Human Remains Confirmed As Gabby Petito; Death Ruled A Homicide

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WY – The search for the fiancé of 22-year-old Gabby Petito intensified in Florida Tuesday as authorities confirmed that the human remains found in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming are the Long Island woman who had been missing for nearly a month.

The manner of Petito's death has been initially ruled a homicide, but the cause has not been determined, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation news release. Final autopsy results are pending with the Teton County Coroner’s Office, where a forensic examination was performed, the FBI said.

FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Schneider said “the FBI's commitment to justice is at the forefront of every investigation."

"The FBI and our partners remain dedicated to ensuring anyone responsible for or complicit in Ms. Petito's death is held accountable for their actions," he said. "Mr. Brian Laundrie has been named a person of interest. Anyone with information concerning Mr. Laundrie's role in this matter or his current whereabouts should contact the FBI."

The FBI announced Sunday evening that a body consistent with the description of Petito had been found and her family was notified.

Tuesday afternoon family spokesman Rick Stafford thanked members of the press for giving Petito's family "time to grieve."

"We will be making a statement when Gabby is home," he added.

Up until Tuesday, Petito's disappearance was considered a non-criminal missing person investigation. The North Port Police Department said investigators will now be assisting the FBI with their criminal investigation, "in any way we can to bring this investigation to a close."

Authorities returned to Sarasota County's Carlton Reserve in Florida Tuesday morning as they continued their search for Laundrie, Petito's boyfriend who hasn't been seen since Sept. 14, but with no luck. The agencies will resume their search on Wednesday morning.

“We must press on,” North Port police say, as the search continues for Gabby Petito’s missing boyfriend in a gator- and snake-infested Florida reserve. (North Port Police photo)

Laundrie's parents told authorities last Friday evening that they had not seen their son for days, and they believe he may have entered the wildlife reserve Sept. 14 with just a hiking backpack.

The search for Laundrie began Saturday.

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The FBI is seeking information from anyone who may have used the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area between Aug. 27 to 30, and who may have had contact with Petito or Laundrie, or who may have seen her van.

The dispersed camping area is within the Bridger-Teton National Forest on the east boundary of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and it was closed while investigators canvassed there. The forensic search concluded Tuesday afternoon and the area was reopened.

The FBI thanked the public for its “continuing support of the investigation and 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 agency tweeted.

Candles will be lit at the end of driveways to honor Petito in her hometown of Blue Point on Long Island Friday night. The organizers of "Light the Night For Gabby Petito" are hoping communities around the country will participate in the event.

Relevant information on the Petito case can be submitted to the FBI at: http://tips.fbi.gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171. Photos & videos may be uploaded to: http://fbi.gov/petito.

Tiffany Razzano and Ryan Bonner contributed additional reporting to this story.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.