GABBY PETITO UPDATES: Dad launches Gabby Petito Foundation ahead of Sunday LI funeral

FBI
Gabby Petito Photo credit FBI

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The intensive search for Gabby Petito’s missing fiancé Brian Laundrie became a manhunt after a federal court in Wyoming issued an arrest warrant for him.

Authorities were expected to continue their search of a Florida nature reserve for Laundrie on Saturday, 11 days after he was reportedly last seen, and a week after his parents reported him missing.

Meanwhile, Petito's family, friends and supporters are scheduled to celebrate her life at a funeral slated for Sunday afternoon at a Long Island funeral home.

Here’s the latest:

6:42 p.m., Sept. 25: GABBY PETITO'S FATHER JOSEPH PETITO ANNOUNCED LAUNCH OF THE GABBY PETITO FOUNDATION

Ahead of Gabby's Sunday funeral on Long Island, Joseph Petito announced on his Twitter and Instagram accounts on Saturday that he was launching the Gabby Petito Foundation.

"No one should have to find their child on their own," he wrote, along with an illustration of an angelic-looking Gabby. "We are creating this foundation to give resources and guidance on bringing their children home. We are looking to help people in similar situations as Gabby."

In lieu of flowers, the Petitos are asking for donations to the Gabby Petito Foundation.

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5:15 p.m., Sept. 25: DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER SPOTTED OUTSIDE LAUNDRIE FAMILY HOME

Reality television star Dog the Bounty Hunter was spotted at Brian Laundrie’s family home Saturday.

Reporters captured video of Duane "Dog" Chapman knocking multiple times on the front door to their home and speaking briefly with a neighbor. The Laundrie's weren't filmed ever coming to the door.

Chapman remained tight-lipped when reporters lobbed him questions but mentioned he was trying to get some tips on the case.

“We can’t talk right now, I’m sorry,” he told a reporter asking if he’s searching for Laundrie.

“Come on, you know. I just love my country,” he said to another reporter who asked why he was there.

Laundrie has been missing since Sept. 17. Petito's funeral is set for Sunday afternoon at a Long Island funeral home.

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7:15 p.m., Sept. 24: POLICE RESPOND TO LAUNDRIE HOUSE ON UNFOUNDED SHOTS FIRED REPORT

North Port police descended on the Laundrie house Friday evening, but were gone shortly after.

Police said they responded to reports of gunshots in the area of the home, but found no evidence of shots being fired. No one reported hearing shots to police.

The call came from an unknown number, police said.

5:20 p.m., Sept. 24: FL RESERVE SEARCH WRAPS FOR FRIDAY

Friday's search at Carlton Reserve for Brian Laundrie has reportedly wrapped up.

News Nation's Brian Entin said police have finishing searching for the day, but efforts will continue into the weekend.

"We will be back out throughout the weekend. Focusing on areas of more likelihood across the Reserve," North Port police Public Information Officer Josh Taylor told Entin.

Police also told Entin they are not paying other agencies in the search, and that it’s “mutual aid.” They added that almost all meals the North Port Police Department has had amid the search have been donated thanks to a “special community.”

Brian

5 p.m., Sept. 24: LAUNDRIE PARENTS WERE CONCERNED WHEN BRIAN LEFT HOME

The Laundrie family attorney said Brian left their home last Tuesday without his wallet or phone, according to News Nation's Brian Entin.

The attorney added that his parents were "concerned he might hurt himself."

12 p.m., Sept. 24: POLICE SEARCHING FLORIDA RESERVE SPECIFICALLY FOR BRIAN LAUNDRIE

North Port Police spokesman Josh Taylor told Fox News that authorities are searching the Carlton Reserve specifically for Brian Laundrie and not physical evidence related to his road trip with fiancée Gabby Petito.

“No physical evidence,” Taylor told the outlet when asked about what police were exactly searching for in the swampy park.

Taylor tweeted several videos Friday showing authorities' search efforts in the reserve.

"Conditions on the ground this morning," Taylor captioned one tweet with video of a muddy path.

11:15 a.m., Sept. 24: FAA ISSUES FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS OVER FLORIDA RESERVE AMID LAUNDRIE SEARCH

The FAA has issued "temporary flight restrictions" in the area of the 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve, where authorities are searching for Brian Laundrie.

The flight restrictions are for "Special Security Reasons," according to FAA.gov.

The restrictions began Friday morning and last until 11 p.m. ET on Sept. 30. They cover a radius of 3 square nautical miles.

FAA
The FAA has issued "temporary flight restrictions for Special Security Reasons" in the area of Carlton Reserve. Photo credit FAA.gov

10:15 a.m., Sept. 24: PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE TO BE HELD FOR GABBY PETITO ON LONG ISLAND THIS WEEKEND

A public memorial service for Gabby Petito will be held Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Moloney's Holbrook Funeral Home on Long Island.

Richard Stafford, the attorney for the Petito/Schmidt family, confirmed Friday that the memorial service would be open to the public.

Memorial
Photo credit Moloney Family Funeral Homes

Stafford said Petito's funeral will also be held Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, her family is asking for donations to the future Gabby Petito foundation. Stafford said donations can be made electronically at johnnymacfoundation.org.

Petito's father, Joe Petito, also confirmed this weekend's services, writing on Instagram: "Services for our sweet Gabby will be held at Moloney Funeral Home in Holbrook on Sunday September 26th from 12pm-5pm. Thank to all for your support and love."

9:30 a.m., Sept. 24: POLICE BEGIN ANOTHER DAY OF SEARCHING FOR BRIAN LAUNDRIE AT FLORIDA PARK

Law enforcement were back at the Carlton Reserve on Friday morning as they resumed their search for Brian Laundrie, who now has a federal warrant out for his arrest.

North Port Police tweeted a photo of a dawn briefing.

Authorities have been looking for Laundrie at the nature reserve since Saturday after his parents reported him missing last Friday.

A federal grand jury indictment revealed Thursday alleges Laundrie used a Capital One Bank card and someone's personal identification number to make unauthorized withdrawals or charges worth more than $1,000 during the period in which Gabby Petito went missing. It does not say who the card belonged to.

Laundrie family attorney Steven Bertolino said it is his understanding that the arrest warrant was related to activities that occurred after the death of Petito, and not to her actual demise. “The FBI is focused on locating Brian and when that occurs the specifics of the charges covered under the indictment will be addressed in the proper forum,” he said.

7:00 a.m., Sept. 24: SEARCH FOR BRIAN LAUNDRIE SET TO RESUME AT FLORIDA RESERVE

Authorities planned to return to the 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County on Friday to search for Brian Laundrie for a seventh day.

“Nothing found. We will be back at it Friday,” North Port Police said Thursday evening.

Laundrie
Authorities search for Brian Laundrie at Carlton Reserve on Sept. 23. Photo credit North Port Police Department

9:20 p.m., Sept. 23: SECOND WOMAN CLAIMS SHE OFFERED HITCHHIKING RIDE TO LAUNDRIE

A second woman has reportedly claimed that she offered a ride to Brian Laundrie in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park Aug. 29, two days after Gabby Petito was reportedly last seen.

The first claim was via a TikTok made by Miranda Baker, who said she and her boyfriend picked up Laundrie after seeing him on the side of the road.

Now, a second woman -- seasonal Wyoming resident Norma Jean Jalovec, who is from Florida -- recalled a similar situation to Fox News Thursday.

Jalovec told Fox that after seeing Baker's video, she realized she picked up Laundrie about an hour after Baker said she had, at about 6:30 MST, and dropped him off at Spread Creek camping area, where Petito's remains were later found.

Jalovec said she has already spoken to the FBI about the apparent encounter -- which she said involved small talk, but also involved Laundrie allegedly trying to get out of her moving car when she offered to drive him all the way into the campground instead of being dropped at its gate.

6:20 p.m., Sept. 23: LAUNDRIE LAWYER RESPONDS TO INDICTMENT

The Laundrie family's lawyer has responded to the indictment issued Thursday, saying it's "not related to [Petito's] actual demise."

Laundrie's attorney said in a statement to WCBS 880:

“It is my understanding that the arrest warrant is related to activities occurring after the death of Gabby Petito … the FBI is focusing on locating Brian and when that occurs, the specifics of the charges covered under the indictment will be addressed in the proper forum.”

6:15 p.m., Sept. 23: LAUNDRIE SEARCH ENDS FOR THE DAY

Thursday’s search for Brian Laundrie by North Port police has ended.

Police say nothing was found at the Carlton Reserve Thursday and they will return Friday.

5:50 p.m., Sept. 23: ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR BRIAN LAUNDRIE

A federal grand jury indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Wyoming alleges Brian Laundrie used a Capital One Bank card and someone's personal identification number to make unauthorized withdrawals or charges worth more than $1,000 during the period in which Petito went missing. It does not say who the card belonged to.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said an arrest warrant issued Wednesday over the alleged fraudulent use of the bank card will allow law enforcement across the country to continue pursuing Laundrie while the investigation continues into Petito’s homicide.

The indictment says the unauthorized use of the debit card occurred from about Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

The FBI said they are still seeking information from anyone who was at the Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area from Aug. 27-30, may have had contact with Petito or Laundrie, or may have seen their vehicle. Info could be submitted at tips.fbi.gov or at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Moab Police Department via AP/THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE via Imagn Content Services, LLC