NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The Gabby Petito Foundation is holding its first fundraiser on Long Island Sunday as the search for Brian Laundrie extends into its fifth week.
Here are the latest updates:
5:10 p.m., Oct. 17: GABBY PETITO’S PARENTS THOUGHT BRIAN LAUNDRIE WOULD ‘TAKE CARE OF HER’
Gabby Petito’s parents said Brian Laundrie seemed like a nice, quiet man who would “take care” of their daughter during their trip out west, they told Australia’s 60 Minutes in an interview posted Sunday.
Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, described Laundrie as friendly and caring; he would read books to her other child as they went to bed, she said.
“He just seemed like a nice guy,” Schmidt said.
“I worried. I told her to be careful; be safe; be aware of your surroundings. You know, don’t trust everybody,” Schmidt went on.
“But I felt safe because she was with Brian. And I felt like she would be okay. I thought he would take care of her,” Schmidt said.
Petito’s father, Joseph Petito, said the couple appeared happy — but only on the surface.
"Outside looking in, she did look happy, But as we looked more and more into this, it might not have been as great as people online perceived,” Petito said.
Laundrie remains the lone person of interest in Petito’s killing. He returned home without her from the trip at the beginning of September and obtained a lawyer before disappeared himself days later.
12:00 p.m., Oct. 17: GABBY PETITO FOUNDATION HOLDS FIRST FUNDRAISER
The Gabby Petito Foundation held its first fundraiser from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue.
The foundation is charging $20 admission for live music, food and drinks.
Petito's father, Joseph Petito, announced the launch of the fundraiser to provide resaurces and support to other families with missing children.
"Thank you for all the amazing support," Petito tweeted earlier this month The [foundation] has amazing things coming. We will make a difference. Changes are coming, tell us your stories, share your safe plans if you can."