Laundrie admitted to killing Gabby Petito in note