Netflix’s latest true crime docuseries offering, “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” delves into the tragic case that captivated the nation in 2021. The documentary explores the disappearance and death of 22-year-old travel blogger Gabby Petito, shedding light on her relationship with fiancé Brian Laundrie and the subsequent investigation that unfolded.
The series examines the events leading up to Petito’s disappearance during a cross-country road trip with Laundrie. It includes personal interviews with Petito’s loved ones, previously unseen text messages, and exclusive footage, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the case that dominated headlines.
One of the documentary’s focal points is the role of social media in the investigation. Internet users’ analysis of Petito’s posts helped uncover crucial details, highlighting the growing influence of public engagement in high-profile cases.
The documentary also addresses the timeline of events, including Laundrie’s return to Florida alone on September 1, 2021, and the subsequent missing person report filed by Petito’s family on September 11. It details the discovery of Petito’s remains in Grand Teton National Park on September 19, 2021, and the coroner’s findings of “blunt-force injuries to the head and neck, along with manual strangulation.”
Laundrie’s actions following his return home, including his refusal to cooperate with law enforcement and his eventual disappearance, are scrutinized in the documentary. The series concludes with the discovery of Laundrie’s remains on October 20, 2021, in Florida’s Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, and the FBI’s determination that he died by suicide after leaving a written confession admitting to Petito’s murder.
Beyond the specifics of the Petito case, the documentary touches on broader issues of domestic violence and the disparities in media attention given to missing persons cases. Petito’s parents, who participated in the project, express their hope that the documentary will raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage those in abusive situations to seek help.
Joe Petito, Gabby’s father, emphasizes the importance of equal attention for all missing persons cases, regardless of race or background. The family’s efforts to highlight the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women underscore their commitment to using their daughter’s story to effect positive change.
As viewers prepare to watch the documentary, Nichole Schmidt, Gabby’s mother, reminds the audience of the human element behind true crime stories. “Remembering that these are real people. When somebody is in a documentary, it’s a beautiful story, but Gabby is a sister, she is a daughter, she is a friend. She represents so many other people out there,” Schmidt states, urging compassion and understanding.
“American Murder: Gabby Petito” aims to provide a comprehensive examination of a case that not only gripped the nation but also sparked important conversations about domestic violence, media coverage of missing persons, and the power of social media in modern investigations.
Where to Watch “American Murder: Gabby Petito”
