The search for missing Long Islander Gabby Petito, 22, of Long Island, New York has come to an end, according to the FBI as a body found inside Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park has been found. FBI officials said the body matches the description of Petito but will conduct more tests to positively confirm the identity.
Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie is the key suspect in her disappearance. Now, he’s gone missing and law enforcement agencies are continuing their search to find him.
“I am making a personal request to members of the press and news media to refrain from contacting the Schmidt and Petito family,” said Richard Benson Stafford, the Petito’s family lawyer. “Due to today’s developments, we are asking the press and news media to have some decorum and sensitivity for Gabby’s family and allow them to grieve. I will be in contact with you when Gabby’s family is ready to make a public statement.”
“I would also like to personally thank the FBI, the Suffolk County Police Department, the North Port Police Department, and especially the Grant Teton Search and Rescue team,” he continued. “Your tireless work and determination helped bring Gabby home to her parents. The family and I will be forever grateful.”
The Laundrie family’s attorney also issued a statement, “The news about Gabby Petito is heartbreaking. The Laundrie family prays for Gabby and her family,”
The FBI Denver Field Office and its Wyoming Resident Agencies, in coordination with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Teton County Sheriffs Office, and Jackson Police Department have been conducting investigative activity in the vicinity of Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
On Sunday, the search revealed human remains consistent with the description of Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito.
“Full forensic identification has not been completed and we do not yet know the cause of death. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process,” the FBI said. “The FBI and our partners extend our heartfelt condolences to Gabby’s family and loved ones. This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and our thoughts are with them as they mourn the loss of their daughter. The vicinity around the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area remains closed to the public until further notice.”
The FBI warns the public to stay away from the area during the investigation.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation, so we ask the public to maintain distance from any law enforcement personnel, equipment, vehicles, and their related activity for the safety of the public in these remote areas, to respect the privacy of Gabby’s family, and to protect the integrity of our work,” the FBI said. “FBI Denver extends our gratitude to our partners at the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Teton County Sheriffs Office, Teton County Search and Rescue, and Jackson Police Department for their collaboration and diligence in this investigation. We also thank the community of Jackson and the surrounding areas for your hospitality and accommodation.”
The FBI continues to seek information from anyone who utilized the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area between the dates of August 27-30, 2021 and who may have had contact with Gabby or her boyfriend, or who may have seen their vehicle. Anyone with information may contact the FBI at 1-800- CALL-FBI.