New on Netflix “American Murder: Gabby Petito” out on February 17th to tell the disappearance and death of Gabby Petito. This became one of the most widely followed true crime stories in recent years, drawing attention to issues like domestic violence, social media influence, and police investigations. Here’s a look at what happened in the case from the new documentary.  

Gabby Petito was a 22-year-old woman from Blue Point, New York. In the summer of 2021, she set out on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. The couple planned to document their travels in a van across the United States, sharing their adventures on social media. Their posts showed them exploring national parks and enjoying the outdoors, but behind the scenes, there were signs of trouble. 

June 2021:
Gabby and Brian leave for their road trip in a converted van, traveling across the western U.S. The couple shares pictures and videos of their trip on Instagram and YouTube, portraying a happy and adventurous lifestyle. 

August 12, 2021:
Police in Moab, Utah, respond to a report of a domestic dispute between Gabby and Brian. Bodycam footage shows a visibly upset Gabby crying, while Brian has scratches on his face. Although officers separate the couple for the night, no arrests are made. This incident would later become a critical piece of the investigation. 

Late August 2021:
Gabby’s family loses contact with her. On August 25, she calls her mom for the last time while staying near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. After that, the family only receives a few strange text messages, which they believe were not actually sent by Gabby. 

September 1, 2021:
Brian Laundrie returns to his parents’ home in Florida alone. Gabby is nowhere to be found. 

September 11, 2021:
Gabby’s family reports her missing after days of silence from both Gabby and Brian. 

September 13, 2021:
Brian disappears after telling his family he’s going for a hike in a nearby nature reserve. This sparks a massive manhunt. 

September 19, 2021:
Gabby’s remains are found in a remote area of Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Her death is ruled a homicide caused by strangulation. 

October 20, 2021:
Brian Laundrie’s remains are discovered in Florida’s Carlton Reserve, along with a notebook where he admits responsibility for Gabby’s death. His death is ruled a suicide. 

Gabby’s case quickly highlighted concerns about domestic violence and missed warning signs. Many questioned whether police should have done more after the Moab incident. Others discussed how social media can create a false sense of reality, as Gabby and Brian’s online presence painted a much different picture than the real problems they faced. 

The case also exposed flaws in the way missing persons cases are handled, especially the contrast between the massive media coverage Gabby received compared to missing persons of color, who often get far less attention. 

The combination of a young couple’s dream trip turning into a nightmare, along with the mystery of Brian’s disappearance and eventual death, kept millions of people hooked. True crime communities on platforms like TikTok and Reddit poured over every clue, trying to piece together the story in real time. 

At the heart of it all, however, was a tragic loss. A young woman with her whole life ahead of her, cut short by violence. Gabby’s family created the Gabby Petito Foundation to help victims of domestic violence and support search efforts for missing persons. They hope her story serves as a reminder to take domestic violence seriously and to speak up when you see signs of trouble. 

The Gabby Petito case was more than just a headline, it was a heartbreaking example of how quickly situations can escalate behind closed doors. It forced the public to rethink the importance of recognizing abuse, supporting victims, and advocating for justice in missing persons cases. So, if you want to hear more in depth on Gabby’s case go watch “American Murder: Gabby Petito” on Netflix now!