Brian Laundrie’s Father Joins Search For His Fugitive Son In Florida Reserve

There's a new twist in the search for Brian Laundrie. The attorney representing the Laundrie family revealed that the fugitive's father, Chris Laundrie, has now joined the search.

Search teams are currently scouring Florida's Carlton Reserve looking for Brian Laundrie. According to attorney Steven Bertolini, Chris and Roberta Laundrie have already provided information that may be helpful to the search. Chris Laundrie reportedly pointed out potential trails his son may have used.

"Although Chris and Roberta Laundrie provided this information verbally three weeks ago it is now thought that on-site assistance may be better," told CBS News on Thursday. "The preserve has been closed to the public and the Laundries as well but the parents have been cooperating since the search began."

At this point, the 23-year-old fugitive has been missing for several weeks. On September 18, Brian Laundrie's parents told authorities they had last seen their son several days earlier and had no idea of his whereabouts. That was after he had refused to speak to police.

Brian Laundrie's parents have also abruptly made a major change to their story. At first, they told authorities they had last seen their son on September 14, 2021. Now they say that they actually saw him one day later.

"The Laundries were basing the date Brian left on their recollection of certain events," their attorney said this week. "Upon further communication with the FBI and confirmation of the Mustang being at the Laundrie residence on Wednesday, September 15, we now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday, September 13."

There have been several people alleged sightings of Brian Laundrie. One hiker said he spotted the fugitive walking on the Appalachian Trail. He said the man he believed to be Brian Laundrie seemed disoriented and spoke of getting to California to see his girlfriend.

On September 23, the FBI issued an arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie after he "knowingly and with intent to defraud" used Gabby Petito's bank card. Petito's body was found in Wyoming on September 19. Authorities have recently kicked up their search efforts. This week, Brian Laundrie's own sister broke her silence, urging him to come forward.