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Coroner IDs Gabby Petito’s body and rules her death a homicide

Sep 21, 2021

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According to an FBI news release, Teton County Coroner Brent Blue confirmed Tuesday the body found in northern Wyoming was that of missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito. The coroner ruled her death a homicide. But, the specific cause of death is still “pending final autopsy results” as of early Tuesday evening.

Back in July, Petito and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie went on a month-long road trip. He returned to the couples home in North Port, Florida alone Sept. 1.

Petito’s family reported her missing Sept. 11. Her body was found Sunday near an undeveloped camping area along the border of Grand Teton National Park.

“Laundrie has been named a person of interest,” FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said in news release on Tuesday. “Anyone with information concerning Mr. Laundrie’s role in this matter or his current whereabouts should contact the FBI.”

Authorities have been searching for Laundrie in a wooded area around his parents’ North Port home. Laundrie and Petito had been living with his parents before the road trip. Investigators focused on the area after Laundrie’s parents told police he may have gone there.

The area, known as the Carlton Reserve, is roughly 24,000 acres. Authorities used helicopters, drones, dogs and officers in all-terrain vehicles in their search. About 75 percent of the search area is underwater.

On Monday, the FBI went to the home and removed several boxes. Authorities also towed away a car that neighbors said Laundrie’s mother typically used.

“The FBI’s commitment to justice is at the forefront of each and every investigation,” Schneider said. “The FBI and our partners remain dedicated to ensuring anyone responsible for or complicit in Ms. Petito’s death is held accountable for their actions.”

Joseph Petito, Gabby’s father, said he wants Laundrie to be held accountable for whatever role he played in Gabby’s disappearance along with his parents for covering for him. “I hope they get what’s coming, and that includes his folks,” Joseph said. “Because I’ll tell you right now, they are just as complicit in my book.”