FBI says human remains found ‘consistent’ with Gabby Petito

On Sunday, Sept. 19, the FBI said the human remains found in a Wyoming national park were likely those of Gabby Petito, who was reported missing while on a cross-country trip with her boyfriend. 

“Earlier today, human remains were discovered consistent with the description of Gabrielle Gabby Petito,” FBI Denver field office supervisory senior resident agent Charles Jones said at a press briefing, according to KUTV.

“Full forensics identification has not been completed to confirm 100 percent that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified of this discovery,” Jones added.

“First and foremost, I would like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gabby’s family,” an emotional Jones said.

“The cause of death has not been determined at this time,” he added.

Authorities had not identified the cause of death at the time. An autopsy is set to be carried out on Tuesday, the coroner’s office said.

An investigation was still ongoing in Grand Teton National Park in Moosey, where the human remains were found.

22-year-old Gabby was reported missing on Sept. 11, after going on a field trip with her 23-year-old boyfriend, Brian Laundrie.

“The news about Gabby Petito is heartbreaking. The Laundrie family prays for Gabby and her family,” said Steven Bertolino, attorney for the Laundrie family, according to Fox News.

Her family last heard from her at the end of August, roughly two weeks after Moab, Utah, police responded to a probable domestic violence incident involving the pair. According to police paperwork, no charges were laid, but the two were separated overnight.

On Saturday, Sept. 18, the FBI and other local law enforcement agencies searched the national forest. Petito was reported to have appeared in the area on Aug. 27.

Petito and Laundrie were traveling from New York to Oregon in a white 2012 Ford Transit. The vehicle was discovered abandoned in late August near Spread Creek.
Laundrie returned home to Florida without his partner earlier this month with her van from out West. He hired a lawyer and had refused to help detectives find Petito.
Laundrie has been listed as a person of interest connected to her disappearance. According to CBS News, he disappeared on Friday night, with his family saying they hadn’t seen him since Tuesday.
Officials are searching for Laundrie.