Perhaps no case more than that of 22-year-old Gabby Petito demonstrates that the images we see on social media do not accurately show us the reality of a person’s life. On July 2, 2021, Gabby enthusiastically set out on a “van life” journey with her fiancé Brian Laundrie. The two had quit their jobs and renovated a van, planning a four-month trip across the country.  Along the way, Gabby documented their adventures on social media. But behind the scenes, Brian was abusive and manipulative, controlling Gabby.

Join us at the quiet end for The Case of Gabby Petito. During her travels, the couple was seen arguing, with Gabby crying and Brian yelling at her and even slapping her.  One witness report led the police in Utah to pull over the couple, but no arrest was made and the incident was identified as a mental health crisis rather than a domestic violence incident.

Gabby’s mother Nichole last spoke to Gabby on August 25th. Then, on September 1st, Brian returned to his parents’ home without Gabby. What followed was one of the most public and emotional crime solving efforts in recent history.

Support the show for ad-free, early, bonus episodes and more!

Record a voicemail for a future show

Contact Us

Shop TCB Merch

Join our True Crime Brewery Fan Discussion Group

Sources

Family travel vloggers share video they believe shows Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie’s van around time of her disappearance, Connor Perrett, 9/19/2021, Click to watch Bethune YouTube Video

Full Video: Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie Police Stop, Inside Edition, Click to watch

Gabby Petito Case: Timeline of travel blogger’s disappearance, ABC News, Haley Yamada, 10/21/2021

Gabby Petito’s family awarded $3 million in wrongful death lawsuit against Brian Laundrie’s estate, CNN.com, 11/17/2022

Gabby Petito Search: Remains Found in Wyoming Match Description of Missing Woman Gabrielle Petito, The New York Times, 10/20/2021

The Gabby Petito Story: An American Tragedy, 60 Minutes Australia, 11/16/2021

Gabby Petito: The Untold Story, 48 Hours, S35, E1, 9/25/2021

The Murder of Gabby Petito: A Look at the Police Response and Intimate Partner Violence Among Young People, A&Etv.com, Elena Ferrarin, 6/23/2022

Petito-Laundrie trial moved to 2024, hearing set for Roberta’s ‘burn after reading’ letter, thehill.com, J.B. Biunno, 03/16/23

Who is Gabrielle Petito? The New York Times, Ethan Hauser, Maria Cramer, & Michael Levenson, 9/19/2021 

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence or feels trapped in a toxic relationship, call the national domestic violence hotline at:

1-800-799-SAFE

Or text START to 88788

You can donate to the hotline by going to https://www.thehotline.org/hopecantwait/