Netflix is set to release a new true-crime documentary, American Murder: Gabby Petito, a three-part series that revisits the highly publicized case of Gabby Petito’s disappearance and murder.
American Murder: Gabby Petitio which will feature interviews, text messages, and diary entries, aims to go beyond the media frenzy to provide a deeper understanding of Gabby Petito’s story. Here’s what we know so far about the documentary.
Who Is Gabby Petito?
Gabby Petito was a 22-year-old travel vlogger and social media influencer who documented her cross-country journey with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. Described by her family as a “free spirit,” Gabby Petito was just beginning her journey as a travel content creator when her name became known across the world for tragic reasons. Her disappearance in 2021, followed by the discovery of her body in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, captivated public attention and sparked conversations about domestic violence, media coverage biases, and the role of internet sleuths in criminal cases.
What Happened to Gabby Petito?
Gabby Petito‘s case gained nationwide attention when she stopped communicating with her family during her road trip with Brian Laundrie. On August 12, 2021, police in Moab, Utah, stopped the couple after an argument outside a store. Body camera footage showed Gabby Petito visibly distressed, but police allowed the couple to separate for the night rather than take further action.
The last known communication from Gabby Petito was on August 30, though her family doubts that she sent the message herself. Brian Laundrie returned to his Florida home on September 1 without Gabby Petito, raising alarms. Her family reported her missing on September 11, and by September 17, Brian Laundrie himself had disappeared.
On September 19, authorities found Gabby Petito’s remains in Grand Teton National Park, later confirming that she had been strangled. A month later, on October 21, Brian Laundrie’s remains were discovered in a Florida nature reserve. The FBI later confirmed that Brian Laundrie had left behind a note taking responsibility for Gabby Petito’s death before dying by suicide.
Gabby Petito’s case became a focal point for broader discussions, including the disproportionate media coverage given to missing white women compared to people of color, often referred to as “Missing White Woman Syndrome.” Her family has since started the Gabby Petito Foundation to raise awareness about domestic violence and help find missing persons.
What Is the Documentary About?
Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito aims to present the story through the perspectives of those closest to her. The documentary will feature interviews with Gabby Petito’s family and friends, along with key text messages and diary excerpts that provide insight into her relationship with Brian Laundrie and the circumstances leading up to her death.
The series will seek to move past the media spectacle surrounding the case, offering a more personal look at Gabby Petito’s life, the impact of her tragic death, and the broader issues her story has come to symbolize.
When and Where Can I Watch the Documentary?
Netflix announced the documentary on January 27, 2025, confirming that American Murder: Gabby Petito will be available for streaming in February 2025. The three-part series will be accessible to Netflix subscribers worldwide.
As the release date approaches, interest in the documentary is expected to grow, drawing attention once again to a case that left a lasting impact on the true-crime community and beyond.
