Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s mother, stunned attendees at CrimeCon 2024 when she publicly forgave Brian Laundrie, her daughter’s suspected killer, during a packed auditorium event. Schmidt expressed her personal decision to release herself from anger and bitterness, refusing to let Laundrie’s actions define her life. However, she directed harsh criticism towards Laundrie’s mother, Roberta, stating that she did not deserve forgiveness and should be forgotten.
Schmidt, who never had the opportunity to confront her daughter’s killer in court due to his death, delivered a victim’s impact statement at the event in Nashville, Tennessee. She singled out Roberta Laundrie, attributing responsibility for the tragic events and condemning her lack of empathy, remorse, and accountability. Schmidt’s emotional address shed light on the ongoing pain and trauma experienced by the Petito family in the aftermath of Gabby’s death.
