HOLBROOK (N.Y.) Sunday was a day of silence for Gabby Petito. The 22-year old died on a cross-country journey and has prompted a manhunt for her boyfriend.
People who came together in Holbrook, which is about 35 miles (56 km) east of New York City were friends, family, and co-workers.
Petito's mother Nichole, Desiree Keeffe said that she was a beautiful person. She was always smiling and full of life. She was a generous person who gave you her love. She was a beautiful person. She touched everyone as she does now.
One fire truck was positioned on each side of the funeral home. Each firetruck had its ladder extended and a line formed of firefighters who filed into the building. A chain link fence across the street was decorated with posters that featured Petito's photo and messages like, She touched all the world.
After Petito didn't answer her phones for several days, Brian Laundrie and her visited West Parks, Petito was reported missing by her parents on Sept. 11.
Last Sunday, her body was found in an isolated area of northwestern Wyoming. Petito and Laundrie grew up together on Long Island, but have recently moved to Florida.
Lexi Ruiz remembered working with Petito in a Patchogue cafe that Ruiz owned.
Ruiz stated that she was always ready to help others. She was a shining light. Everywhere she went, the room was lit up. It was nice to see so many people support her family.
There were dozens of flowers and photos of Petito's childhood that lined the walls of the funeral home. Some of them showed her travels. One arrangement from Norwalk, Connecticut read: I don't know you, but your story broke my heart.
A placard with the poem Let It Be was presented to mourners. The poem began with the line, Don't grieve for me because I am free.
Petitos death was categorized as homicide. This means that she was murdered by another person. However, Wyoming medical examiners have not yet revealed how Petitos died in the midst of further autopsy results.
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They posted photos online of their trip in a Ford Transit van that was converted into a campervan. The couple got into an altercation in Moab on Aug. 12, which led to a stop by police for a possible domestic violence charge. The police decided to end the fight and separate the couple. However, no charges were brought against the couple and there were no reports of serious injuries.
Investigators are searching for Laundrie in Florida and have searched his parents' North Port home, which is about 35 miles (56 km) south of Sarasota.
Federal officials in Wyoming arrested Laundrie Thursday for unauthorized debit card use. He was accused of using a Capital One Bank debit card and someone's personal ID number to make unauthorized withdrawals. They didn't say who the card was.
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This story has been corrected so that Gabby Petito's mother's name was Nichole and not Nicole.
