Additional Coverage:
- Gabby Petito told her ex she was scared to leave Brian Laundrie but wanted to, just before murder: new doc (foxnews.com)
A new Netflix documentary, “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” offers an intimate look into the tragic case, featuring interviews with Petito’s family and friends, and previously unreleased text messages. The documentary reveals Gabby Petito confided in an ex-boyfriend that she feared Brian Laundrie’s reaction if she left him, just days before her murder.
Filmmakers emphasized the importance of family involvement in the project, gaining access to Petito’s journals, artwork, and text messages. These messages revealed a disturbing pattern of manipulation in the relationship.
Petito’s ex-boyfriend, interviewed for the documentary, confirmed her fears. After a domestic violence incident in Moab, Utah, Laundrie flew home to Florida, leaving Petito alone. During this time, she contacted her ex, expressing her desire to leave Laundrie but also her fear of his potential response.
The documentary also sheds light on an argument Laundrie had with staff at a Wyoming restaurant shortly before Petito’s disappearance. Text messages between the couple suggest the argument stemmed from Petito feeling ill after eating there.
Petito was last seen alive on surveillance video at a Whole Foods. She attempted to call her ex-boyfriend, but he didn’t answer. One of her last messages to her mother indicated she felt she might be better off pursuing her van-life blogging career without Laundrie.
The documentary includes previously unseen details and materials from the FBI. Separately, an undisclosed witness to the Moab domestic incident has come forward, describing Laundrie’s erratic behavior. Petito’s mother expressed a desire to speak with this witness.
Gabby Petito’s story has inspired others to leave abusive relationships. Her family established the Gabby Petito Foundation to support domestic violence victims and missing persons. The foundation is currently assisting in the search for Nikki McCain, a missing woman from California, whose husband had previously been accused of domestic abuse.