EXCLUSIVE: FBI visits the Florida home of Brian Laundrie AGAIN to retrieve 'personal items' for DNA matching
The search for fugitive Brian Laundrie continued today as FBI agents paid another visit to the home of his parents to retrieve ‘personal items’ - for DNA matching.
Laundrie’s mom Roberta, 55, was seen darting outside at 10am to leave an item in the screened porch of their North Port, Florida home.
An hour later two FBI agents with bulletproof vests, weapons and a clipboard walked up the drive, hovering at the front door before stooping to pick something up.
Without knocking on the door, the pair both walked back to their black SUV, with an agent carrying what appeared to be a small brown evidence bag.
Two FBI agents with bulletproof vests, weapons and a clipboard walked up the driveway at Brian Laundrie's North Port home as they searched for 'personal items' they could use for DNA matching
One of the FBI agents was then seen carrying what appeared to be a brown evidence bag
They were seen entering the porch and kneeling down to pick something up
The FBI agents jotted something down before they left the house
Video courtesy of WFLA
When asked by a DailyMail.com reporter about the purpose of the visit neither agent responded but the family’s lawyer, Steven Bertolino, said that agents wanted a sample of missing Brian’s DNA.
He cautioned that it was a ‘routine’ request rather that an indication that the fiancée of slain Gabby Petito had finally been found.
‘The FBI requested some personal items belonging to Brian Laundrie to assist them with DNA matching and Brian’s parents provided the FBI with what they could,’ Bertolino said.
Brian Laundrie, 23, left, is still missing, one week after the body of his fiancée, Gabby Petito, right, was found in Wyoming
Police in North Port continued their search for Laundrie in the Carlton Nature Reserve, as rewards totaling $30,000 are being offered for his whereabouts
The development came as authorities continued Sunday to scour alligator-infested swampland in the Carlton Nature Reserve for Laundrie, 23.
Rewards totaling $30,000 are now being offered for any information that helps track him down.
According to the New York Post, Jerry Torres, a neighbor of the Petito family, initially offered $5,000 for any tips that could lead to Laundrie's arrest.
He wrote on Twitter: 'Law enforcement is working tirelessly and they need your help.' The message was shared by members of Petito's family.
Soon, the reward was raised to $10,000, in part due to Steve Moyer, the former deputy Chief of Police for Sarasota, Florida.
And last week, Boohoff Law, a personal injury law firm announced that it was ofering $20,000 for 'information leading directly to the exact whereabouts' of Laundrie.
'The authorized reward will remain open for two months starting from the receipt of the tip by the investigating law enforcement,' the law firm said in a statement to the Sun North Port.
'We believe by offering a reward, it may help law enforcement get answers and bring justice for Gabby,' Kate Shakira, an employee at the firm said.
'We have been in touch with law enforcement about this reward.'
A woman was seen getting emotional after visiting the family at the memorial for Gabby Petito on Sunday
A friend holds up a sign with photos at the memorial for Gabby Petito, at Moloney's Funeral Home, in Holbrook
Guests wait on line to get to the Maloney Funeral Home for the memorial service
A person cries outside the funeral home after paying respects to Petito
Meanwhile, Petito's friends and family gathered on Sunday for her funeral.
Her body was found last Sunday in the western state of Wyoming, near where the white camper van she and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, were traveling in was reported seen.
Petito's death has since been ruled a homicide. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Laundrie over fraudulent use of a credit card and have broadened their search for the 23-year-old, who remains at large.
Petito and Laundrie visited several of the West's state and national parks, chronicling their journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes on Instagram and YouTube.
A father and his young daughter leave the memorial or Gabby Petito on Sunday
Family members were seen embracing and getting emotional
Friends were seen embracing and getting emotional after the visit
Local firefighters paid their respects at the funeral home
Petito's father, who opened Sunday's funeral service in Holbrook, New York to the public, urged Americans not to be saddened by his daughter's tragic death, but motivated by her brief, adventurous life.
'When you leave here today, be inspired by what she brought to the table -- because the entire planet knows this woman's name now,' Joe Petito said.
'I couldn't be more proud as a father.'
A live feed of the service showed loved ones hugging in front of bouquets of flowers and large photographs of Gabby Petito.
Dozens of police and other first responders were seen lining up to enter the funeral home.
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