On Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, per CNN, the FBI confirms that remains “consistent with the description of” Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito, 22, have been recovered in Teton National Forest. The young woman was reported missing earlier this month after her fiancé Brian Laundrie returned without her on Sept. 1.
Authorities in Florida are currently searching for Gabby’s fiancé after he was reported missing on Sept. 17, 2021. According to his family, he was last seen on Tuesday, September 14. Brian is a “person of interest” in Gabby’s case, and with Gabby’s body being found, hopefully, investigators will locate him shortly.
FBI officials confirmed on Sept. 17, 2021, that they had recovered human remains “consistent with the description of” Gabby. In a statement provided by CNN from FBI Denver’s supervisory senior resident agent in Wyoming, Charles Jones, forensics have not yet been performed to 100% confirm that the body is Gabby’s.
Jones says, “Full forensic identification has not been completed to confirm 100% that we found Gabby, but her family has been notified of this discovery.” Similarly, a cause of death has not yet been identified.
He added, “We continue to seek information from anyone who utilized the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area between the dates of August 27 and August 30. Anyone that may have had contact with Gabby, or her boyfriend, or who may have seen their vehicle in that area, please share any new information with the FBI.”
What are human remains?
The CDC defines human remains as, “a deceased human body or any portion of a deceased human body, except:
- Clean, dry bones or bone fragments; human hair; teeth; fingernails or toenails; or
- A deceased human body and portions thereof that have already been fully cremated before import; or
- Human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based products intended for implantation, transplantation, infusion, or transfer into a human recipient.”
In the context of Gabby Petito, the use of the phrase “human remains” indicates that a body of some variety has been recovered, although more details regarding the body’s condition and the cause of death will be revealed by the FBI as they continue to investigate.
The Laundrie family attorney said in a statement Sunday evening, “The news about Gabby Petito is heartbreaking. The Laundrie family prays for Gabby and her family.” The Schmidt-Petito family has not yet released a statement regarding the discovery of their daughter’s believed remains.
Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS if you have information on Brian Laundrie’s disappearance or North Port Police Department at (941-429-7382) or the FBI Tampa Field Office @ 1-800-CALL–FBI if you have questions.