- Netflix released a documentary on the murder of Gabby Petito
- The documentary is called American Murder: Gabby Petito
- Petito was traveling with her fiancé Brian Laundrie at the time of her death
The new Gabby Petito documentary is out, revealing many details about the case, especially surrounding her boyfriend Brian Laundrie.
Netflix released the documentary on 17 February. This true crime docuseries explores Gabby Petito’s story, her relationship with her fiancé, Brian Christopher Laundrie, and the tragic circumstances of her death.
Sadly, Petito lost her life while traveling cross-country across the U.S. with Laundrie. She was a travel vlogger documenting their van life journey on the road.
Read more: How to watch the Gabby Petito documentary
The documentary takes a deep dive into her relationship with Laundrie. Petito started dating him in March 2019, and by December of that year, she moved to Florida to be closer to his parents, Roberta and Christopher.
One intriguing detail discussed in the documentary is how Laundrie’s mother gradually began to “resent” Petito for spending so much time with her son. Despite this tension, the couple set out on their cross-country travels in July 2021.
Read More: The Real-Life Story Of the Gabby Petito Documentary
Long story short, in August 2021, a domestic violence incident occurred, and later that month, Petito went missing. Her body was found in September 2021, and it was found she had been murdered as a result of blunt force trauma and strangulation.
During that time, a lot unfolded regarding Laundrie, who remained absent from search efforts. But what exactly happened to him?
Who is Brian Laundrie?
The 23-year-old was born on 18 November, 1997, in Florida. As the timeline shows, he and Petito dated for two years before starting their cross-country road trip in July. Petito wanted to launch a YouTube career by vlogging, but Laundrie had no interest in social media.
Outside their relationship, Laundrie worked as a craftsman and loved spending time outdoors. He stayed close to his parents, Roberta and Christopher (which becomes important later), and his sister, Cassie. However, he later became known for something much darker.
What happened to Brian Laundrie?
After reuniting with Petito on their cross-country trip after a domestic violence incident, the couple continued their travels. An incident had occurred which resulted in the police being called, and accusations of Laundrie punching his girlfriend occurred, although Petito was found to be the aggressor in the situation.
On August 27, the last known footage is shown in the Gabby Petito documentary of Petito walking into Whole Foods with her boyfriend.
Petito’s Disappearance
On 28 August, the young man is seen leaving the Spread Creek camping area, which is close to Grand Teton National Park. After leaving Whole Foods it was believed this was the direction the couple were heading in.
At this time he left to go to Colter Bay and the next day on August 29, he got a lift from there to Jackson, Wyoming. After that, a woman gave him a ride back to the Spread Creek campsite, where he had said Petito was waiting.
On 30 August, he began his journey back to Florida solo, Laundrie used his girlfriend’s phone to send a text to make it look like she was in contact with her parents. After no contact for over ten days from Petito or the Laundries, Petito’s mother Nichole reported her daughter missing. Despite Petito being missing, Laundrie’s parents confirmed at this time that he was at home, but will not answer any questions.
Going Missing
On September 17 tips rolled in about something occurring at the Laundrie home. When police got there, his parents said that their son had gone missing after hiking in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park. It was well-documented that Laundrie was an avid hiker.
Meanwhile, the police were still trying to track down Petito and found her body two days later on September 19.
Remains of Laundrie Found
During this time, a widespread search for Laundrie took place. His parents helped, and police searched the park where he was believed to have hiked. At 8 a.m., searchers found his waterproof bag containing his belongings. An hour later, they discovered skeletal remains—Laundrie’s.
Police determined that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and ruled his death a suicide. The Gabby Petito documentary explains that his remains had been there for weeks and were covered by floodwaters.
Aftermath
Many people believe he took his own life because of Petito’s death. In the documentary, her parents suggest they do not believe his confession about what happened.
Near his body, police found Laundrie’s notebook, where he admitted to killing Petito. However, the troubling part is that he wrote, “I ended her life,” but claimed he did it to “end her pain.” He also alleged that Petito had injured herself after falling in a creek before her death.
The note goes on to say that he was overwhelmed by guilt and felt like he couldn’t go on without his fiancée, so he planned to end his life.
That concludes the story. For more details on the case, watch American Murder: Gabby Petito on Netflix now.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you or someone you know has experienced relationship abuse, information and resources are available at wannatalkaboutit.com.
