FBI Raid Brian Laundrie's Home, Detain His Parents After Florida Search Party Looking To Find Suspect Is Called Off Amid Ongoing Gabby Petito Case
The FBI has raided the residence of a missing Brian Laundrie, who police say is a person of interest in the investigation of his missing fiancé Gabby Petito.
On Monday, September 20, FBI agents stormed the family home of the suspect — who has been missing since last week — after a court-authorized search warrant was granted.
At around 9:40 a.m., five vehicles with police and FBI agents showed up at the residence, which was taped off with yellow police line tape, and the suspect’s parents were taken into a propel carrier, per Daily Mail.
Laundrie’s parents previously told law enforcement that their son may have escaped to a wildlife area in Florida, where search parties were conducted over the weekend. However, earlier on Monday, authorities called off the search party, saying they had “exhausted all avenues.”
The update in the investigation comes a day after Petito’s remains were believed to be discovered at a Wyoming national park on Sunday, September 19.
“Human remains have been discovered consistent with Gabby’s description,” the police said in a press conference.
“Saddened and heartbroken to learn that Gabby has been found deceased. Our focus from the start, along with the FBI, and national partners, has been to bring her home,” the account for North Port Police tweeted shortly after the press conference. "We will continue to work with the FBI in the search for more answers."
- 911 Caller Recalled Seeing Brian Laundrie Allegedly 'Slapping' Fiancé Gabby Petito Just Weeks Before Her Disappearance
- Gabby Petito's 'Odd' Last Message To Mom Revealed In Search Warrant As The Hunt For Missing Fiancé Brian Laundrie Continues
- Gabby Petito's Father, Brian Laundrie's Family Pay Tribute To Influencer After FBI Announces Human Remains Found In Wyoming Likely To Be Hers
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Investigators have been receiving backlash for how they handled the case, after Laundrie was able to disappear without ever being questioned about what happened to his fiancé.
As OK! previously reported, Petito was first reported missing on Saturday, September 11, after she never returned home from a cross-country trip with Laundrie.
What is believed to be the body of the 22-year-old influencer was found in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, although the cause of death has not yet been determined.
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Charles Jones claimed that “full forensic identification has not been completed to confirm 100% that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified.”
Jones did not disclose any information about how the body was found.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for [Petito’s] family and friends,” he added.
