( NewsNation ) — Three years after Gabby Petito’s death , her mother and stepmother say the pain hasn’t eased, but they’re working to keep her memory alive and help others affected by domestic violence.
During a Saturday interview with “ NewsNation Prime ,” Nicole Schmidt, Petito’s mother, and Tara Petito, her stepmother, discussed their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and missing persons cases.
“It seems like each year that passes, it’s more painful,” Schmidt said. “I think it’s just because I feel like I’m further away from her.”
Timeline of Petito disappearance, Laundrie manhunt
Petito, 22, was killed in 2021 during a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, Brian Christopher Laundrie. He took his own life after reportedly admitting to killing Petito. Her case garnered national attention and sparked conversations about domestic violence.
The family has established the Gabby Petito Foundation , which focuses on preventing domestic violence and assisting in missing persons cases. It’s working to implement education programs and training for first responders.