GABBY BOMBSHELL
THE FBI named Brian Laundrie a “person of interest” in Gabby Petito’s murder for the first time after finding a notebook.
Investigators found personal items believed to belong to the fugitive, 23, at the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota, Florida on Wednesday.
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Tampa-based special agent Michael McPherson told reporters: “The FBI and the North Port Police Department, and our 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.
“Earlier today investigators found what appears to be human remains along with personal items, such as backpack and notebook, belonging to Brian Laundrie.
"These items were found in an area that up until recently had been underwater."
It’s thought to be the first time that FBI agents have used the word “murder” in the case.
Last month, cops identified Laundrie as a "person of interest", as he was accused of hindering the investigation into Gabby's disappearance. He was never named a suspect.
The remains have not been formally identified but the Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino said there’s a “strong probability” the remains belong to the 23-year-old.
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He revealed that the fugitive’s father Chris was the first to discover a “dry bag” belonging to his son near the entrance of the nature reserve.
Bertolino told CNN’s Chris Cuomo: “The probability is strong that it is Brian's remains, but we're going to wait for the forensic results to come in and verify that.”
Read our Brian Laundrie live blog for the very latest news and updates...
The attorney said Chris found Laundrie's white plastic dry bag in full view of a news reporter while police uncovered a backpack.
Bertolino added: “Chris didn’t want to pick the bag up because he wanted law enforcement to see it. This was caught on camera."
The lawyer said that Chris informed authorities once he found the item.
The Laundries were then asked to leave the park as investigators continued combing the area.
Bertolino branded it “hogwash” to suggest the parents planted Brian’s possessions in the swamp, explaining that they were both being shadowed by reporters and police.
'HOGWASH'
In video footage captured by Fox News, Laundrie's parents are seen speaking with a police officer on a hiking trail in Myakkahatchee Creek.
While much of the conversation is inaudible, the officer at one stage seems to tell them "we've found something" and advises the pair to go home.
The officer placed his hand on Chris Laundrie's shoulder during the exchange. Roberta then wiped his cheek.
Private investigator Bill Warner said Laundrie was more likely to “kill himself” than to “sit around a wait to die” following the FBI's apparent discovery.
Warner told The Sun that the fugitive is “most likely dead in the reserve”.
He speculated: "It's basically over ... most likely he is dead in the reserve, possibly killed himself, not likely he just sat there and waited to die."
And reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter appears to be calling off the search for Laundrie.
'CALLING OFF THE DOGS'
Dog, real name Duane Chapman, previously scoured the Fort de Soto campground after it emerged the Laundries spent Labor Day there.
The bounty hunter told the Sun: “We are praying for Gabby’s family as yet another day ends with seemingly more questions than answers though it does seem the search for Brian is indeed over.”
He expressed gratitude to the authorities probing the case.
Teams are expected to remain on the ground at the Carlton Reserve for several days and a no-fly zone has been put in place over the area.
Gabby Petito’s remains were found on September 19 in a Wyoming campsite – a week after she was reported missing.
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Coroners initially ruled the manner of her death a homicide before weeks later confirming that she died from strangulation.
The vlogger vanished weeks after starting a cross-country road trip with Laundrie where they toured America’s midwest.
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Remains found in Laundrie search likely his, 'grieving' family's lawyer says
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