The remains found in a Florida park on Wednesday are likely that of Brian Laundrie, a person of interest in the investigation into the death of his fiancée Gabby Petito, an attorney representing his family said on Thursday.
Speaking to CNN’s Chris Cuomo, Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino said that “the probability is strong that it is Brian’s remains.”
“It’s quite sad, you can imagine as a parent, finding your son’s belonging alongside from the remains. That’s got to be heartbreaking. And I can tell you that they are heartbroken,” Bertolino added.
On Wednesday officials reported that some of Laundrie’s belongings as well as partial human remains had been discovered in the Carlton Reserve. The discovery was made some time after Laundrie’s parents went with the FBI and the North Port Police Department to assist in the search for Laundrie.
“After a brief search off a trail that Brian frequented some articles belonging to Brian were found. As of now law enforcement is conducting a more thorough investigation of that area,” Bertolino said at the time.
One source close to the investigation told CNN, “Based on the condition of the remains, it may take some time to officially identify. It is going to be a very thorough process with the medical examiner.”
Laundrie, 23, was last seen by his parents in mid-September, having told them that he was going to the Carlton Reserve. Laundrie is considered to be a person of interest in Petito’s death, though he has not been charged in connection to it. An arrest warrant for Laundrie was issued by the FBI in September for “use of unauthorized access devices” for illegally using a debit card.