Notebook found in Brian Laundrie search could reveal TRUTH behind Gabby Petito’s murder as cops hunt suicide note

A NOTEBOOK found in the hunt for fugitive Brian Laundrie could reveal the truth behind Gabby Petito’s murder as cops hunt a possible suicide note.

Internet sleuths appear convinced that the 23-year-old’s journal will provide clues into his fiancée’s disappearance and death.

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FBI detectives unearthed personal items, including a notebook and backpack, believed to belong to Laundrie as they combed the Carlton Reserve in Sarasota, Florida.

Special Agent Michael McPherson, of FBI Tampa, said: “These items were found in an area that up until recently had been underwater.”

Criminologist Casey Jordan said a notebook “pointed to the possibility” of a suicide note, reports. The contents inside the notebook remain unknown.

Jordan told CNN: “That really raises the question if indeed this is Brian Laundrie and if he died by his own hand, did he take the time out to write out a note of explanation, maybe even regret?

“Something that would give answers to not only police. If that notebook is there, there is a good chance there could be a note.”

Jordan speculated that the notebook could give cops “answers” as they continue their investigation.

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WFLA reporter Josh Benson wrote: “Gotta wonder what is written in that notebook”, and sleuths have speculated that there's a "chance he wrote a confession note in that notebook."

Others wondered how the notebook would not disintegrate if it was in a waterlogged area.

Read our Brian Laundrie live blog for the very latest news and updates...

But, social media users that a notebook would be damaged but not destroyed if in a waterproof bag.

Laundrie was pictured with notebooks while traveling with Gabby Petito.

In one photo, Brian was tucked under some blankets next to a stream and appeared to be relaxing in a hammock while they explored the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

A green spiraled notebook was seen stacked on top of a paperback edition of Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk with a handful of fine point ink pens.

Gabby commented on the photo: "Went hiking for my #22."

And, during their ill-fated cross-country road trip, an orange notebook can be seen inside a tent while the young couple was camping at Zion National Park, Utah.

Other notebooks appear to be shelved inside Gabby's immaculately decorated 2012 Ford Transit Connect van's interior.

Remains were also unearthed at the reserve but they've not been formally identified.

The medical examiner was called in on Wednesday morning after the fugitive's parents reportedly discovered a white bag and a dark-colored object in a patch of brambles.

'POTENTIAL CLUES'

The later confirmed that "items of interest" were found, adding that their "evidence response team is processing the scene" and will be there for several days.

Laundrie's parents had joined the search at the creek on Wednesday, as it was closed again just one day after being reopened to the public.

Family attorney Steven Bertolino told The Sun that the Laundries were there when the remains and items were found "in an area where they had initially advised law enforcement Brian might be."

"Chris and Roberta will wait for the forensic identification of the human remains before asking any additional questions," the lawyer said.

In video footage captured by Fox News, Roberta and Chris were caught speaking with a police officer on a hiking trail in Myakkahatchee Creek.

While much of the conversation is inaudible, the officer at one stage seems to tell them "we've found something" and advised the pair to go home.

'REMAINS FOUND'

The officer placed his hand on Chris's shoulder during the exchange. Roberta then turned to face him and wiped his cheek.

Private investigator Bill Warner said Laundrie was more likely to “kill himself” than to “sit around a wait to die” following the FBI's apparent discovery.

Warner told The Sun that the fugitive is “most likely dead in the reserve”.

He speculated: "It's basically over ... most likely he is dead in the reserve, possibly killed himself, not likely he just sat there and waited to die."

And reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter appears to be calling off the search for Laundrie.

Dog, real name Duane Chapman, previously scoured the Fort de Soto campground after it emerged the Laundries spent Labor Day there.

The bounty hunter told the Sun: “We are praying for Gabby’s family as yet another day ends with seemingly more questions than answers though it does seem the search for Brian is indeed over.”

He expressed gratitude to the authorities probing the case.

Teams are expected to remain on the ground at the Carlton Reserve for several days and a no-fly zone has been put in place over the area.

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Gabby Petito’s remains were found on September 19 in a Wyoming campsite – a week after she was reported missing.

Coroners initially ruled the manner of her death a homicide before weeks later confirming that she died from strangulation.

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Brian Laundrie timeline

Brian Laundrie has not been seen since the morning of September 13. Here is a timeline of Laundrie's latest whereabouts:

• July 2021: Brian Laundrie and his fiancé Gabby Petito leave for a grip across the country. The couple visit numerous national parks across the way.
• August 12: Police in Utah respond to an incident involving the couple. The bodycam footage is not released for another month but it shows a visibly upset Gabby talking to police after reports of a domestic violence incident outside a grocery store.
• August 24: Gabby is seen leaving a hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Laundrie.
• September 1: Laundrie returns to his home in North Port, Florida without Gabby.
• September 6: Laundrie joins his family on a camping trip about 75 miles from their home in North Port.
• September 11: Gabby's family reports her missing.
• September 13: Laundrie leaves home to go hiking in Carlton Reserve, Florida. His family had initially said he departed on September 14, but revised their timeline weeks later.
• September 15: Laundrie is named a person of interest in the case of Gabby.
• September 16: Bodycam footage is released regarding the incident between Gabby and Laundrie.
• September 19: The FBI announces a body found at a Wyoming national park is believed to be that of Gabby's.
• September 23: The FBI issued a warrant for Laundrie's arrest claiming he "used unauthorized debit cards after Gabby Petito's death."
• September 26: A funeral is held for Gabby in New York.
• September 27: Dog the Bounty Hunter announces he will lend a hand and help search for Laundrie.
• September 28: Gabby's family held an emotional press conference as the search for Laundrie continued.
• October 5: Laundrie's sister, Cassie, appeared on Good Morning America and urged her brother to come forward.
• October 7: Laundrie's father, Chris Laundrie, assisted law enforcement in the search to find his son.
• October 12: Gabby's autopsy results were made public. Teton County Coroner Dr Brent Blue confirmed Gabby died by strangulation.  
• October 20: Laundrie's personal items were found near the Myakkahatchee Creek Park trail in Florida. The medical examiner was called to the scene to investigate.