The upcoming Netflix documentary American Murder: Gabby Petito offers a detailed exploration of the tragic events surrounding the disappearance and murder of 22-year-old travel blogger Gabby Petito, and the intense media and public scrutiny that followed. The case captivated millions, with Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, gaining attention as they documented their road trip across the country on social media. However, the situation took a dark turn when Laundrie returned home alone on September 1, 2021, leading to growing concerns about Gabby’s whereabouts.
The documentary delves into the couple’s relationship, highlighting the troubling dynamics that seemed to exist behind their seemingly perfect social media posts. Gabby’s last known communication was on August 27, 2021, while she was in Wyoming, and strange text messages from her phone raised red flags. The search for Gabby intensified after her family reported her missing on September 11, 2021, and her remains were discovered on September 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park, with the coroner later confirming her death was caused by blunt-force trauma and manual strangulation.
The investigation into Gabby’s death turned its focus on Laundrie, who had returned home without her and refused to cooperate with authorities, eventually hiring an attorney. After a federal arrest warrant was issued for him, Laundrie himself went missing, with his parents reporting him missing on September 17, 2021. His remains were found in October 2021, and the FBI confirmed his death by suicide. A notebook discovered near his body contained confessions regarding Gabby’s murder.
The documentary explores the role of social media in this case, showing how internet users played a part in analyzing and sharing details about Gabby’s posts, ultimately contributing to key pieces of evidence. Interviews with Gabby’s family and friends provide a personal and emotional look at the impact of her loss, and previously unseen text messages and footage shed light on the couple’s troubled relationship.
American Murder: Gabby Petito offers a comprehensive look into the case, including insights into the psychological and emotional toll on Gabby’s loved ones and the role public attention played in driving the investigation. The documentary will be available for streaming on Netflix starting February 17, 2025.