Investigators believe that Gabrielle Petito (22-year-old #VanLife Influencer) was found dead in Bridger-Teton National Forest Sunday. She went missing while she was on a cross-country roadtrip with her fianc.
According to BuzzFeed News, a deputy coroner was dispatched to the scene Sunday afternoon. Charles Jones, FBI's chief of operations, stated that while it was impossible to confirm 100% the discovery until a full forensic analysis is completed, the body was consistent with Petito's descriptions.
On Sunday, the North Port Police Department in Florida said that they were "saddened" and "heartbroken" to hear that Gabby had been declared dead by the FBI. "Bringing her home has been our focus since the beginning, together with the FBI and national partners. They said that they will continue to collaborate with the FBI in their search for more answers.
Petito was reported missing on Sept. 11, and last seen in Wyoming's national forest, Grand Teton National Park. According to her family, they last spoke with Petito in August's final week.
Brian Laundrie, Petito's fianc returned to North Port, driving her white van, in which they had road-tripped across America while also vlogging to hundreds and thousands of followers on Twitter. According to the New York Suffolk County Police Department, Petito's family is located in New York, Laundrie did not attempt to contact them to find his fianc. Police officially identified Laundrie as a person in interest last week.
His whereabouts were not known as of Friday. North Port police released a statement via Twitter that "the family now claims they haven't seen Brian since Tuesday this week."
Sunday's search for Brian Laundrie is continuing in the Carlton Reserve. After his parents claim that he was there, a team of over 50 is searching for any clues. We are continuing to verify all information in our search for Gabby and him. 1-800-CALL-FBI. 01:49 PM - 19 September 2021
The couple shared their journey for several months on Instagram and YouTube. Petito uploaded the last video on August 19.
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While police from different jurisdictions are still investigating the incident, the Moab City Police Department was called August 12 to investigate a possible domestic dispute between Petito (and Laundrie) According to police reports, Petito was seen "crying uncontrollably" and officers on body camera footage discussed whether Petito should face charges for hitting Laundrie.
The report stated that both the male and female had reported being in love, engaged to marry and didn't want to see anyone get charged with a crime. Moab City officers referred to it as a "mental crisis" and no charges were brought against them.
Online searches for the couple became sensationalized, particularly on TikTok. Police are currently investigating claims that Petito or Laundrie were in touch with them. TikTok users have been openly discussing the case, often sharing conspiracy theories and even asking questions.
The FBI continues to encourage anyone with credible information and tips to come forward, especially those who were in the Spread Creek area between Aug. 27-August 30 and could have made contact with the couple.
Officials continued searching for Laundrie as the body was found in Wyoming. They refocused their efforts on the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County Florida, a sprawling 25,000-acre property. According to his family attorney, he was last seen Tuesday.
Richard Stafford, an attorney representing Petito's family, said last week to CNN that "all of Gabby’s family want the whole world to know that Brian has not disappeared, he is hiding."
BuzzFeed News requested comment from Stafford on Sunday but he did not respond immediately.
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