This was despite earlier in the day an unnamed source with ties to the investigation telling CNNtraces of a campsite were discovered inside the Carlton Reserve, a 25,000-acre nature preserve consisting primarily of swampy wetlands.
The missing man has not been seen since Sept. 13, when he allegedly told his parents he was headed to the reserve to hike.
Petito, the woman he was engaged to, was reported missing Sept. 11.
The conflicting reports of a possible campsite’s discovery come as Laundrie’s father, Chris, joins the search for his missing son — at the behest of investigators.
“Chris Laundrie is assisting Law Enforcement today in the search for Brian,” reads a statement from the Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino. “Chris was asked to point out any favorite trails or spots that Brian may have used in the preserve.”
The statement adds that, while Laundrie’s parents “provided this information verbally three weeks ago, it is now thought that on-site assistance may be better. The preserve has been closed to the public and the Laundries as well, but the parents have been cooperating since the search began.”
On Sept. 1, less than two months after setting out on a cross-country trip with Petito, Laundrie returned to his parents' home in North Port, Fla., without her.
The body ofthe murdered 22-year-old Long Island, N.Y., womanwas found at a remote campsite in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Officials have deemedher death a homicide, but have yet to reveal how Petito was killed.
Investigators believe Petito was killed sometime between Aug. 27 and Aug. 30.
Laundrie also remainsa person of interestin Petito’s case, but has not been named a suspect in her homicide.
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Chris Laundrie, pictured Thursday assisting police in their search.Backgrid
Prior to vanishing, Laundrie had refused to meet with detectives handling Petito’s disappearance.
Five days after returning to Florida alone, Laundrie went camping with his family at Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, Fla.
Police believe the relationship between Petito and Laundriebecame more strained during their tragic road trip, according to unsealed search warrant connected to the case.
Petito’s best friend, Rose Davis,tells PEOPLEthe couple’s relationship was “toxic,” and that Laundrie’s jealousy led to numerous fights between the two.
If you have information pertinent to this case, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
source: people.com
