Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman, embarked on a cross-country van trip with her fianc Brian Laundrie in 2021. However, their journey took a devastating turn when Gabby went missing and was later found dead in Wyoming. The case has garnered significant attention due to the complex and tumultuous relationship between Gabby and Brian, which ultimately led to her tragic demise.
1. The Incident in Moab, Utah
On August 12, 2021, two weeks before her disappearance, Gabby and Brian were involved in a domestic dispute in Moab, Utah. A 911 caller reported seeing Brian slapping Gabby, prompting police to intervene. The Moab Police Department released bodycam footage showing the encounter, which revealed a heated argument between the couple.
During the incident, Gabby admitted to hitting Brian first, but also mentioned that he grabbed her by the face and caused a cut. The officers present noted scratches on Brian's face and Gabby's admission of hitting him, leading them to believe she was the primary aggressor in the situation. Despite this, the officers did not issue a domestic violence citation or make an arrest, instead booking Laundrie into a motel room for domestic abuse survivors.
2. The Role of Law Enforcement
The handling of the incident by law enforcement has been a subject of controversy. Gabby's family has filed a lawsuit against the Moab Police Department, alleging that officers treated Laundrie as the victim rather than the aggressor. The lawsuit claims that Officer Eric Pratt described Laundrie as a 'mental and emotional bully' but still did not take appropriate action to protect Gabby.
An independent investigation into the officers' actions found several unintentional mistakes, including not issuing a domestic violence citation to Gabby after she claimed she hit her boyfriend first and not taking a statement from the 911 caller who reported seeing a man slapping a girl.
3. The National Park Service's Involvement
The National Park Service also played a role in the incident. A female park ranger approached Gabby during the stop, providing a different perspective on the encounter. The ranger's bodycam footage shows Gabby venting frustrations with Laundrie, who witnesses said struck her in public. The ranger's approach was more empathetic, urging Gabby to distance herself from what she described as a 'toxic' relationship.
The NPS videos have been part of the relevant evidence in the case, providing additional insight into Gabby's state of mind during the incident. However, they do not contain substantively different information from previously released videos.
4. The Aftermath and Investigation
After Gabby's disappearance, Brian returned to Florida without her, leading authorities to suspect him in her disappearance. The FBI confirmed that Gabby's remains were found in Wyoming, and an autopsy revealed she died by strangulation. Brian Laundrie's remains were later found in Florida's Carlton Reserve, with the FBI determining he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gabby's parents have received $3 million in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Laundrie's estate. The case continues to attract attention as it raises questions about how domestic violence incidents are handled by law enforcement and the potential consequences for victims.
