Initial autopsy inconclusive on Brian Laundrie death cause: lawyer

The initial autopsy on the remains of Brian Laundrie did not uncover a cause of his death and a more intensive examination will be done, a Laundrie family lawyer said Monday.

Laundrie's skeletal remains found in a Florida nature preserve were positively identified last week using dental records, according to the FBI. Laundrie was the subject of a manhunt for more than a month as investigators searched for clues in the slaying of his girlfriend, Gabby Petito, during their cross-country van trip together.

Steve Bertolino, the Laundries' attorney, said in text messages Monday that he was told by police the autopsy by the Sarasota County medical examiner did not produce concrete results on Brian Laundrie's death.

"I was told the manner and cause of death were not determined and the remains were sent to an anthropologist (for) further evaluation," Bertolino said.

The medical examiner's office declined comment Monday, as did the FBI office in Denver that is leading the probe.