Gabby Petito's Death Was a Homicide, Coroner Says

A coroner in Wyoming confirmed on Tuesday that the body found in the park over the weekend is Gabby Petito, and has ruled that her death was a homicide.

The cause of death is still pending the final autopsy results, the FBI said in a tweet.

That came hours after the Petito family attorney released a brief statement to the media, in which he said that more will come from the family once Petito's body is returned home.

"I want to personally thank the press and news media for giving the Petito and Schmidt family time to grieve," lawyer Richard Stafford said, referring to Petito's mom, dad, stepfather and stepmother. "We will be making a statement when Gabby is home. I will contact you to arrange a time and location."

The FBI had already said it believed the remains found Sunday in Bridger Teton National Forest, on the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park, were Petito's. A mysterious stone cross was discovered in the campground where the body was found.

Their biggest question right now: Where is Brian Laundrie?

Police in North Port, Florida, Laundrie's hometown, launched a renewed search for him in the 25,000-acre Carlton Preserve on Tuesday, a day after they said they were suspending the effort because they believed they had exhausted all avenues. They started searching early in the day. As of early afternoon, nothing had been found.

Laundrie's parents have said they haven't seen their son since last Tuesday, when he said he was going to the preserve for a hike. They have since spoken to law enforcement officers as federal and local agents intensify their search for answers.

Petito's family has said they believe Laundrie's family knew more than they let on.

[NBCNewYork]

For the very latest on the Petito case, visit NBCNewYork.com

[mardiem]

I call: His Parents gave investigators a wrong lead. He is NOT where they look for him. He is already far away.

[theelephantintheroom]

Imagine thinking murder is easier than just breaking up.

[yourmajesty]

If they can prove his parents lied, they should be charged for it.

[rogue_]

So they are searching that area for Brian because the family said that’s where they think he went? The same family that ignored pleas from Gabby’s parents asking if they’ve heard from either Brian or gabby when Brian was sitting at home without his fiancé? The same family that said they’d stay in the background and not help at all to find Gabby? Come on. Theres such a high chance that they sent police in one direction while Brian fled the other way to buy him time. Send them all to jail.

[skatergirl]

Brian’s parents totally helped him escape. He’s also a camper who is used to being out in nature.

[kesto]

His parents are no doubt keeping his location a secret, they should be charged as accessories

[CaptZdq]

We knew she was murdered the moment we learned he was back home alone and had never reported her missing.

[darealcuttyqueen]

I hope he doesn’t get away with this…if the parents helped him they should be ashamed of themselves.

[Rickinsf]

perhaps the cops should include Laundrie's parents as "persons of interest."

[MegaBonds]

So Brian’s parents went “camping” with him then reported him missing 3 days later. Meaning, once they got confirmation Brian got to where he needed to be, then they reported him “missing”. Guys, he has a huge head start. For all we know he can be hiding in his uncles basement. The last thing he’s doing is living in the wildlife.

[riskybisky]

it's really sad and scary when people you trust the most could also hurt you the most

[DreamQueenScream]

Ladies, at any time if you have a gut feeling for your bodily safety, PLEASE DON’T IGNORE IT 😞

[planetstarshine]

I hate that they're still referring to him as her fiance... No he's her murderer...

And also a person of interest.. no... He's suspect.

[christopherpeterson]

He can run. He can hide. But, he will never escape Gabby... his vile actions will haunt him the rest of his life... and beyond.

[bobbymoss]

Who didn't see this coming when the news broke that the BF came back by himself with Gabby's car, refused to talk to LE and lawyer up. That's signs of someone who's 100% guilty AF. Find him and fry him!

[yankeetothecore]

Stop calling him a "person of interest", he is a suspect on the run. His actions are clearly suspicious.

[dontbanmebrodontbanme]

They didn't need to find the body to have someone watching this dude at all times. It stuns me that they let him just run and hide.

[KaylaJane]

The parents should be persons of interest, Brian should be a suspect.

[tatertotcasserolewithsalt]

Brian you’re a weak soul. You cared more about keeping the earth clean but don’t care about others. You can’t escape judgment day. RIP, Gabby. 🙏