DOG’S HONEYMOON MANHUNT!
Duane Chapman & bride comb swamps for clues in the Gabby Petito drama!
DUANE “Dog” Chapman cut his honeymoon with bride Francie Frane short to search for Brian Laundrie, who was named a person of interest in the death of his girlfriend, Gabby Petito.
But days before the famed bounty hunter joined the manhunt, the newlyweds were in Florida for loved-up fun in the sun — and The National ENQUIRER has obtained exclusive photos of their romantic getaway.
After tying the knot on Sept. 2, the couple checked into the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Naples, where they zipped around on a jet ski, sipped mocktails and strolled the beach.
When Chapman learned Brian’s parents claimed he’d gone hiking in the swampy 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve near their home in North Port, Fla., the reality TV star felt called to action.
“It was fate,” Chapman told The ENQUIRER.
“Brian went missing in the area where we were honeymooning, and I knew my skills would be useful.
“An innocent girl has turned up dead, and Brian appears to be the only person who can explain it.”
His first stop was the Laundries’ home, where they called police on him. Undeterred, Chapman followed a tip to the Fort De Soto Park — over 60 miles from the Carlton Reserve — where he claimed security cameras showed Brian, 23, arriving with his parents on Sept. 6, but only two people leaving on Sept. 8.
“I think Brian has been here for sure,” Chapman said.
Chapman, 68, claimed he’d gotten over 1,000 tips from the public about Brian and also praised Francie, 52. “Francie has been invaluable helping with the search and so understanding,” he gushed. “We were supposed to be taking it easy, but when something like this calls I can’t let it go!”