LOS ANGELES, CA — The tragic case of Gabby Petito has resurfaced in the public consciousness following the release of Netflix’s latest documentary, American Murder: Gabby Petito. The renewed attention has reignited controversy—this time over the portrayal of her fiancé and murderer, Brian Laundrie, as a victim of domestic violence by his sister, Cassie Laundrie.
The documentary revisits the events leading up to Petito’s death, offering a heartbreaking glimpse into the young couple’s deteriorating relationship and the warning signs of abuse that many believe were overlooked.
What Happened to Gabby Petito?
In September 2021, the disappearance of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old influencer documenting her cross-country van life journey with Brian Laundrie, captivated the nation:
- Petito was reported missing on September 11, 2021 after Laundrie returned home alone to Florida—with Gabby’s van but without her.
- Weeks later, her body was discovered in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. An autopsy confirmed she had been strangled to death.
- A massive manhunt for Laundrie ensued. His body was eventually found in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, where authorities determined he had died by suicide.
- An 8-page handwritten confession found near his remains detailed his version of events, where he claimed Petito had suffered a fall and begged him to “end her pain.”
Signs of Abuse Overlooked
The documentary spotlights chilling bodycam footage from Moab police during a traffic stop just days before Petito’s death:
- A concerned bystander called 911, reporting that Laundrie was seen hitting Petito with a closed fist.
- Police footage shows Petito visibly distraught and with marks on her face, yet the officers determined she was the aggressor and suggested the couple separate for the night—though they later reunited.
- Selfies from Petito taken shortly before her death revealed additional bruises and injuries that raise serious questions about whether her abuse was properly recognized.
Cassie Laundrie’s Comments Spark Backlash
While the Petito family has worked to raise awareness for domestic violence victims through the Gabby Petito Foundation, Laundrie’s sister, Cassie Laundrie, has drawn widespread criticism for framing her brother as a victim of abuse:
- In a viral Instagram post, Cassie claimed: “I told law enforcement about all the DV that happened to my brother for years. The narrative stays. At this point, it’s ridiculous.”
- Cassie also shared a post advocating for suicide prevention on the anniversary of her brother’s death, which only further fueled public anger.
The response from the public was swift and intense:
- One user commented: “Has it ever occurred to you that the ‘DV’ you witnessed was Gabby defending herself against Brian’s abuse?”
- Another wrote: “This is why he thought he could kill someone and get away with it—because people like you made excuses for his behavior.”
- A third commenter added: “Brian was not a victim. He was an abuser and a murderer.”
Cassie later stated that she had no contact with her family for almost two years and frequently posts about grief and healing.
The Legacy of Gabby Petito’s Case
The tragic loss of Gabby Petito has had a profound impact on raising awareness around domestic violence and the dangers of overlooking its warning signs:
- The Gabby Petito Foundation was launched to support domestic violence victims and push for systemic reforms in law enforcement responses.
- The case has prompted calls for better training of police officers on recognizing signs of abuse, particularly when victims appear to defend their abusers—a common symptom of coercive control.
“Gabby’s case has become a heartbreaking symbol of how easily signs of abuse can be dismissed or misinterpreted,” said Wendy Young, president of Kids in Need of Defense.
