Medical examiner: Brian Laundrie died by gunshot wound, manner of death was suicide

The Sarasota medical examiner determined Brian Laundrie's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
Attorney Steven Bertolino said the family was told the manner of the 23-year-old's death was suicide.
"Chris and Roberta Laundrie have been informed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death was suicide," Bertolino said. "Chris and Roberta are still mourning the loss of their son and are hopeful that these findings bring closure to both families."
Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito, both originally from Blue Point, were on a cross-country road trip over the summer. Brian Laundrie returned to his family home in Florida by himself in early September.
Petito's body was later found in Wyoming. Investigators determined she had been strangled, and Brian Laundrie was the sole person of interest in the case
When asked, Bertolino told News 12 he was not sure if a gun had been found. He did say, however, that the family turned in all of their firearms when Brian Laundrie took off and that gun was missing.
Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, a forensics expert with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, says there could still be clues in Brian Laundrie's notebook and backpack, which was near where police found his remains.
"There may very well be information in that notebook that might reveal some of the thoughts going through Brian Laundrie's mind, and perhaps there may even be a confession or something close to it," Kobilinsky says.
Some Blue Point residents were frustrated after learning Brian Laundrie committed suicide, saying that they believe he knew what he did and couldn't live with it.
The law office of Richard B. Stafford released a statement, saying: "The Schmidt and Petito family has been aware of the circumstances surrounding the suicide of the sole suspect in Gabby's murder. Gabby's family will not be making a statement at this time due to the request of the United States Attorney's Office and the Teton County Prosecutor's Office. The family was asked not to make any comments and let the FBI continue their investigation. The family was also asked to wait for the United States Attorney's Office to make a determination on whether any additional individuals will be charged. When that determination is made, we will have a statement."