NORTH PORT, FL – Human remains and items belonging to Brian Laundrie were found early Wednesday at a park in North Port, the FBI said. The agency also for the first time named Laundrie a ‘person of interest in the murder’ of Gabby Petito.
“As you’re aware, the FBI and the North Port Police Department and our state and local law enforcement partners have been searching the area of the Carlton Reserve for Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in the murder of Gabby Petito,” FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Michael McPherson said. “[…] Investigators found what appears to be human remains, along with personal items such as a backpack and a notebook belonging to Brian Laundrie.”
The items “were found in an area that up until recently, had been underwater,” McPherson said. “I know you have a lot of questions, but we don’t have all the answers yet.”
FBI spokesman: The backpack and notebook "were found in an area that up until recently, had been underwater…I know you have a lot of questions, but we don't have all the answers yet."https://t.co/ibzNBSAYBH pic.twitter.com/hPhnW06QGn
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 20, 2021
Laundrie’s parents met with law enforcement at the site this morning — at a trail he frequented in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, the family’s attorney confirmed.
“Chris and Roberta Laundrie went to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park this morning to search for Brian,” Attorney Steven Bertolino said in a statement. “The FBI and NPPD were informed last night of Brian’s parents’ intentions and they met Chris and Roberta there this morning. After a brief search off a trail that Brian frequented some articles belonging to Brian were found. As of now law enforcement is conducting a more thorough investigation of that area.”
Officials did not confirm if the remains found are those of Laundrie’s.
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