Brian Laundrie Had A Gun On The Run, Parents AND FBI Hid From Public

Brian Laundrie'sparents KNEW he was carrying a weapon while on the run but decided not to reveal the fact to the public, claiming it would have caused a "panic."

According to the family's lawyer, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were aware that one gun was missing from the family's home after they voluntarily turned all weapons over during the beginning of the investigation. Shockingly, the police along with Brian's parents decided it was better to hide this fact, instead of warning the public about the immediate danger.

"It is correct that Chris and Roberta Laundrie voluntarily surrendered all guns in their home to law enforcement on September 17 while (law enforcement) was present to complete the missing person paperwork," the family's lawyer began. 

He continued, "At the time it was discovered that one handgun was not in its case. Both (law enforcement) and myself felt it was best for that information not to be public. I do not know if a gun was found near Brian's remains and possessions. You would have to confirm that with (law enforcement).

Interestingly, the lawyer -- Steven Bertolino -- went out on a limb and claimed he was doing everyone a favor by not revealing this fact. "Imagine, with the frenzied atmosphere at the time, if the public thought Brian had a gun! I can't speak to why (law enforcement) did not reveal the info but we spoke about it at the time and I believe they felt as I did."

Unfortunately, many feel the fact that Brian was armed and dangerous would have been an important thing to know if coming into contact with him while he was on the run. Plus, knowing he had a weapon, might have changed who was helping the search for him at the time.

As we reported, Brian's ultimate cause of death was ruled a "suicide" after a fatal shot to the head. "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 at the time.

The killer's remains were found in a Florida nature reserve last month, after a week-long manhunt for his capture. As you know, he disappeared in the days following the death of his fiancée Gabby Petito. The couple had been traveling across the county in a converted van.

On September 19, Petito's remains were found in Wyoming, and her death was ruled a "homicide by manual strangulation."

As for the gun issue, it was reported at the time that the parents were asked not to make any statements during the ongoing information. But, as you know, it is common for police and the FBI to release that a suspect is "armed and dangerous" so the public can defend themselves. For some reason, this time, they did not. 

Shockingly, Laundre's father who was searching with authorities for his son found his body. Many believed his parents might have known the possible location all along.