Officials continue search for Petito in Wyoming, begin looking for boyfriend in Florida reserve
Sep 18, 2021, 11:45 PM
JACKSON, Wyo. — The search for 22-year-old Gabrielle Petito continued Saturday, and now includes her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, in an investigation that spans the country.
In Wyoming, officials are looking specifically in the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area, which is located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the east boundary of the Grand Teton National Park.
The area was closed to the public while crews conducted the ground surveys.
They asked anyone that saw Petito, Laundrie, or their vehicle in that area between Aug. 27 and 30 to contact the FBI.
If you were in the area of Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area, as identified in the attached map, during the timeframe of August 27-30, 2021, and saw Gabby and/or her boyfriend or their vehicle, please provide that information to the FBI. pic.twitter.com/AN6KkxEeLl
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 19, 2021
Police started looking for Laundrie Saturday in a wildlife reserve in the Sarasota, Florida area called the Carlton Reserve.
The efforts come less than 24 hours after police met with Laundrie’s parents at their home, per their request, and were told they last saw him on Tuesday.
Officials called off search efforts just before 6 p.m. Saturday, adding that they will start back up in the morning.
They also said nothing had been found during their search.
Our search of the Carlton is being called this evening due to darkness. Nothing found. Efforts will begin again Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/l7L8B9hHrM
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 18, 2021
Reports went around that afternoon that authorities found a body during their time in the reserve, but North Port police confirmed that information is “completely fake.”
There are currently false reports of a body being located where we are searching. Completely fake.
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 18, 2021
Officials said Laundrie is a person of interest in the case and hasn’t been cooperative in the investigation.
“We’re still focused on what we need to do and that’s to find her, and we’re determined to do that,” said Jim Schmidt, step-father of Gabby Petito.
They shared a statement with KSL through their family spokesperson in Wyoming, saying, “We do not consider Brian missing – Gabby is missing, he was home!! He left – he is hiding and running from the authorities.”
Gabby Petito's family has responded to news that her boyfriend is now missing. “We do not consider Brian missing- Gabby is missing, he was home!! He left, he is hiding & running!” pic.twitter.com/A4M9TFc1p4
— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) September 18, 2021
Petito was reported missing by her parents on Sept. 11 — 10 days after police say Laundrie returned to Florida.
A full timeline of events can be viewed here.
Anyone with information can submit it online at http://tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171. Pictures and videos can also be submitted at http://fbi.gov/petito.
