In the latest development of a missing couple, the U.S. District Court in Wyoming has issued a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie. He has been missing since last week. He was engaged to Gabby Petito, whose body was found Sunday in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The new arrest warrant from Wyoming alleges Laundrie, 23, "knowingly and with intent to defraud" used a debit card and bank accounts and obtained more than $1,000 from August 30 to September 1, 2021, in Wyoming and elsewhere.
RELATED: Federal arrest warrant issued for Brian Laundrie by U.S. District Court of Wyoming
Laundrie's arrest warrant comes just days after Petito's body was positively identified. Earlier this week, the FBI tweeted the Coroner Blue’s initial determination for the manner of death is homicide. The cause of death remains pending final autopsy results.
"The FBI's commitment to justice is at the forefront of each and every investigation," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. "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."
Laundrie, who was engaged to Gabby Petito, has been named a person of interest by the FBI. Federal agents have executed a search warrant at Laundrie's home and have searched a Ford Mustang that was at the home.
Anyone with information concerning Brian Laundrie's role in this matter or his current whereabouts should contact the FBI.
TIMELINE: Gabby Petitos travels documented on Instagram
Petito and Laundrie left in July on a cross-country trek in a converted van to visit national parks in the U.S. West.
Police encountered both Laundrie and Petito in Moab, Utah, on Aug. 12 after bystanders witnessed the couple fighting at a convenience store. Police did not file charges after the two agreed to spend the night in separate places.
Petito's mother said the last time she spoke with her daughter was on Aug. 25, when she reported that she was in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. Police said Laundrie was alone when he drove the van back to his parents’ home on Sept. 1.
Monday, September 27 Updates
11:02 p.m.
As the search for Brian Laundrie continues, Gabby Petito’s parents will speak out for the first time since Gabby’s funeral. According to their lawyer, Gabby’s parents will hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon in New York.
The FBI, North Port police and several other agencies have been searching the Carlton Reserve since Saturday, Sept. 18. His parents told police they believe he went there to go on a hike.
6:46 p.m.
The Petito and Schmidt family will hold a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.
6:08 p.m.
Laundrie's family attorney releases a statement, "Chris and Roberta Laundrie do not know where Brian is. They are concerned about Brian and hope the FBI can locate him. The speculation by the public and some in the press that the parents assisted Brian in leaving the family home or in avoiding arrest on a warrant that was issued after Brian had already been missing for several days is just wrong."
5:03 p.m.
A North Port Police spokesperson said the FBI is now leading the search for Brian Laundrie, and that they're told it will be scaled back and targeted based on intelligence. They hope the water will go down in areas that are hard to access right now.
From the air, ABC Action News spotted a smaller scene at the North Port entrance to the park, but otherwise, there was little movement on the Venice side of the Carlton Reserve. When asked for an update on Monday's search efforts, the FBI Denver Field Office directed ABC Action News to their Twitter account for official statements and had no additional comments.
Sunday, September 26 Updates
2:23 p.m.
From the attorney for Brian Laundrie’s family, "The FBI requested some personal items belonging to Brian Laundrie to assist them with DNA matching and Brian’s parents provided the FBI with what they could."
1:14 p.m.
Funeral program for Gabby Petito
12 p.m.
Petito’s father, Joseph, announced that funeral services for his daughter will be held at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook, New York, on Sunday, Sept. 26. The funeral home says on its website that visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. CNN and The Independent report it will be open to the public.
RELATED: Funeral services for Gabby Petito set for Sunday in New York
Friday, September 24 Updates
1:31 p.m.
In lieu of flowers for the service, please send donations for the Future Gabby Petito Foundation through the Johnny Mac Foundation at https://t.co/LuZ4fILZY0 or https://t.co/4jn0zukyIb
— joseph petito (@josephpetito) September 24, 2021
We Thank you for all the support💙🦋🌈 pic.twitter.com/MWGx2BGHmQ
11:29 a.m.
The father of Gabby Petito tweeted that services for Gabby will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26.
Services for our sweet Gabby will be held at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook on Sunday September 26th from 12pm-5pm. Thank to all for your suppprt and love. pic.twitter.com/rYB0wePoJh
— joseph petito (@josephpetito) September 24, 2021
11:15 a.m.
A closer look down. pic.twitter.com/YlfJtEGWLO
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorPIO) September 24, 2021
11:06 a.m.
The types of bodies of water being looked at. pic.twitter.com/zzmk52ov3n
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorPIO) September 24, 2021
11:04 a.m.
North Port Police PIO Josh Taylor shares videos of the conditions they are encountering while they search for Brian Laundrie.
Conditions on the ground this morning. pic.twitter.com/CriuqW1mDM
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorPIO) September 24, 2021
9:20 a.m.
North Port Police and the FBI resumed their search for Brian Laundrie in Carton Reserve Friday morning.
The search continues Friday after federal authorities issued an arrest warrant for Laundrie on Thursday evening.
Thursday, September 23 Updates
11:01 p.m.
The FBI announced a federal arrest warrant has been issued for Brian Laundrie following the death of his fiance Gabby Petito.
The warrant allows authorities to arrest Laundrie for unauthorized use as the FBI and partners across the country investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding Petito's death.
6:11 p.m.
The ground search in the Carlton Reserve was concluded for the day, North Port PD said nothing was found. Officials will begin their search again Friday morning
6 p.m.
ABC Action News is keeping a close eye on the search for Brian Laundrie. Reporter Heather Leigh has asked the FBI if they have some sort of information that is keeping them at the Carlton Preserve, or are they going off the word of Laundrie's parents, we are waiting to hear back.
5:40 p.m.
The U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie pursuant to a Federal Grand Jury indictment related to Mr. Laundrie’s activities following the death of Gabrielle Petito.
The warrant was issued for violation of the federal statute "use of unauthorized access devices" related to Laundrie's activities following the death of Gabby Petito.
For more information, and to read the indictment, click here.
RELATED: Federal arrest warrant issued for Brian Laundrie by Wyoming court
5:35 p.m.
A Tampa Bay law firm is offering $20,000 for information leading directly to the exact whereabouts of missing person Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in the case of 22-year-old Gabby Petito.
#BoohoffLaw is offering $20,000 for information leading directly to the exact whereabouts of missing person #BrianLaundrie, a person of interest in the case of 22-year-old #GabbyPetito.
— Boohoff Law, P.A. (@BoohoffLaw) September 23, 2021
*Details in website link below.#GabbyPetitoUpdates https://t.co/YQfdW7edfX
5 p.m.
Several law enforcement agencies are continuing their search efforts at Carlton Reserve.
2:01 p.m.
The City of Moab in Utah released a statement on the Aug. 12 Moab police officer interaction with Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie. The full statement can be found below:
"The death of Gabrielle Petito in Wyoming is a heartbreaking tragedy, and all of us are deeply saddened to learn the outcome of the nationwide effort to locate her. Our sincere condolences go out to the Petito family.
With the weeks-long search for Ms. Petito across the western U.S., news that a call to Grand County Dispatch on Aug. 12 reported a possible domestic dispute between Ms. Petito and Brian Laundrie here in Moab has naturally led to questions from the media and the public about the call. During the past week, our police officers have been both praised and criticized for their response and their resolution of the incident involving Ms. Petito and Mr. Laundrie.
The Moab City Police Department has clear standards for officer conduct during a possible domestic dispute and our officers are trained to follow those standards and protocol.At this time, the City of Moab is unaware of any breach of Police Department policy during this incident. However, the City will conduct a formal investigation and, based on the results, will take any next steps that may be appropriate.
We understand that individuals can view the same situation in very different ways, and we recognize how the death of Ms. Petito more than two weeks later in Wyoming might lead to speculation, in hindsight, about actions taken during the incident in Moab. The purpose of the City’s formal investigation is to gather the underlying facts and evidence necessary to make a thorough, informed evaluation of such actions.
Ultimately, we depend on our law enforcement officers to make the best possible decisions in evaluating every incident individually, based on the circumstances they encounter in that immediate moment. We also appreciate the assistance in this incident from cooperating rangers with the National Park Service.
The Moab City Police Department will make all information from this incident available to the law enforcement agencies investigating Ms. Petito’s death. Moab Police will also make sure our officers are available to answer any questions those investigating agencies may have."
Wednesday, September 22 Updates
11:01 p.m.
North Port Police searched the Carlton Reserve on Wednesday. Authorities brought in highly-trained divers with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to search large bodies of water.
The ground search ended around 7 p.m. North Port Police said nothing has been found. They plan to return on Thursday.
10:18 p.m.
According to ABC News, the Blue Collar Restaurant Group confirms that they believe Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie were at their Merry Piglet restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They say they have notified the FBI.
7:09 p.m.
The ground search for Brian Laundrie has been halted for the evening, police said nothing was found. North Port PD and several other law enforcement agencies will continue the search Thursday.
6:04 p.m.
Hundred of thousands of people are reported missing every year in the U.S., so why has the Gabby Petito case captured the world's attention?
ABC Action News is taking a closer look at what is driving this fascination on the internet and why experts believe this case has captivated so many people.
6:01 p.m.
Several law enforcement agencies have teamed up and put their resources together to search for Brian Laundrie. On Wednesday, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's underwater recovery team was also called out to help.
North Port PD said that the recovery team is skilled in searching large bodies of water, but they also said bringing in those resources does not mean they have anything right now.
5 p.m
Reporter Heather Lee breaks down the latest as of Wednesday, September 22.
1:15 p.m.
In an update, North Port Police said area resources are looking at large bodies of water, including dive teams, boats, and sonar equipment.
"At this time, this does not mean anything has been found. It’s a part of the overall search process.," PIO Josh Taylor said.
The department said it's also on the scene of a possible self-inflicted death, roughly one mile from the Environmental Park that is not related to the Gabby Petito case.
12:25 p.m.
The lawyer representing Gabby Petito's family released this letter, directed at the attorney representing the Laundrie family asking that he stop using pictures of Gabby on his Yelp page and social media.
"Mr. Bertolino:
The Petito and Schmidt family are demanding that you remove Gabby Petito’s picture from your Yelp page. That web page is https://www.yelp.com/biz/bertolino-steven-p-pc- east-islip. The family tried to remove their daughter’s picture from your page and were informed that only the business owner can add or remove pictures.
Furthermore, the Petito and Schmidt family demand that you cease and desist posting pictures of Gabby Petito to any and all of your social media pages, web pages or advertisements in an effort to gain business. I am sure this will be taken care of by 2pm or I will take further action on behalf of Gabby’s family.
Sincerely,
Richard Benson Stafford, Esq."
12:15 p.m.
Members of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office's Underwater Recovery Force have responded to Carlton Reserve, in addition to the department's Emergency Response Team, Air-1 and patrol.
The sheriff's office said SURF team members are divers called upon to search bodies of water for evidence. They are highly trained deputies who work in difficult and challenging environments.
8:45 a.m.
The search for Brian Laundrie resumes today. The FBI is the lead agency in the search for Laundrie, who remains a person of interest in the disappearance and death of Petito.
6:09 a.m.
Sarasota Police took to Twitter to let people know they do not have Brian Laundrie in custody. The department said it's received "numerous inquiries via social media, email & calls" about it because of social media rumors.
Tuesday, September 21 Updates
11:07 p.m.
Brian Kensel, a retired FBI special agent, told ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska the terrain and environment in the preserve are some of the harshest and most challenging terrains in the country.
"It is an extremely difficult environment in which to find somebody even that wants to be found a lost hiker or someone who's injured," Kensel said. "It's hard enough to find somebody like that. So if you're trying to find someone who wants to hide and who does not want to be found, that complicates even more that makes the search just that much more difficult."
The 25,000 acres of land is full of swamps, marshes, thick brush, snakes, and alligators. Florida storms and excessive heat are also factors impacting the search.
Kensel said Bloodhounds trying to pick up Laundrie's scent from personal items collected at the home would also face challenges because of the weather.
RELATED: Retired FBI special agent gives insight on challenges authorities face at Carlton Reserve
11:03 p.m.
A day after calling off the search for Brian Laundrie at Carlton Reserve, officials searched the preserve again on Tuesday. This time, they chose an entrance into the reserve about 30 minutes away from the site they started at over the weekend.
Around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, North Port Police said the search ended for the evening with "nothing to note."
Law enforcement agencies plan to resume operations on Wednesday.
RELATED: Crews resume search at Carlton Reserve Tuesday for signs of Brian Laundrie
6:54 p.m.
North Port PD and several other law enforcement agencies have concluded their search for Brian Laundrie Tuesday evening. Authorities plan to go back to the Carlton Reserve and resume the search on Wednesday.
Search of the Carlton & nearby lands concluded for the evening. Nothing of note. The current plan is to return Wednesday with a similar operation. We join the FBI in asking for continued public assistance by sharing any info 1-800-CALL FBI or https://t.co/vlIagGIoHc pic.twitter.com/5DWopahBI8
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 21, 2021
6:04 p.m.
People from all over Tampa Bay are coming to the memorial for Gabby Petito in North Port. They are bringing everything from candles to teddy bears and flowers.
Most of them never met Gabby but felt a connection with the grief and the frustration that her family is feeling.
6 p.m.
On Tuesday, authorities went out to the Carlton Reserve and searched over 24,000 acres to find Brian Laundrie.
The search was called off on Monday, but on Tuesday, officials went all in. There was help from the FBI, North Port police, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Sheriff's Office and other agencies.
5:05 p.m.
The forensic search has concluded of the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area & law enforcement has released the area.
The Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area is within the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the east boundary of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The forensic search has concluded of the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area & law enforcement has released the area. pic.twitter.com/ad3rnwNZJp
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 21, 2021
5:03 p.m.
The FBI confirmed the body found in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest has been identified as Gabby Petito.
The FBI tweeted the Coroner Blue’s initial determination for the manner of death is homicide. The cause of death remains pending final autopsy results.
Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue confirmed the remains are those of Gabrielle Venora Petito, date of birth March 19, 1999. Coroner Blue’s initial determination for the manner of death is homicide. The cause of death remains pending final autopsy results. pic.twitter.com/JoHenMZ9UU
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 21, 2021
4:36 p.m.
The City of North Port has installed signs surrounding the area where people have made a memorial for Gabby Petito
Official Gabby Petito Memorial! The city of North Port has installed signs surrounding the area where people have made a memorial for #GabbyPepito at city hall. The signs read: “THIS AREA RESERVED FOR GABBY PETITO MEMORIAL” @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/0G56mcHQYK
— Wendi Lane (@Wendilanetv) September 21, 2021
2:40 p.m.
Gabby Petito's family attorney Richard Stafford released a statement on behalf of the family, "I want to personally thank the press and news media for giving the Petito and Schmidt family time to grieve. We will be making a statement when Gabby is home. I will contact you to arrange a time and location."
1:55 p.m.
Gov. DeSantis directs all state agencies under his purview to continue to assist federal & local law enforcement as they continue to search for Brian Laundrie.
At the request of @NorthPortPolice, @MyFWC law enforcement has been assisting in the search for Brian Laundrie. I have directed all state agencies under my purview to continue to assist federal & local law enforcement as they continue to search - we need justice for Gabby Petito.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 21, 2021
1:30 p.m.
North Port Police released an update on the search, saying multiple drones and a helicopter are up in the area.
1:00 p.m.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook the department did its "due diligence" investigating the area where the picture many speculate to be Brian Laundrie was taken. The department said "no one - and nothing - of note was located. The individual referenced in the post below has no known ties to our area."
10:00 a.m.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook they're aware of and investigating reports of a photo of a man that many believes resembles Brian Laundrie. The department said they are actively checking out the report and said there is nothing confirmed.
The photo has been shared widely on social media with many who think it could be Laundrie. It was originally shared by Sam Bass who said on Facebookit was taken on his trail camera in Baker, Florida. The time stamp on the picture shows September 20, 2021, at 6:17 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
North Port Police, along with the FBI and a multitude of other law enforcement agencies will resume the search for Brian Laundrie in the Carlton Reserve where Laundrie was reported to have visited a week ago. The department said the search will move in from the Venice side of the area, along with adjoining lands.
"A weekend ground search and aerial search Monday of the 25-thousand-acre preserve has yet to yield any answers, but we must press on," the department said in a press release.
On Monday the department announced they wouldn't be searching the area, saying at the time that they believed they "exhausted all avenues in searching of the grounds there."
8:05 a.m.
The autopsy for the body recovered in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest is expected to take place Tuesday. Over the weekend, Charles Jones with the FBI's field office in Denver confirmed that the body recovered matched Petito's description.
Monday, September 20 Updates
11:07 p.m.
Many people have visited a Gabby Petito memorial in North Port paying their respects, praying and being heartbroken she wasn't found alive.
Gabby Petito's smile captured the hearts and minds of millions of strangers that continue to mourn the life of an adventurous 22-year-old with her entire life ahead of her.
"I said a prayer and told her sorry, I said a prayer that she’s at peace prayed for her family and I prayed for justice," said Meghan Mayer.
11:03 p.m.
The FBI and North Port police surrounded Brian Laundrie's family home in North Port on Monday.
Police said Brian shared the home with his parents. The FBI collected evidence from inside the home and also towed a Ford Mustang from the driveway.
RELATED: FBI, North Port Police Department search Brian Laundrie's family home
10:05 p.m.
Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino announced that Tuesday's press conference has been “canceled.” Bertolino said the presser was called off this evening after he spoke to the FBI.
6:21 p.m.
The FBI search at the Laundrie residence in North Port has concluded.
#UPDATE The #FBI search at the Laundrie residence in North Port has concluded. No further details since this is an ongoing investigation. We continue to ask for the public’s assistance in the #GabbyPetito investigation. 1-800-CALL FBI or https://t.co/0eeH1tE78F. @FBIDenver pic.twitter.com/OcQXoI85Cb
— FBI Tampa (@FBITampa) September 20, 2021
6:02 p.m.
All day Monday, people turned out by the dozens to show their support at a memorial for Petito outside North Port city hall.
“There’s a lot of people praying for them right now. I know we are," said Christine Kitts. "We’re thinking about them. I know there’s nothing we can say to take their pain away, but they are in our thoughts.”
While many people said they did not know Petito or her family, they explained they felt they could relate as a parent or a friend, believing it could've been anyone.
People spent the day laying flowers, pictures, and tying ribbons at the memorial.
RELATED: Community shows outpouring of support for Gabby Petito's family
6 p.m.
Just before 10 a.m. Monday, more than a dozen FBI agents rushed into the Laundrie home. Brian Laundrie's parents were escorted out of the home and put into a dark-colored van.
The FBI also took all different kinds of equipment with them inside the home, and spent close to six hours inside, and then left with the evidence they collected.
5:02 p.m.
Investigators are working around the clock to find answers for Gabby Petito's family after finding remains they say are consistent with Petito's description. The community is doing everything it can to lift up the Petito family, showing them how much the 22-year-old meant to perfect strangers.
5 p.m.
The FBI searched the Laundrie home Monday afternoon while Brian is still missing. Wendi Lane has the latest.
2:35 p.m.
A Ford Mustang was towed away from the Laundrie family's home as the investigation continues.
1:45 p.m.
Steven P Bertolino, P.C., attorney for the Laundrie family, announced Monday he will be holding a press conference in Hauppage, New York at 1 p.m. Tuesday. No further information has been provided.
11:55 a.m.
WABC in New York talked to people who lived near Gabby and her family on Long Island. One neighbor, Dorothy Johnson, described Gabby as the, "sweetest, kindest person ever." Others said they were praying for the family.
"I certainly join with everybody locally, regionally, and around the country in expressing my sincere condolences," said Randy Schultz. "Pray God give the family some solace in this extreme tragedy and loss."
10:15 a.m.
FBI officer was seen escorting Brian Laundrie's mom into one of their vans shortly after arriving at their home.
10:12 a.m.
FBI officers were seen entering the home of Brian Laundrie on Monday morning. The FBI Tampa office said on Twitter that they were executing a court-authorized search warrant today at the home related to the Gabby Petito investigation. They said no other information could be released at this time.
10:06 a.m.
A memorial outside of North Port City Hall for Gabby continues to grow.
A memorial for #GabbyPetito continues to grow outside North Port city hall this morning. The FBI on Sunday confirmed a search revealed human remains consistent with the description of Petito. @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/T2Da4Ulbfk
— Mary O'Connell (@MaryOConnellTV) September 20, 2021
9:23 a.m.
North Port Police PIO Josh Taylor said search dogs didn't pick up a scent for Brian Laundrie while searching the Carlton Reserve.
7:54 a.m.
North Port Police say they have no plans to conduct a major search of the Carlton Reserve on Monday, which is the area where they have been searching for Brian Laundrie. Authorities added that they currently believe we have exhausted all avenues in searching of the grounds there. Law enforcement agencies continue to search for Brian Laundrie.
The department also said all media interviews are on hold until further notice.
7:39 a.m.
Cassie Laundrie, the sister of Brian Laundrie, released the following statement.
“Right now my husband and I would like to express our condolences and prayers to the Petito family. Gabby was a fun and loving influence to 'the boys' as she always referred to them. We will cherish all the time spent with her.”
Cassie also provided ABC News with images of postcards she received from Gabby throughout the cross-country road trip as well as one of the last text messages she received from Gabby.