The Gabby Petito case: What we know so far

Gabby Petito was reported missing following a cross-country van trip with her fiancé. A body believed to be her was later found. Here's what we know about the case so far.

News 12 Staff

•

Sep 17, 2021, 3:49 PM

•

Updated 1,170 days ago

More Stories

2:25

BITTER BLAST: Below average temps continue. Tracking rain with some snowflakes mixing in for Wednesday night

36m ago

1:54

Police release surveillance video, offer cash reward after Melville temple is vandalized

36m ago

1:50

Memorial service for Long Island native, fallen Israeli hostage Omer Neutra, held today

37m ago

1:22

BITTER BLAST: Below average temps continue. Tracking rain with some snowflakes mixing in for Wednesday night

36m ago

1:54

Police release surveillance video, offer cash reward after Melville temple is vandalized

36m ago

1:50

Memorial service for Long Island native, fallen Israeli hostage Omer Neutra, held today

37m ago

1:22

Scholar Athlete: Ayden DesLauriers

5h ago

1:29

Made on Long Island: Long Island Egress Pros in West Babylon

7h ago

0:19

Police: Man dies after getting hit by van in Rockville Centre

7h ago

The Gabby Petito case: What we know so far

Gabby Petito was reported missing following a cross-country van trip with her fiancé. Here's everything we know about the case so far. For the updated breaking developments monitor our live blog on the case.

A body believed to be Gabby Petito was found in Wyoming

Investigators held a news conference on Sunday, Sept., 19, and said that a body consistent with the description of Gabby Petito has been found. The body was found by law enforcement officials searching campgrounds in Wyoming.

Brian Laundrie, a person of interest, is missing

Police have identified Laundrie as a ‘person of interest.’ Law enforcement says he is currently missing. A search for him has been centered around a wildlife reserve in Florida.

A family’s plea

Gabby Petito’s family has pleaded with Brian Laundrie to come forward with any information.

The North Port Police Department is leading the investigation

The North Port Police Department in Florida has taken the lead on the investigation following earlier assistance from Suffolk County Police. They are also asking Laundrie and his lawyer to provide any information they can.

Gabby Petito is originally from Long Island

She graduated from Bayport-Blue Point High School in 2017. However, she moved to Florida with Brian Laundrie about 2 ½ years ago to live with his parents.

Gabby and her fiancé Brian were on a cross-country road trip

The couple were on Long Island for a graduation party. They were taking their upgraded van across country to several national parks. The trip, which started on July 2, has been heavily documented on social media. The lifestyle of traveling and living out of a van is popularly known as ‘Van Life’.

Gabby and Brian are engaged

The Petito family says the couple was engaged, but not in a rush to get married.

A domestic disturbance was captured on police video

On Aug. 12, police in Moab, Utah responded to a domestic disturbance situation. The encounter with the couple was captured on extensive body camera video.

Later that month, Gabby seemed happy

Petito’s mother says that she had a video call with her daughter on Aug. 24 or Aug. 25. She says Gabby sounded happy.

Then a text…

Gabby’s mom says she received a text on Aug. 30 from her daughter’s phone that she does not believe was actually from her daughter. She has not elaborated further.

The North Port Police Department is leading the investigation

Brian Laundrie's whereabouts are unknown, according to his lawyer

Laundrie's attorney says that his client's whereabouts are currently unknown. "As of now the FBI is now looking for both Gabby and Brian," the attorney said in a statement on Sept. 17.

Information compiled with News 12's Eileen Lehpamer, who has been extensively covering the investigation. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

More from News 12

1:54