Gabby Petito Case Update: Is Brian Laundrie Hiding In Watauga County?

The ongoing search for Gabby Petito's boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, continued in Watauga County after North Carolina law enforcement received tips that he could be hiding in the state.

However, on Wednesday, the county's sheriff said there has been “no validity” to the claims so far.

“In speaking and working with our local, state, and federal partners these posts have no validity,” Sheriff Len Hagaman said in a statement, according to WBTV. “We do have a threat assessment/social media investigator whose primary responsibilities are to monitor a variety of information as she works with local, state, and federal agencies that rely on her expertise.”

Earlier, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office said they had received tips about Laundrie being on the Appalachian Trail near Boone and Watauga County.

Laundrie is wanted as the person of interest in connection with Petito’s death. The body of the 22-year-old was found on Sept. 19 at a campground in rural Wyoming. The case has received global attention, with the FBI taking over the homicide.

Meanwhile, the search for 23-year-old Laundrie is also centered around North Port, Florida, where investigators said he returned to his home on Sept. 1 without Petito.

On Tuesday, Petito's family held a press conference urging Laundrie, who has been on the run for ten days, to come forward and help with the ongoing investigation. Apart from the FBI and law enforcement officers, several volunteers are also participating in the search for Laundrie.

Reality star Duane Chapman, also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, also joined the manhunt for Laundrie. Earlier this week, he said Laundrie could be found at a Florida campground. On Wednesday evening, Dog the Bounty Hunter found no conclusive evidence that Laundrie was on Egmont Key.

“We have received an avalanche of tips on the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie,” Dog told E! News Wednesday. “There is a remarkable amount of information being shared from neighbors, friends and people who may have very recently seen Brian. For those close to Brian, I’d like to restate our goal is to capture him alive. His best chance is if we bring him in. If family and friends want to help Brian, they will help us locate him so we can help end this peacefully.”