Brian Laundrie: Parents’ attorney says he is still alive and in the Carlton Reserve
Brian Laundrie may be unaware of the enormous manhunt underway to find him, his parents’ lawyer says
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
The Laundrie family attorney says he believes Brian Laundrie is still hiding out in the Carlton Reserve.
The focus of the nationwide manhunt for the missing fugitive has shifted back to the wildlife-infested nature park after a makeshift campsite was reportedly spotted there.
A source close to the Laundrie family revealed “traces” of a campsite had been located in the reserve, CNN reported on Wednesday.
And Mr Laundrie’s father Chris has reportedly been asked to join the search for his son.
On Thursday morning, attorney Steve Bertolino told Fox News that Mr Laundrie may be unaware that he is being searched for.
“I believe Brian is still in the preserve,” Mr Bertolino said, referring to the Carlton Reserve where the missing man’s parents told investigators he was going hiking last month.
“And as such I don’t think he has access to the news,” Mr Bertolino said.
Agencies have been scouring the 25-000 acre reserve for several weeks with helicopters, drones, all-terrain vehicles and canine units.
When asked about Mr Laundrie’s survival skills, Mr Bertolino told Fox “he’s a backpacker.”
On Wednesday, Mr Bertolino said Chris Laundrie would be joining the search for his fugitive son.
Mr Laundrie was asked for help to locate his son by North Port detectives, he said.
“Chris Laundrie was asked to assist law enforcement in their search for Brian at the preserve today,” Mr Bertolino said.
“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.”
Mr Laundrie’s parents originally told investigators he left the house on 14 September when they filed a missing person report on 17 September.
They later said he had departed to go hiking on 13 September.
Gabby Petito’s remains were discovered by an FBI-led search team in Wyoming on 19 September.