Attorney: Brian Laundrie’s father asked to assist with search in Carlton Reserve

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Brian Laundrie speaks to police during an investigation into an altercation between him and Gabby Petito in Moab, Utah. Credit: Moab Police Department. Department.

Brian Laundrie’s family attorney said in a statement Wednesday his father was asked to help investigators search for Brian at Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County.

“Chris Laundrie was asked to assist law enforcement in their search for Brian at the preserve today,” Attorney Steve Bertolino sent in a statement to WINK News. “Since the preserve has been closed to the public, Chris has not been able to look for Brian in the only place Chris and Roberta believe Brian may be. Unfortunately, North Port police had to postpone Chris’ involvement, but Chris and Roberta are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist.”

We asked North Port Police Department if it requested Chris Laundrie’s assistance in the ongoing search for his son, and we were told NPPD did not do so Wednesday.

“The FBI is the lead. The NPPD, would not be making these decisions and actions,” the police department sent in a statement to WINK News. “The FBI would have to answer if that was true.”

With or without Chris’ help, law enforcement continues to work with more boots on the ground and surveillance form above.

Gabby Petito’s family recently spoke about her and the investigation on Dr. Phil.

“He’s a coward. Flat out,” father Joe Petito said during the show. “I’d use some other words, but I can’t use them on your show.”

Those were comments about Brian Laundrie that Gabby’s father shared about his daughter’s former fiancĂ©.

“Anyone who lived in this house is a coward,” Joe said of the Laundrie home. “They don’t know how to stand up for their actions.”

Laundrie’s parents, Christopher and Roberta, believe the Carlton Reserve is the only place their son could be. They last saw their son Sept. 13 when he left his home to go for a hike at the reserve.

We saw more crews working the FBI-led search Wednesday.

Mother Nature is on their side with less rain dampening their search.

“If he did go out there and ultimately passed away or took his own life, you’re not going to find him until the water recedes,” said Tim Thiel, a licensed private investigator.

For Gabby’s family, finding Laundrie means getting answers.

“I just really hope they find him,” Joe said.

“I want to look him in the eyes,” mother Nichole Schmidt said.

It’s been more than three weeks since Christopher and Roberta saw their son.

Gabby’s parents believe he could survive that long because he is an outdoorsman, saying he once bragged about being a survivalist.

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