Gabby Petito, 22, was a young woman from New York who captured the nation’s attention with her cross-country van life adventure. However, her disappearance and subsequent death led to one of the most-discussed true crime cases in recent memory.
In August 2021, Petito embarked on a trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie, who was also from New York. The couple planned to document their journey on YouTube and eventually move full-time into a van. However, things took a dark turn when they were spotted arguing in Moab, Utah, which led to a traffic stop.
During the stop, Petito admitted to hitting Laundrie first, despite having marks on her face. This altercation sparked controversy, with many questioning why authorities deemed her the aggressor and left her alone while taking Laundrie in for the night.
Petito’s family reported her missing after not hearing from her in weeks, leading to a massive investigation. However, it was soon revealed that Laundrie had returned home without Petito on September 1, sparking further suspicions about his involvement.
The discovery of Petito’s body in Grand Teton National Park on September 19 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the case. Authorities declared her death a homicide, and an autopsy later confirmed strangulation as the cause of death.
As the investigation continued, Laundrie became the prime suspect, with FBI officials determining he was responsible for Petito’s murder. A notebook found near his remains included a written confession, which claimed Laundrie took away Petito’s life due to her injury and emotional pain.
However, many have questioned the validity of this confession, calling it “nonsense” and criticizing Laundrie’s attempts to rewrite history. The Petito family has filed a civil lawsuit against Laundrie’s parents, claiming they helped conceal the murder and planned to help him flee the country.
The case has sparked numerous twists and turns, leaving many questions unanswered. However, one thing is clear: Gabby Petito’s tragic death has left an indelible mark on her family and the nation, serving as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and abuse.
Source: https://ew.com/gabby-petito-case-explained-american-murder-netflix-8788100