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Is Brian Laundrie in New Bern? Fugitive tipped to be in NC amid sighting rumors

Laundrie, 23, is wanted as a 'person of interest' in the death of his fiancee, Long Island woman Gabby Petito

WATAUGA COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA: Authorities began looking into tips that Brian Laundrie might be in New Bern, North Carolina after social media went abuzz with alleged sightings and claims of his arrest.

Laundrie, 23, is wanted as a "person of interest" in the death of his fiancee, Long Island woman Gabby Petito, whose body was found on September 19 at a campground in rural Wyoming. Twenty two-year-old Petito mysteriously disappeared while on a cross-country road trip with Laundrie, who is currently being sought in a nationwide manhunt. Meanwhile, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office has been following tips that Laundrie could be hiding along the Appalachian Trail near Boone and Watauga County.   

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Speaking to WBTV, Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman said they did check out some tips claiming Laundrie was within the limits of their jurisdiction. Hagaman said officers checked out a vehicle, scoured the parkway and campgrounds, but concluded that the tips were "totally unsubstantiated." He explained, “We are only following some social media reports – nothing verified at all."

Meanwhile, some people online spread baseless claims that Laundrie had been caught.

In order to check the veracity of the claims, 10 Tampa Bay approached the New Bern Police Department for further information. “Our department became aware of the tip that Brian Laundrie was currently in the City of New Bern. New Bern police officers collaborated with the Raleigh branch office of the FBI and four FBI agents who arrived in New Bern to further the investigation," the department responded in a statement. "At the conclusion of our efforts, we do not believe he was, or is, in New Bern. We ask everyone to forward tips to the FBI.gov website. The New Bern Police department continues to be vigilant in our patrols and will act accordingly."

According to WTSP, the rumors about Laundrie being caught in New Bern, NC, stemmed from claims made by news outlet SKYline News. Authorities with the New Bern Police Department refuted those claims. 

Earlier this week, the search for the missing fugitive was joined by reality TV star Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman. His daughter Lyssa tweeted that they were looking for an “experienced hiking/survivalist near the Appalachian Hiking Trail in North Carolina." She added, “I know these types rarely have social media. So do you have a family member or friend who fits this description?”

Petito was laid to rest at a televised funeral ceremony on Monday, September 27. WWSB reported that the FBI has now taken charge of the search operation for her missing fiance and is said to switching strategies.

The manhunt for Laundrie marked its Day 13 on Thursday, September 30, and there is still no trace of him. The FBI has said their search is "targeted based on intelligence" as they scour the areas they think Laundrie may be hiding in. Laundrie's family lawyer insisted to reporters on Monday that his parents have no of about his whereabouts.

If you or anyone you know has tips regarding Brian Laundrie, you are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.