VENICE, Fla. — North Port Police and investigators with the FBI continue their search for Brian Laundrie.
A search is currently underway in the Carlton Reserve, with investigators using ATVs and drones to aid in their search. Per North Port Police via email, "nothing has been found as of 1pm ET."
The email goes on to say that there are no plans for a press conference at this time. They also reiterate this investigation is an FBI led criminal investigation and North Port Police will be assisting any way they can to “bring this investigation to a close.”
I want to personally thank the press and news media for giving the Petito and Schmidt family time to grieve. We will be making a statement when Gabby is home. I will contact you to arrange a time and location.
This is a developing story with earlier updates appearing below.
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The search for Brian Laundrie will resume Tuesday in the Carlton Reserve.
North Port Police along with the FBI are asking for continued public assistance by sharing any information through the tip line at 1-800-CALL FBI.
Monday the FBI wrapped up the search warrant of Brian Laundrie's family home, but that wasn't the only home law enforcement visited.
Search for Brian Laundrie will resume Tuesday in the Carlton Reserve, Venice side. We join the FBI in asking for continued public assistance by sharing any information through the tip lines 1-800-CALL FBI or https://t.co/vlIagGIoHc
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 21, 2021
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New details in the Gabby Petito investigation.
A 911 call made just days before Gabby Petito’s disappearance may shed new light on the case and a surprise move by Brian Laundrie's family attorney.
Fox news is reporting that the Laundrie family attorney has canceled today's press conference after speaking with the FBI. Meanwhile, a person who called 911 in August detailed a dispute between Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie. They said that a “gentleman was slapping the girl” during the altercation.
In the recording, a man described what he believed was a “domestic dispute” between Petito and Laundrie on Main Street in Moab, Utah. The man said the two people involved were in a white van with Florida license plates- which Petito and Laundrie used to travel. The call contradicts a Moab Police report issued from the same incident.
An officer wrote, “it was reported the male had been observed to have assaulted the female,” but later wrote “no one reported that the male struck the female.” Minutes later, police came in contact with Petito and Laundrie outside Arches National Park in which Petito was seen “crying uncontrollably.” An officer said the incident was described “more accurately as a mental, emotional health break than a domestic assault.”
OPERATOR: What were they doing?
CALLER: Uh, we drove by and the gentleman was slapping the girl.
OPERATOR: He was slapping her?
CALLER: Yes, and then we stopped. They ran up and down the sidewalk, he proceeded to hit her, hopped in the car and they drove off.
Police did not file charges after the two agreed to spend the night in separate places. But questions remain as to what happened to Gabby Petito. Investigators believe finding Laundrie might fill the gaps – but he and his family have remained silent.
Meanwhile, an outpouring of support for Gabby from the community is growing in North Port. A memorial for Gabby Petito under a tree has been growing over the past several days with things like teddy bears, photos and flowers.
It took investigators less than 24 hours after the confirmation of a body being found for federal agents to conduct a search warrant at Petito’s fiance’s family home in North Port. Several unmarked law enforcement vehicles descended on the home as officers established it as a “crime scene.”
Agents took Laundries’ parents- Chris and Roberta- into an unmarked van that was parked at the home before they were led back into the house. Officers could be seen carrying several boxes out of the home. And a tow truck showed up, towing away Brian Laundrie’s silver Ford Mustang.
Investigators are still searching for Brian Laundrie, who they are calling a missing person in the Gabby Petito investigation. Brian is described as a white male about 5'8" inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He has brown eyes, short brown hair and facial hair. He was last seen wearing a hiking bag with a waist strap.
Authorities are asking the public to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information.
A body matching the description of Petito was found Sunday in Wyoming. An official autopsy is scheduled today.
