Autopsy determines Gabby Petito death was a homicide, but what does that mean?

The remains found at a campground near Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park are those of missing blogger Gabby Petito, an autopsy confirmed Tuesday.

The Teton County coroner in Wyoming confirmed the remains are those of Petito, 22, and initially determined her manner of death was homicide. But the coroner, Dr. Brent Blue, did not disclose a cause of death "pending final autopsy results," the FBI said in a statement.

Continuing coverage of Gabby Petito's homicide

► Gabby Petito's death a 'homicide,' autopsy finds; search intensifies for fiance, Brian Laundrie

► Gabby Petito timeline: From road trip with Brian Laundrie to active criminal investigation

► OPINION: Blame Brian Laundrie's disappearance on FBI

Meanwhile, the search continued Tuesday for  Brian Laundrie. North Port police and the FBI were searching the Venice side of the Carlton Reserve for signs of  Petito's fiancé.

According to the Legal Information Institue and law.com, here's what the coroner's findings mean.

What is a homicide?

Homicide is when one human being causes the death of another.  Included among homicides are murder and manslaughter. Not all homicides are a crime. Some killings may be determined to be manslaughter, and some are lawful, such as when justified by self-defense or insanity.

Definition of murder

A murder occurs when one person unlawfully kills another person. The precise legal definition of murder varies by jurisdiction, although most states distinguish between different degrees of murder. 

What is first-degree murder?

Although it varies from state to state, first-degree murder is generally the intentional killing of another person which is deliberate and premeditated or planned. It can also include particularly heinous types of murder. 

What is second-degree murder?

Typically, second-degree murder is defined as murder that is not planned, or a murder that is caused by the offender's reckless conduct that displays an obvious lack of concern for human life.  Second degree murder is different from first degree murder, which is a planned, intentional killing or results from a vicious crime. 

Exact distinctions between first-degree and second-degree murder vary by state. One critical difference is that capital punishment is typically not available for a second-degree murder conviction.  

Definition of manslaughter

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation. It is distinguished from murder  by lack of any prior intention to kill anyone or create a deadly situation. 

• Voluntary manslaughter is intentionally killing another person in the heat of passion and in response to adequate provocation.
• Involuntary manslaughter is negligently causing the death of another person.