Gabby Petito's family speak for the first time since their daughter's death and showed off new tattoos, which they said were designed by Petito. Video / AP
The mum of Gabby Petito, whose murdered body was found in a remote national park in the US last month, has turned her attention and anger to the man who was likely the last person to have seen her alive.
Gabby Petito, 22 and her boyfriend Brian Laundrie, 23, wereon a cross-country road trip throughout the US when the couple stopped at Bridger-Teton National Park in Wyoming in September.
Petito's body was found at a campground in the national park on September 19, five days after Laundrie, who remains the sole person of interest in the case, vanished from his parents' home in North Port, Florida. Her death has been ruled a homicide.
Brian Laundrie and Gabby Petito. Photo / Instagram
The search for Laundrie has so far been unsuccessful, with local police and the FBI scouring parts of Florida and other US states, as tips about his potential location flood in.
On September 17, Laundrie's parents told investigators they had not seen their son since September 14.
While Laundrie has not been named a suspect in the murder of his girlfriend, an arrest warrant has been issued for him over allegedly using Petito's credit card.
The relationship between the Petito and Laundrie families continues to sour, as Petito's parents beg for information on their daughter.
Nichole Schmidt and Gabby's stepfather James Schmidt appealing for information before her body was found. Photo / CBS New York
At a press conference earlier this week, the Petito family's lawyer Richard Stafford was scathing in condemning Brian's parents Chris and Roberta Laundrie for their lack of co-operation.
Schmidt reported Gabby missing on September 11, 13 days after she last heard from her daughter.
Petito's parents and step-parents are united in their calls for the 22-year-old's killer to be found.
Petito's stepfather Jim Schmidt, father Joe Petito, mother Nichole Schmidt and stepmother Tara Petito thanked law enforcement earlier this week and people around the world for their support and helping find Gabby's body.
Each family member showed off new tattoos, which they said were designed by Petito. The tattoos read "Let it Be" and "Believe."
“We’re in this together” - All four of Gabby’s parents proudly show their tattoos. “Let it Be” is what Gabby had on her arm and now they do too. “We don’t stop remembering Gabby and fighting for other people like her” - said Jim Schmidt #GabbyPetito#Justice4Gabbypic.twitter.com/K8FFHrfXOl
Relatives and friends gathered last weekend to farewell Petito.
Petito's father, who opened the funeral service in Holbrook, New York urged Americans not to be saddened by his daughter's tragic death, but motivated by her brief, adventurous life.
"When you leave here today, be inspired by what she brought to the table – because the entire planet knows this woman's name now," Petito said.
Her stepfather, Jim Schmidt, offered a positive message: "It's okay to mourn for Gabby, and it's okay to feel sorrow and pain. But we want to celebrate her and how she lived her life."
Schmidt said his stepdaughter was an "example for us all" as she adventured and enjoyed "every moment of this beautiful world".
A live feed of the service showed loved ones hugging in front of bouquets of flowers and large photographs of Petito.
Dozens of police and other first responders were seen lining up to enter the funeral home.
