The search for Gabby Petito’s fiancé, Brian Laundrie, continues into its fourth week, with new details emerging about the period after Laundrie arrived back home.
North Port, Florida, police revealed they were watching Laundrie during that period but were limited in what they could do because he had not been charged with a crime.
“If you talk to a lot of people who have experience in law enforcement, I mean – the guy goes for a walk in the Carlton Reserve, he’s not wanted for a crime, I mean – what are we supposed to do? Go tree to tree,” stated public information officer Josh Taylor. “I mean, you know, it just wasn’t there with the information we had in this case.”
Authorities visited Laundrie’s home on September 17, when he was reported missing. His parents refused to answer questions about Petito’s whereabouts and police described their behavior as “odd.”
Police also confirmed they do not have the cell phones Laundrie or Petito used during their cross-country trip. But a CNN report claimed Laundrie bought a new cell phone from an AT&T store in North Port on September 4 and left it behind on September 13.
He is suspected of using Petito’s debit card to access over $1000 after her death.
Laundrie has not been charged in connection with Petito’s death, but a federal warrant has been issued for his arrest.
In an interview with Fox News that aired Thursday, Petito’s family pleaded with Laundrie to turn himself in.
“People want to know how I am feeling,” shared Nichole Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s mother. “And that’s – I am feeling upset. Turn yourself in. That’s all I wanted. But it’s just getting more and more frustrating as days go on. I don’t know what is taking so long.”
