From a chilling 911 call to a shocking letter from Brian Laundrie’s mother, here’s what we know about Gabby Petito’s tragic death, the ongoing investigation, and the lingering questions that remain unanswered.
Gabby Petito’s disappearance in 2021 captivated the nation, leading to an outpouring of media coverage and public concern. Now, her heartbreaking story takes center stage in Netflix’s latest project, “American Murder: Gabby Petito.”
The three-part documentary provides an intimate glimpse into Gabby’s life, incorporating personal journal entries, text messages, and video footage.
“The series reveals the reality of a young woman caught in an abusive relationship behind closed doors — all while maintaining a seemingly perfect image on social media,” Netflix stated in a press release.
Gabby and her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, embarked on a cross-country road trip in July 2021, documenting their travels online.
“She wanted to explore the country in her camper van and embrace van life. That was her dream,” recalled her mother, Nicole. The couple was last spotted together in Utah, where an August 12 police stop in Moab was recorded on bodycam footage.
Police responded to reports of a domestic dispute but, after speaking with both of them, allowed them to continue their journey. A later review determined that officers mishandled the situation, failing to recognize the warning signs of abuse.
Gabby’s family subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department. FBI documents later revealed that a witness had seen the couple’s altercation on August 12.
The witness, who was passing through Moab, reported seeing Brian striking Gabby inside their white Ford Transit van. Alarmed, he turned his car around and parked nearby to observe.
According to the FBI report, “The male in the van ‘acted like a lunatic,’ repeatedly slamming doors and pacing frantically. He seemed to be pleading with the female and at one point attempted to hug her, but she pushed him away.”
“He then forced her legs into the passenger seat, shut the door, and got in on the driver’s side,” the report continued. Shortly afterward, both were seen crying.
Though the witness considered intervening, he ultimately refrained. He later contacted the FBI in September after recognizing Gabby’s case in the news.
On August 17, Brian briefly left Gabby in Utah to return to Florida, staying for a few days before rejoining her on August 23. Gabby’s father, Joe, who lived in Florida, recalled ordering an Uber Eats meal for the couple in Salt Lake City on August 21.
The pair departed Salt Lake City for Grand Teton National Park on August 24. That same day, Nicole had her last FaceTime call with Gabby.
“She seemed okay at the time, but I wasn’t sure where her relationship with Brian was headed,” Nicole admitted, hinting at possible tension between them.
Communication with Gabby dwindled after that. “She was supposed to be heading toward Yellowstone,” Nicole said, noting that after August 24, their only exchanges were via text messages.
“The last text I received from her was on August 30. I don’t even know if it was actually her texting me,” Nicole confessed. On September 1, Brian returned alone to his parents’ home in North Port, Florida.
### Gabby Petito’s Death and Brian Laundrie’s Confession
As the days passed without any sign of Gabby, public concern intensified. Brian’s solo return from their trip only deepened the mystery. Gabby’s family reported her missing, sparking a nationwide search.
On September 19, authorities found her remains in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue later confirmed the cause and manner of death, stating that her body had been exposed to the elements for three to four weeks.
“Following a thorough investigation by our forensic pathologist, anthropologist, and law enforcement with assistance from the FBI, we have reached a final determination,” Dr. Blue announced.
“The cause of death for Gabrielle Venora Petito was strangulation, and the manner of death was homicide.”
Meanwhile, the search for Brian continued. Eventually, authorities discovered his remains on October 20 in a Florida nature reserve near his parents’ home, alongside a backpack, a gun, and a notebook.
A medical examiner later ruled that Brian had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His notebook contained a written confession. “A review of the notebook revealed statements from Mr. Laundrie admitting responsibility for Ms. Petito’s death,” the FBI reported.
In their final statement, Special Agent Michael Schneider confirmed, “The investigation found no evidence implicating anyone other than Brian Laundrie in the tragic death of Gabby Petito.”
### Roberta Laundrie’s Disturbing Letter to Brian
One of the most shocking revelations in this case was the discovery of a letter written by Brian’s mother, Roberta Laundrie. Found among Brian’s belongings, the undated letter contained an unsettling message.
“If you’re in jail, I will bake a cake with a file inside. If you need to dispose of a body, I will bring a shovel and garbage bags,” she wrote. The envelope, addressed to Brian, bore the words “burn after reading.”
Her lawyer later released the letter to USA Today, revealing that it also included expressions of deep love for her son. “I want you to always remember that I love you, and I know you love me. You are my boy,” she wrote.
However, the Laundrie family’s attorney, Matt Luka, asserted that the letter was written before Brian’s trip with Gabby and had no connection to her case. He also emphasized that Roberta’s words were exaggerated and never meant to be taken literally.
### Gabby’s Final Days and Fear of Leaving Brian
In the days leading up to her death, reports suggest that Gabby confided in her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, about her uncertainty over ending things with Brian.
This revelation, highlighted in the Netflix docuseries, sheds light on her growing concerns. Filmmaker Julia Willoughby Nason described Gabby’s text exchanges with Brian as deeply unsettling.
“Reading their messages, knowing he would later kill her, was haunting. The manipulation was subtle but undeniable,” she said. “We hope this series helps expose the hidden nature of intimate partner abuse, particularly among young people.”
While Brian had briefly left for Florida on August 12, leaving Gabby alone in Salt Lake City, she reached out to Jackson, expressing her fears about breaking up with Brian.
“She wasn’t sure what he might do or what he was capable of,” Jackson revealed. On August 27, after Brian had returned, Gabby messaged him again, saying their stop in Jackson, Wyoming, reminded her of him.
That same day, witnesses spotted Brian in a heated argument with staff at the Merry Piglets Tex-Mex restaurant. Some believe this altercation may have played a role in his growing agitation, potentially leading to the events that followed.
Gabby’s final days were marked by tension, uncertainty, and fear—an all-too-common reality for victims of intimate partner violence. Her story continues to resonate, shedding light on the warning signs that too often go unnoticed.