The Gabby Petito case has gripped the nation. Petito, 22, was reported missing by her family after her boyfriend returned home from a cross-country road trip they had been on together. The van and the boyfriend (there have been reports that they were engaged), Brian Laundrie returned to the couple’s North Port, Florida home but there was no sign of Gabby Petito.
There have been a lot of twists and turns in this case. The timeline starts in July when the couple left on their cross-country road trip from New York. With her boyfriend refusing to answer questions and now missing, authorities have relied on Gabby’s social media presence and tips from people calling the FBI.
Since Gabby was reported missing by her family national news media had descended on North Port, Florida. This case is of interest to many in the nation because of the numerous locations it covers. From Utah and Wyoming to New York, where Gabby’s Family lives and where they left from, to Florida all anyone wants to know is what happened to Gabby Petito.
We have collected information from authorities and news sources to put together a timeline of what has happened so far.
As this case develops, we will update this timeline with information from authorities and news sources.
If you have any information on this case please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
July 2021
The couple left on their cross country road trip in July and drove west. According to the North Port Police Chief they planned to visit state national parks. Gabby documented their journey on social media.
Posted July 10:
Posted July 16:
Mid-August
Since Gabby’s disappearance it was reported that the couple had a run in with police in Moab, Utah. In the released body cam footage, the officers questioned both and figured out that they had been some kind of argument and Petito slapped Laundrie. No charges were files and the couple agreed to separate for the night.
End of August
Gabby’s family said they last had contact with her at the end of August. Reports say that Gabby had a FaceTime call with her mom and told her she was leaving Utah and heading to the Tetons in Wyoming. For the following days until August 30th the family says they received texts from Gabby. The last one reportedly said “No service in Yosemite.”
In her last post on Instagram on August 25th Gabby is pictured holding a crochet pumpkin with the caption “Happy Halloween”.
September 1
Brian Laundrie returned to the couple’s North Port, Florida home with the van. It should be noted that Brian’s parents live with the couple.
Mr. Steven Bertolino, esq. the @NorthPortPolice needs your help in finding Gabby Petito. Please call us to arrange a conversation with Brian Laundrie. Two people left on a trip and one person returned! #wheresgabby #FindGabby #fbitampa #gabbypetito https://t.co/4OaCk5eCjU
— Chief Todd Garrison (@NPPDPoliceChief) September 15, 2021September 11
Gabby’s family reported her missing after not being able to get in touch with her. Authorities went to the couple’s home in North Port asking to speak with Brian, but they were directed to his attorney.
The family of a missing North Port woman said they want answers regarding their daughter's disappearance. https://t.co/oGbocgMVuI
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) September 15, 2021September 15
Brian Laundrie officially named a person of interest in the disappearance of Gabby Petito.
North Port Police say Brian Laundrie is now a person of interest in the disappearance of his girlfriend 22-year-old Gabby Petito. https://t.co/2AT5vdouPY
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) September 15, 2021September 16
Gabby’s family, who lives in New York, pleaded with Brian and his family to cooperate with authorities.
A former FBI profiler in Tampa says the social media trail of clues in the disappearance of Gabby Petito can only take investigators so far, they need her fiancé Brian Laundrie's cooperation. https://t.co/jiSeWTxmzD
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) September 18, 2021September 17
Brian Laundrie’s family asks for the police to come to the home. This is when his family told police that they have been unable to locate their son.
North Port Police are currently speaking with the Laundrie Family at their request. At this time, we are not speaking with Brian. More details when available.
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 17, 2021KNow anything? Please call 1-800-CALL-FBI pic.twitter.com/oCDTwHJvCt
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 18, 2021September 18
A search for Brian was underway at Carlton Reserve in Venice, Florida. At the same time a search for Gabby was underway at Grand Teton National Park.
The North Port Police Department, FBI, and agency partners are currently conducting a search of the vast Carlton Reserve for Brian Laundrie. His family says they believe he entered the area earlier this week. More details when available. pic.twitter.com/I5x7DvQ3Jt
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 18, 2021Additional photos from the search for Brian Laundrie around the Carlton Reserve area. If you have seen him please use 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit online at https://t.co/vlIagGqNPE. pic.twitter.com/X5QZmMJhTq
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 18, 2021September 19
FBI officials announced that human remains that are consistent with Gabby’s description were found in Teton County, Wyoming. However, investigators said that a full forensic identification is pending. While in Venice, Florida the search for Brain ended at about 6p.
The live update has concluded and we will share a recording soon. Our statement is attached & we have no additional comment at this time. #FBIDenver & our partners extend our condolences to Gabby's family. We thank the public for your generous support of this investigation. pic.twitter.com/kZiSVmJtqv
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 19, 2021September 20
The FBI execute a search warrant today at the couple’s home in North Port. A Ford Mustang was towed away during the search warrant.
#UPDATE: The #FBI is executing a court-authorized search warrant today at the Laundrie residence in North Port, FL relevant to the Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito investigation. No further details can be provided since this is an active and ongoing investigation. @FBIDenver pic.twitter.com/uxrtVNIZ4u
— FBI Tampa (@FBITampa) September 20, 2021A memorial for Gabby grows outside North Port city hall.
A memorial for #GabbyPetito continues to grow outside North Port city hall this morning. The FBI on Sunday confirmed a search revealed human remains consistent with the description of Petito. @abcactionnews pic.twitter.com/T2Da4Ulbfk
— Mary O'Connell (@MaryOConnellTV) September 20, 2021The Bethune family from Tampa may have spotted Gabby’s van in the Spread Creek camping area near the Grand Tenton National Park. They posted the video on their YouTube Page on Sunday after sending it to the FBI. Later that day remains matching Gabby’s description were found in the area where the video was taken.
September 21 - 23
Authorities resume their search for Brian Laundrie in Carton Reserve.
Search for Brian Laundrie will resume Tuesday in the Carlton Reserve, Venice side. We join the FBI in asking for continued public assistance by sharing any information through the tip lines 1-800-CALL FBI or https://t.co/vlIagGIoHc
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 21, 2021By land. By air. pic.twitter.com/4LFcmwcD2b
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 21, 2021On September 21st the FBI also confirmed that the remains found on Sunday are those of Gabby Petito and the cause of death is homicide.
#FBIDenver appreciates the collaboration of all agencies and personnel who assisted in the search, recovery, and identification efforts. @NatlParkService @forestservice @GrandTetonNPS @BridgerTetonNF pic.twitter.com/2CWXNBMUn2
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 21, 2021The authorities continue to search the Carlton Reserve on September 23rd.
Thursday search for Brian Laundrie in the Carlton beginning. pic.twitter.com/cV3v1JsdHV
— North Port Police (@NorthPortPolice) September 23, 2021An arrest warrant has been issued for Brian Laundrie.
Today's official #FBIDenver statement and the arrest warrant for Mr. Brian Laundrie are attached. pic.twitter.com/eV1IY4l681
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) September 23, 2021September 25
Dog the Bounty Hunter shows up at the door of the Laundrie home.
DOG SNIFFING FOR TIPS: Dog the Bounty Hunter gives Brian Laundrie's parents a rude awakening as he joins massive manhunt for the most wanted man in Americahttps://t.co/obK7KrMvqQ pic.twitter.com/LpiXxE3IGw
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 25, 2021A scaled back search for Brian Laundrie continues on Saturday at Carlton Reserve.
The same day, Gabby’s family announces the Gabby Petito Foundation to help find other missing children.
October 12
The Teton County Corner released its results of the Gabby Petito autopsy. It showed death by strangulation.
Gabby Petito’s autopsy shows that she was strangled to death, the coroner in Teton County, Wyoming announced Tuesday. He later said her body had been in the wilderness for three to four weeks. https://t.co/vbfKrQKsKS pic.twitter.com/L956K7ilvx
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 12, 2021October 20
Sarasota County Medical Examiner has been called out to Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. Articles that reportedly belong to Brian Laundrie were found on a trail in the park that he apparently frequented.
BREAKING: The Sarasota County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to @wfla they have been called by the North Port Police Department to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park @wflahttps://t.co/Eq42ea12s8
— Allyson Henning (@WFLAAllyson) October 20, 2021UPDATE: Items of interest were located at the Carlton Reserve this morning in connection with the search for Brian Laundrie. An #FBI Evidence Response team is processing the scene. The reserve is closed to the public and no further details are available at this time. @FBIDenver pic.twitter.com/itOYRpY6fp
— FBI Tampa (@FBITampa) October 20, 2021As the search for Brian Laundrie continues, here are today's latest developments. https://t.co/Oxk7QgDQYo pic.twitter.com/Cip6kVi6cq
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) October 20, 2021During a press conference on October 20th at 4:30p an FBI spokesperson says that a backpack and notebook that belonged to Brian Laundrie along with the partial human remains were found in an area that until recently has been under water. It’s likely officials will be on scene for several days and the park and surrounding areas will remain closed.
And these remains were found with items that belonged to Brian including a notebook and backpack. https://t.co/OOZ28zWnZs
— HeatherLeighWFTS (@HLeighWFTS) October 20, 2021October 21
#UPDATE: On October 21, 2021, a comparison of dental records confirmed that the human remains found at the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park are those of Brian Laundrie. @FBITampa pic.twitter.com/ZnzbXiibTM
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) October 21, 2021November 23
The Laundrie family attorney has confirmed that Brian Laundrie died by suicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Read more on ABCActionNews.com
#BREAKINGNEWS Brian Laundrie died by suicide, the Laundrie family attorney said in a statement on Tuesday. https://t.co/qw3l1CTl4I
— ABC Action News (@abcactionnews) November 23, 2021January 21, 2022
The Federal Bureau of Investigation provided what it would said would be the last update on the Gabrielle Petito case, saying fiance Brian Laundrie claimed responsibility for her death. https://t.co/TRkfN1bIpz
— Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) January 21, 2022
As the Gabby Petito case develops, we will update this timeline with information from authorities and news sources.
If you have any information on this case please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.