FBI agents searching for Gabby Petito in Wyoming’s Grand Teton national park discovered “human remains consistent with the description” of the missing woman on Sunday, The Guardian reports. The 22-year-old woman went missing during a cross-country trip with fiance Brian Laundrie, who is now also reportedly missing.
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- The last time Petito’s family heard from her was from Grand Teton. She’d been in touch with her family from the park in late August, but it was unclear if she’d ever left as the text messages sent from her phone after that call couldn’t be verified to actually be from Petito.
- The FBI made a statement on the discovery of the remains on Sunday evening. Charles Jones, an agent stationed in Denver, announced the discovery, saying: “I would like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gabby’s family. As every parent can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for the family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We ask that you all respect the privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter.”
- Law enforcement officers in Florida are searching for Laundrie. A lawyer for the man reported him missing on Friday, leading roughly 50 officers to search a Florida wildlife park for signs of him. He is now described as a person of interest in Petito’s disappearance. Following Petito’s family reporting her missing, Laundrie immediately abandoned the van they’d been traveling in, flew home to Florida, got a laywer, and has refused to speak to police.
- It’s still unclear how Petito died. As per Jones’ statement: “FBI personnel in coordination with our partners at the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Teton county sheriff’s office and Jackson police department conducted investigative activity in the vicinity of the Spread Creek dispersed camping area. Earlier today, human remains were discovered, consistent with the description of Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Petito. Forensic identification has not been completed to confirm 100% that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified of this discovery. The cause of death has not been determined at this time.” The Spread Creek campsite remains closed to the public.
