Brian Laundrie can hide better in urban Florida than in the wild, survivalist says
While authorities are focusing their search for Brian Laundrie in the alligator-infested Carlton Reserve in Sarasota, Florida, an expert and survivalist believes that the 23-year-old could be hiding out in an urbanized environment where he would have a better chance of evading arrest by simply wearing a face mask - something donned by every other person in the ongoing pandemic.
Florida vlogger Gabby Petito and her boyfriend Laundrie had embarked on a cross-country trip back in July, and on September 1, he returned home without her in the van they had traveled in together during the trip. Laundrie has reportedly not been seen since September 14 and was confirmed 'missing' on September 17. This led police to search the nearby Carlton Reserve for Laundrie, but with zero luck so far. Since then, Gabby's body has been discovered in a Wyoming park by the authorities. Teton County Coroner Dr Brent Blue confirmed the vlogger's death was a homicide but the immediate cause of death is still unclear as police are still waiting for the final autopsy results.
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'If Laundrie has money and he can put on a mask, hat, and hoodie'
While Laundrie reportedly told his parents that he was headed for the Florida reserve for a hike, online detectives claim they have spotted the fugitive in Alabama, North Port, Mexico, and Canada. Survival expert Dave Canterbury, who starred in the Discovery series 'Dual Survivor,' thinks Laundrie would have more chance of not being caught if he was in an urbanized area, rather than hide out in the wild.
Canterbury told The Sun: “In my mind, he is much more likely to be able to maintain an on-the-run status and not be caught if he is trying to blend in an urban environment. If Laundrie has money and he can put on a mask, hat, and hoodie, he could probably walk into a rural store and not be recognized - 90 percent of the time." According to him, Laundrie will be difficult to find unless the fugitive tells someone who he is, or is recognized by a member of the public. And if he is still in Florida, he might choose to stay in the state.
He said: “I don’t see how he’ll be able to afford to hitchhike anywhere. If he’s in Florida and was in the state, then he’s going to have to stay there.” An arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie after he was accused of swiping a Capital One debit card between August 31 and September 1 that belonged to Petito, after her death. Canterbury said: "Psychology is a big part of survival. Not only the fact that he’s trying to survive, but he’s also running and being pursued, adding, this could result in Laundrie making “foolish” decisions.
Hypothermia is going to be a major issue
Canterbury warned that Laundrie could be battling hypothermia within weeks if he is spending time in the wilderness as temperature swings of up to 30 degrees could hit the Sunshine State this fall. Canterbury said: “If it’s not happening now, then within the next few weeks, it’s going to be a major problem.” As a result, if Laundrie's body is wet, there is a greater chance that he may become hypothermic either from sweat or wading through swamps.
The survivalist said: "Humans are built to detect peripheral movement - that's what our eyes do. We're hunters by nature. If Laundrie moves during the day when people are looking, it’s going to be easy for him to be found." He also believes that moving through the wilderness at night would be "dangerous". The experts talked about 'The Five C’s of Survivability.' Survivalists should carry with them a cutting tool, a combustion device, cover elements that protect the body, containers that are used to disinfect water, and cordage.
Canterbury said: "Those five items are probably five things that he’s lacking. He may have one of them – he may have two of them. He probably does not have all of them. Unless he’s a very skilled survivalist, it’s going to be very difficult for him long term without at least having all of five of those items, and the knowledge and ability to put them to use."
Access to clean drinking water a 'Russian roulette'
He also warned that Laundrie is going to face challenges accessing clean drinking water in the wilderness. There is also the question of mosquitos driving Laundrie “crazy." As for drinking water, Laundrie will have to try and disinfect the water but might decide against starting a fire as it could lead to police spotting him.
Furthermore, the water is likely to be full of tannins after heavy rains, and those high concentrations can be harmful to humans. Canterbury said: “It’s a Russian roulette deal if you just drink the water.”