Netflix’s new documentary covering the murder of YouTuber Gabby Petito has already shot to number one in Australia. Here’s what you need to know about the real story behind American Murder.
*A warning, this article contains graphic descriptions of violence, murder and suicide
Gabby Petito was a recent high school graduate saving towards her dream of travelling the US. She had been journaling and documenting her life for years, gaining a large following on Instagram and YouTube. Petito vlogged her travels and eventual #vanlife.
In July of 2021, Petito and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, decided to quit their jobs and purchase a camper van.
The crime
A witness called police on August 21 after spotting the couple fighting and driving erratically in Moab, Utah. The police bodycam footage showed a distraught Petito with marks on her arm and face.
Both Laundrie and Petito tried to downplay the incident. Ultimately, the police decided to characterise it as a ‘mental breakdown’ instead of domestic violence, so they did not lay charges.
Real Crime Profile breaks down the bodycam footage on this episode.
In the afternoon of August 27, witnesses reported two separate occasions of Laundrie acting erratically and Petito appearing in tears.
Later, on August 29, drivers spotted Laundrie hitchhiking back to a camping ground where the couple had parked their van. He called his father and told him that “Gabby is gone” and he might need a lawyer.
Petito was reported missing on September 11, and Laundrie was immediately a person of interest. When authorities found Petito’s remains at the campsite on September 19, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Gabby Petito’s cause of death was determined as blunt trauma to the head and neck, and strangulation.
The aftermath
Despite being under police surveillance, Laundrie disappeared for a few weeks in October. On the 20th, police found skeletal remains matching Laundrie’s DNA.
A Florida reporter shares more about the search for Laundrie on this episode of The Briefing
Alongside the remains was a journal in which Laundrie confessed to murdering Petito, which he described as “merciful” after she fell over and injured herself. But authorities say this is inconsistent with the evidence.
Laundrie’s death was by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Following the conclusion of the case, three lawsuits were filed on behalf of Petito: against Laundrie, his parents and their lawyer, and the Moab police department.
To hear how the full case unfolded, check out this episode of Red Handed
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