‘America is watching’: Investigation continues at park where Brian Laundrie remains found

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been more than 24 hours since human remains were found at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park during the search for Brian Laundrie.

The 23-year-old man was named a person of interest in the death of his fiancée, 22-year-old Gabby Petito.

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READ: Coroner: Gabby Petito died of strangulation

The FBI said Thursday they used dental records to confirm that the remains found at the park are those of Brian Laundrie.

Laundrie family lawyer Steven Bertolino says they’re asking for privacy now as they grieve the death of their son.

However, there are now questions about how the human remains and Brian Laundrie’s belongings were found in an area that had been searched thoroughly weeks earlier, just minutes after Laundrie’s parents decided on their own to search the area again.

“Chris and Roberta had informed me that they wanted to go to the reserve,” Bertolino said. “I can say that this is an area that we initially notified the FBI that Brian liked to hike in.”

Bertolino says Laundrie’s parents searched along with investigators. Chris, Laundrie’s father, found a bag belonging to Laundrie.

READ: Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, what you need to know

Law enforcement found the human remains and a backpack belonging to Laundrie that was nearby.

According to the FBI, the items were found in an area that had previously been under water.

A full day after the remains were found, the FBI along with local police and sheriff’s office deputies continue to process the scene.

During an update Thursday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno described the challenges presented by the terrain itself, including water up to their chests that’s full of snakes and alligators.

Marceno also detailed the resources being utilized at the scene, and the teamwork between agencies, but offered very little new information on the case.

Photos: Brian Laundrie’s backpack, notebook found in Florida nature reserve

“I know everyone wants to know exactly what’s going on,” Marceno said. “All of America is watching, but we will not jeopardize an investigation to give information until the time is right.”

While the search for Laundrie has ended, the investigation is ongoing. The Medical Examiner still has to determine whether his manner of death was homicide, suicide, or accidental in some way.

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Cox Media Group