MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Is Brian Laundrie hiding in Baker, Florida? Deer cam photos spark speculation

Two photos captured around 6 am on September 20 are the latest links in the search for Gabby Petito's fiance Brian Laundrie

Brian Laundrie had been reportedly spotted in Baker, Florida hours before the FBI surrounded his parents' home with a search warrant on September 20, a day after human remains consistent with Gabby Petito's description were found near a campsite in Wyoming. Laundrie, a "person of interest" in Petito's disappearance has refused to speak to police after returning to his parents' home on September 1, without Petito from a cross-country trip they embarked on together. 

The FBI confirmed via a tweet it had secured a search warrant in court.  "No further details can be provided since this is an active and ongoing investigation," the agency said after the search which lasted a couple of hours. Agents were seen removing several boxes from Laundrie's home following the search. Petito's boyfriend has gone missing a few days after her disappearance, and the extensive hunt for his whereabouts was suspended after a body believed to be of the 'Van-Life' blogger was found. His parents filed a missing report on September 14. 

READ MORE

Was Brian Laundrie seen in Alabama? Internet suspects he's heading to Mexico

Brian Laundrie could stay in Florida reserve for months, say cops as they call off search

Is Brian Laundrie hiding in Baker, Florida? 

A deer camera of a man named Sam Bass in Baker, Florida picked up a man resembling Laundrie. The sighting took place around 6 am on September 20 after which Bass promptly reported it to the police. Internet sleuths who are following the case closely are divided over Laundrie's whereabouts after the pictures surfaced. While some believe the man in the pictures to be him because of the backpack and the clothes, others believe it's unlikely for Laundrie to have been spotted in FL in a matter of days after his previous sighting in Alabama. 

"Same backpack from this van pic. Same baggy grey shirt and black pants from the neighbors street walking pic," a user tweeted positive that the man in the photos is Laundrie. "OH MY GOD. IT HAS TO BE HIM. HE’S IN BAKER, FLORIDA," another tweeted. "Say it’s him, it’s only a 2 hour drive from mobile. this was 6:20 am yesterday, so it’s very possible. that being said, it looks like he’s trailing the border on his way to Mexico," another tweet read. 

Another set of people remain unconvinced that the man in the photos is Laundrie. "For the record, I don't think it's him. This guy looks more stocky, the neck is shorter and wider & even the face isn't convincing," a tweet read. "Not him - the line of the natural beard growth is different, note how the mustache reaches his beard and Brian's doesn't. Plus the alleged Brian is chubbier," wrote another user.