Who Killed Gabby Petito: The Shocking Truth Behind her Tragic Death

Gabby Petito’s disappearance and murder captivated the nation in 2021, shedding light on the dangers of domestic violence. The 22-year-old travel blogger was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, during their cross-country road trip. 

Her remains were discovered on September 19, 2021, in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. An autopsy confirmed she had died by strangulation, likely three to four weeks before her body was found. But how did she meet her tragic end?

A Troubled Relationship and a Fateful road trip

Gabby and Brian had been dating since 2019, but their relationship was far from perfect. According to her best friend, Rosa Davis, Brian was controlling and manipulative, often hindering Gabby’s independence. Despite these concerns, the couple embarked on a road trip in July 2021, documenting their journey on social media.

However, cracks in their relationship became evident on August 12, 2021, when a witness called 911 in Moab, Utah, reporting that Brian had slapped Gabby in front of a store. Police stopped them and separated them for the night, but no charges were filed. The couple continued their journey together, but by late August, things took a deadly turn.

Brian Laundrie Kills Gabby Petito

Gabby and Brian were last seen together on Aug. 27, 2021, at a Whole Foods store in Jackson, Wyoming. Court records indicate that Brian called his parents on August 29, saying Gabby was “gone” and that he might need a lawyer. He then hitchhiked back to their van and drove it to his parents’ home in North Port, Florida, arriving on Sept. 1.

For nearly two weeks, Brian and his parents refused to answer any calls from Gabby’s family. Instead, they went camping at Fort De Soto Park. Gabby’s mother officially reported her missing on September 11, launching a national investigation.

On September 17, Brian’s parents reported him missing, claiming he had left four days earlier for a hike. Two days later, on September 19, Gabby’s remains were found in a remote area of Bridger-Teton National Forest. The autopsy confirmed she had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and neck before being strangled.

Brian Laundrie’s Confession and Death

After weeks of searching, authorities found Brian’s skeletal remains on Octo.20, 2021, in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, Florida. He had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A notebook found near his body contained a written confession in which he claimed Gabby’s death was a "tragedy."

He alleged she had fallen into a body of water, was in pain, and that he killed her to end her suffering. However, Gabby’s autopsy report contradicted his claims, confirming that she had been violently killed.

Gabby Petito’s case drew nationwide attention, highlighting the dangers of domestic violence. Her story has since been explored in multiple documentaries, including Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito, which delves deeper into the tragic events that led to her death. The three-part docuseries is now available for streaming on Netflix.