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Mystery of Brian Laundrie's Instagram and Spotify: Lawyer says fugitive left phone at home

Laundrie's accounts were spotted making updates Instagram Lives, but lawyer claims he fled home without his phone and wallet

The hunt for Brian Laundrie has become a national event, with people from all over the US doing everything they can to find Gabby Petito's boyfriend. In the latest update to the case, Laundrie family lawyer Steven Bertolino confirmed on September 24 that Laundrie disappeared from his home without his wallet or phone. The news has sparked considerable interest on Twitter, given that Laundrie has been spotted using Spotify and Instagram while on the run, and Petito's Capitol One debit card shortly after her death.

As we have previously reported, there appears to be considerable activity on Laundrie's social media profiles. On September 20, he appeared to have unfollowed several people on Instagram and hours later appeared to live stream on the platform. The seconds-long footage showed a body of water but was promptly removed later. A day later, he appeared to remove the names and cover art from two playlists on Spotify.

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So far, Laundrie appears to have been spotted in Mexico, Canada, Venice Park, and Baker, Florida but cops continue to search the Carlton Reserve where he was heading to when he disappeared. It's unclear why the reserve is still being searched, given that it has been days and survival experts have noted it would be quite difficult to camp out there for so long. There are a lot of questions we have, made even more confusing by Bertolino's update.

How is Laundrie using social media?

By now, it is quite clear Laundrie does have access to a phone and mobile network. Between his Instagram Live, and Spotify activity, we can say for sure he is still able to access his social network accounts. As of September 24, he is following 40 accounts on Instagram, down from the 60 it was when he first went missing. We can also confirm Laundrie has removed all the names and album artwork for his 11 Spotify playlists. 

He had playlists named 'Mtn tops', 'van vibin', and 'mello yellow', but they all appear to have been removed. the Mello Yellow playlist also had a photograph of Gabby Petito, which is also now gone. Furthermore, his Instagram bio has been updated to read "Bug bites are better than being brainwashed by the media". The activity is confirmation that Laundrie is still accessing social media. 

The big question though, is how? Bertolino's lawyer confirmed to the New York Post that when Laundrie left home, he did so without his cellphone or wallet. There could be some truth to this, but the facts indicate otherwise. On September 17, neighbors in North Port claimed to have seen Laundrie and even snapped a photo of him walking behind his home. Notably, he was seen with a pair of headphones that were connected to something in his hands. 

'He purchased another phone'

Right now, there are two theories floating on social media. One says he purchased a second device, possibly a burner phone to stay in touch with friends and family. Alternatively, it is possible he already had a second device no one knew about, not even his parents. It's unclear what the truth is, but that hasn't stopped social media from coming up with ideas.

"Brian Laundrie's parents say he left his phone and wallet at home. When he withdrew money from the unauthorized debit account, isn't it plausible that he purchased another phone? That way he could remain in contact anonymously with friends or family," one person tweeted. Another said, "Laundrie didn’t go to the swamp to Kill himself. He left his wallet and cellphone home. He went on the run. People who kill themselves dont premeditate what to leave home. He’s got burner phones and no where near that swamp."

One person commented, "Attorney for Laundrie family says Brian left home without wallet, cell phone before disappearing Well that’s bec his parents dropped him off, he has cash and a burner phone." Another tweeted, "We know Brian laundrie didn’t take his cell phone and wallet..the real question is where did he pick up the burner phone and cash?"

Many users also believe Laundrie's parents would have given him the cash and phone. Their role in the saga is not yet clear, but experts believe they won't be let off the hook. One expert said that Laundrie's parents could be charged with obstruction of justice. But it's not just legal woes they have to contend with. It was reported that the family could be forced to foot the massive $1.2m bill for the search in the reserve if they are found to have misled authorities. Meanwhile, Laundrie continues to be at large, possibly with Spotify music to keep him company.