Police had expanded the search for Brian Laundrie in light of recent events. On September 1st, 2021, after the suspected murder of his fiancee, Gabby Petito, Laundrie returned home to Florida without his fiancee. Currently, there is a warrant out for his arrest, as well as an investigation into the police’s handling of a domestic abuse incident caught on bodycam. Brian Laundrie’s bones have since been discovered at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in late October.
This grim reality gives new context for sentiments expressed by Petito’s family. “I hope they get what’s coming, and that includes his folks,” Petito’s father, Joseph Petito said, referencing Brian Laundrie and his family. “Because I’ll tell you, right now, they are just as complicit, in my book.”
Gabby Petito was first reported missing on September 11th, 2021, by her worried parents. According to CNN News, the last they had received from Petito was a text on August 30th, reading “No service in Yosemite.” She sent that message twice.
On September 19th, 2021, remains resembling those of Gabby Petito were found in Teton County, Wyoming, and were confirmed as Gabby Petito on September 21st, 2021. In an interview with Barstow’s Debate Coach and law teacher, Mr. Cook said he finds the case “very sad and disturbing.”
Lots of evidence had been gathered against Laundrie, including possible DNA evidence handed over by Dog the Bounty Hunter. An eyewitness account of Laundrie slapping Petito before her disappearance has been recovered, as well as growing evidence that Laundrie spent at least $1000 on a stolen credit card.
The stolen credit card was enough to issue a warrant for Brian Laundrie’s arrest. Fox 13 tells readers that the FBI, “is looking to collect information from anyone who used the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest between Aug, 27-30, and who may have had contact with Petito, Laundrie, or may have seen their white van.”
Dozens of sightings of Brian Laundrie had been reported on the western side of North Carolina near the Tennessee border. Haywood county sheriffs confirmed some of the claims, saying, “We have received a number of calls regarding the sighting of Brian Laundrie over the past several days, each one being investigated thoroughly and areas of concern searched, but all to no avail. We will continue to respond and fully investigate all calls for service related to the nationwide search for Mr. Laundrie within our jurisdiction.”
As of now, Florida police speculate Laundrie died by suicide. His remains were found in the nature preserve he claimed to be leaving for when his parents last spoke to him.
