The FBI Denver Division confirmed Tuesday that the remains found in Wyoming belong to Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old woman, who disappeared after a road trip across the country with her fiance Brian Laundrie.
The initial autopsy determined the manner of death as a homicide and "the cause of death remains pending final autopsy results," the FBI said.
Since returning from their road trip alone, Laundrie has been named a person of interest and FBI agents have torn through his house, declaring it an “active crime scene.”
Laundrie, 23, declined to comment on Petito’s disappearance. He has also sought a lawyer and his whereabouts are unknown. Authorities on Friday night confirmed they are searching a nature reserve near his home.
"Mr. Brian Laundrie has been named a person of interest," Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said. "Anyone with information concerning Mr. Laundrie's role in this matter or his current whereabouts should contact the FBI."
In a conversation with her mother, Petito appeared to send an “odd text” that sparked her family’s concern as to what was happening during her road trip with Laundrie.
The FBI has been posting updates on Twitter and are requesting people to send tips with helpful information regarding Petito’s disappearance.
“#FBIDenver thanks the public for their continuing support of this investigation & the valuable tips that have been submitted. We extend sincere condolences to Gabby’s family, friends, and all the people whose lives she touched,” the FBI posted on Twitter.
