Police in Florida — where missing Long Island native Gabby Petito had moved years ago — called the circumstances surrounding her disappearance “odd” on Monday — but said nothing has been uncovered to suggest foul play.
Petito, 22, who had been living for the past two years in North Port, Fla., was last heard from during the last week of August after she set out on a cross-country trip in a camper van with her boyfriend, identified on social media as Brian Laundrie.
“We currently have no definitive information that a crime took place here in North Port,” police said in a statement. “With that said, the circumstances are odd. So, we are actively gathering local details and evidence to assist in finding needed answers.”
The 2012 Ford Transit van with Florida plates she and Laundrie had been traveling in has been recovered in North Port, WINK News reported.
Police arrive at the home of Brian Laundrie in Florida to deliver a letter. Laundrie’s parents have refused to let their son speak to law enforcement. MiamiPIXX / BACKGRID
Gabby Petito (left) was last seen during the last week in August before departing on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie (right). Instagram
Gabby Petito’s parents held an emotional press conference on September 13, 2021, pleading for the safe return of their daughter. Dennis A. ClarkLaundrie, whom she had been dating for two years, has returned to Florida, where he hired a lawyer and is refusing to cooperate with authorities, the Daily Mail reported.
Meanwhile, Petito — who was last known to be in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park in late August — was reported missing by her mother to authorities in Suffolk County, New York, on Saturday.
Petito’s parents urged the public on Monday to focus on bringing her home safely.
Laundrie (left) has reportedly hired a lawyer and will not cooperate with authorities. Instagram
Police have said the vehicle that Laundrie and Petito used to travel the country has been seized by law enforcement. Instagram“I want to keep the focus on finding [Gabby],” her dad, Joe Petito, told The Post. “[Laundrie] doesn’t matter. The van [they were in] doesn’t matter.
“Don’t focus on the crap, focus on finding her. I can’t implore that enough. All of the crap afterward will sort itself out. Please find her. I beg you,” the dad said.
