New Documentary Explores Gabby Petito’s Life and Tragic Death

NEW YORK, NY — A new Netflix docuseries, “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” revisits the life of Gabby Petito and the tragic events surrounding her death in 2021. The series presents interviews with family, friends, and investigators while uncovering new details about her relationship with Brian Laundrie, who was suspected of killing her before taking his own life.

The three-part series delves into their cross-country road trip, which started in July 2021 with dreams of adventure. Petito, 22, began documenting the journey on social media while traveling in a 2012 Ford Transit Connect van bought for the trip. But the idyllic road trip quickly turned tragic as domestic disputes emerged, culminating in Petito’s disappearance.

In late August 2021, after several days of silence from Petito, her mother reported her missing on September 11. Investigators later identified Laundrie as a key person of interest. It was revealed that he had returned home to Florida alone with Petito’s van, while she remained unaccounted for.

Petito’s body was discovered on September 19, 2021, near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as homicide, resulting from manual strangulation and blunt-force trauma to her head and neck. In a notebook found with Laundrie’s remains, he claimed that he killed Petito out of a misguided act of compassion, saying she begged him to end her pain after an accident.

FBI Special Agent Loretta Bush noted, “The activity between the two phones was almost instantaneous. Brian was holding both phones and talking directly to himself. It was apparent that he was trying to create an alibi.” Documentation revealed Laundrie had sent texts from Petito’s phone while he was alone, attempting to manipulate the timeline of events surrounding her disappearance.

Throughout the documentary, family and friends recount their experiences with Petito, who had been visibly unhappy during her trip. “I remember saying to Bryan, ‘You take care of her. Keep her safe.’ And he looked at me, and he smiled, and he said, ‘I will,’” recalled Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt.

The series also highlights the signs of escalating control in Laundrie and Petito’s relationship, as friends noted instances of him dictating her movements and activities. Rose Davis, a close friend, stated, “He stole Petito’s wallet and ID so she couldn’t go out with me.” This deeply troubled dynamic was further fortified as Laundrie’s behavior became increasingly possessive.

Ultimately, on October 20, 2021, Laundrie’s skeletal remains were discovered at the Carlton Reserve in Florida. His death was ruled a suicide. The aftermath of the case led to a wrongful death lawsuit against Laundrie’s parents, which was settled for $3 million in 2022, although no criminal charges were brought against them.

“American Murder: Gabby Petito” has ignited renewed discussions surrounding domestic violence and the complexities of abusive relationships. The filmmakers aimed to present Petito’s narrative through her own words, utilizing AI-generated voice technology to articulate her journal entries and messages.

The documentary sheds light on the vital issue of domestic abuse, prompting viewers to reflect on the importance of recognizing signs and seeking help. Those in need can turn to resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.