NORTH PORT, Fla. — The Laundrie's Attorney Steve Bertolino announced that the father, Chris Laundrie was asked to assist law enforcement in their search for Brian on Wednesday.
"Since the preserve has been closed to the public Chris has not been able to look for Brian in the only place Chris and Roberta believe Brian may be. Unfortunately, North Port police had to postpone Chris’ involvement but Chris and Roberta are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist."
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Brian Laundrie was last seen by his parents on Sept. 13, according to family attorney Steven Bertolino. The Laundries originally said they last saw their son on Sept. 14.
"Upon further communication with the FBI and confirmation of the Mustang being at the Laundrie residence on Wednesday, Sept. 15, we now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday, Sept. 13."
The FBI continues to lead the investigation in Gabby Petito’s death and now the search for Brian Laundrie.
Law enforcement agencies are searching for him for the second week in Carlton Reserve.
The Laundrie family lawyer says the FBI has requested personal items belonging to Brian to help them with DNA matching as they scale back the search and work on a more targeted approach.
Brian Laundrie is still a person of interest in Petito’s case.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- North Port community holds butterfly release, candlelight memorial in honor of Gabby Petito
- Gabby Petito case sparks debate over differential coverage of missing minorities
- Gabby Petito: Could social media help find other missing people?
- LIVE UPDATES: Laundrie family provides FBI with some of Brian's personal items to assist with DNA matching
She disappeared after the two of them went on a cross-country road trip, prior to him returning to Florida alone on September 1.
Petito’s body was found in Wyoming and her death was ruled a homicide.
We’re still waiting for the final report from the coroner to learn more about how she was killed.
Protestors stood outside the Laundrie family home in North Port on Monday, demanding Brian's parents tell investigators where he is.
His parents told police they haven’t seen him since September 14.
In a statement from their lawyer, the couple said they don’t know where Brian Laundrie is and are concerned for him.
They also said speculation that they helped him get away to avoid being arrested is “just wrong.”
"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."
He is wanted on a federal warrant for using a debit card that didn't belong to him.
Gabby Petito's parents are set to speak out for the first time since her memorial service on Sunday. The family is holding a press conference in New York at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
