Gabby Petito's mum feared the worst after seeing an unusual text message from her daughter's phone, new documents have revealed.
According to a search warrant, shared online by WWSB, Nichole Schmidt had received a message from her 22-year-old daughter's phone on the 27 August.
The warrant was to search a hard drive and other devices of Brian Laundrie, 23, - Petito's boyfriend and a 'person of interest' in the case. He has since disappeared.
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The document explains: "On August 27th, 2021, the subject's mother, Nichole Schmidt, received an 'odd text' from the subject. The text message read, "Can you help Stan, I just keep getting his voicemails and missed calls".'
It continues: "The reference to 'Stan' was referring to Gabby's grandfather. But according to her mother, Gabby never calls him 'Stan'. The mother was concerned that something was wrong with her daughter."
The warrant went on to say this was the 'last communication anyone has with the subject. Her cell phone was no longer operational, and she stopped posting anything on social media about their trip. Per her family, this was not normal behavior for the subject and they became more worried about her'.
Her mum acknowledged that she received one more message from the phone on 30 August, that read: "No service in Yosemite" but an attorney working on behalf of the family said she doesn't believe her daughter sent it.
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Referring to the 30 August text, Richard Stafford told Insider: "She doesn't believe it was from her daughter.
"Looking back now with all the facts... she believes it's not her daughter."
Remains believed to be Petito were found at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming over the weekend, following an extensive search.
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An autopsy is underway to confirm the identity of the body.
In a statement after the discovery the FBI said: "The search revealed human remains consistent with the description of Gabrielle 'Gabby' Petito.
"Full forensic identification has not been completed and we do not yet know the cause of death. We appreciate your patience as we work through this process.
"The FBI and our partners extend our heartfelt condolences to Gabby's family and loved ones. This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and our thoughts are with them as they mourn the loss of their daughter."
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Laundrie is still missing, with his parents saying they last saw him on 14 September.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@gabspetitoTopics: US News
