Brian Laundrie’s belongings found close to human remains, FBI reveals

Human remains have been found along with Brian Laundrie’s belongings, in an area that was previously underwater.

FBI special agent Michael McPherson confirmed the discovery of the remains and Laundrie’s backpack and notebook inside the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.

Mr McPherson said teams will likely be on site for several days investigating the findings. He referred to Petito’s death as ‘murder’ for the first time.

The Sarasota County medical examiner has been called to Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port, Florida after police found the clues sometime on Wednesday.

Brian’s parents, Chris and Roberta, went on Wednesday morning to visit the nature preserve, which is adjacent to the Carlton Reserve.

The reserve, which has over 100 miles of trails, is where their son left to go hiking a month ago and never returned.

Both Myakkatchee Creek and Carlton Reserve were previously closed for a month while investigators searched. Both are now closed as the belongings and remains are being examined.

Laundrie, 23, and 22-year-old Gabby Petito set out on a cross-country road trip in July. After Petito did not return with him, a highly-publicized search was conducted. Laundrie is wanted for alleged bank fraud, and is the only person of interest in Petito’s death.

La causa de la muerte de Gabby Petito fue homicidio por estrangulamiento, confirmó este martes un forenseEPA

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According to attorney Steve Bertolino, “Chris and Roberta Laundrie went to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park this morning to search for Brian. The FBI and NPPD [North Port Police Department] were informed last night of Brian’s parents’ intentions and they met Chris and Roberta this morning.

“After a brief search off a trail that Brian frequented, some articles belonging to Brian were found. As of now law enforcement is conducting a more thorough investigation of the area.”

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Channel 10 Tampa Bay that a K-9 cadaver unit was sent to assist North Port police in the search.