Gabby Petito's cause of death officially ruled as homicide by coronor

Teton County, Wyoming – A coroner confirmed the remains discovered on Sunday were those of Gabby Petito, and ruled her cause of death as homicide.

Gabby Petito's remains were found during a search effort at Grand Teton National Park on Sunday.
Gabby Petito's remains were found during a search effort at Grand Teton National Park on Sunday.  © Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/gabspetito

On Tuesday, the FBI announced the cause of death for Gabby Petito has been initially ruled as a homicide by Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue.

Remains that have now been confirmed as Petito's were uncovered on Sunday during a massive search effort for evidence in her disappearance.

According to the FBI, Dr. Blue's initial ruling on cause of death "remains pending final autopsy results."

The 22-year-old had been traveling across the US in a van with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, since late June.

Petito's family first reported her missing on September 11 after attempting to make contact with Laundrie and his parents regarding their daughter's whereabouts for several days with no response.

The last time Petito's family spoke with her was on August 25, though they received a text from her phone on August 30 – a message they don't believe was actually sent by their daughter.

Laundrie allegedly returned to his home in North Port, Florida on September 1. He and his parents immediately lawyered up and refused to speak with law enforcement regarding Petito's disappearance.

On September 17, Laundrie's parents reported him missing, noting they hadn't seen him since he allegedly left for a hike at Carlton Reserve on September 14.

Though missing, Laundrie remains a person of interest in the case, and is currently wanted for questioning by the FBI.

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/Instagram/gabspetito

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