In a new docuseries titled American Murder: Gabby Petito, previously unseen text messages and interviews reveal new details about Gabby Petito’s relationship with Brian Laundrie in the days leading up to her tragic death. The Netflix series, which is the first documentary to involve Petito’s family and friends, uncovers a more complex and dark side of their cross-country road trip and the manipulation Petito endured.
The documentary includes exclusive interviews with Petito’s ex-boyfriend, Jackson, who revealed that just days before her murder, Petito confided in him that she wanted to leave Laundrie but was afraid of how he would react. This revelation sheds light on the emotional distress Gabby was experiencing in the weeks prior to her death. Jackson recalled how Petito expressed fear about what Laundrie could do if she tried to leave him.
“She wasn’t sure of what he would do, or what he could do,” Jackson shared in the series. This conversation took place after a domestic violence incident in Moab, Utah, where the couple narrowly avoided arrest on August 12, 2021. Shortly afterward, Laundrie returned to Florida alone, leaving Petito in Salt Lake City, where she contacted Jackson for support.
As the couple continued their road trip, the documentary reveals more details about the strained relationship between Petito and Laundrie. On August 27, 2021, the couple arrived in Jackson, Wyoming, where Petito texted her ex, mentioning that the town reminded her of him. Hours later, witnesses saw the couple arguing in a restaurant. Petito’s texts from that day show she was becoming increasingly frustrated with Laundrie, telling him she didn’t want to pay for food that had made her sick.
Witnesses also recalled a tense scene at the restaurant, where Laundrie argued with staff, leaving and returning multiple times. Later that day, Petito was seen on surveillance footage at a Whole Foods store, attempting to contact Jackson, but he was unavailable due to work.
One of her last known messages was to her mother, Nichole Schmidt, in which Petito mentioned that she felt her dream of becoming a van-life vlogger could succeed without Laundrie’s influence. She told her mom that Laundrie had agreed to camp out in the woods while she rested in the van.
The documentary also includes powerful footage and new interviews, including a deeply emotional conversation with Petito’s parents and stepparents, who reflect on the hidden manipulation and emotional abuse their daughter experienced. The filmmakers emphasize the importance of understanding the subtlety of intimate partner abuse, especially among young people.
In addition to the text messages and interviews, the docuseries reveals new information about a potential witness to a domestic violence incident that occurred two weeks before Petito’s death. An unnamed witness, who had seen Petito and Laundrie in Moab on August 12, told the FBI that he saw Laundrie acting erratically, slamming doors, and allegedly pushing Petito into the van. The witness said he considered calling 911 but ultimately did not intervene. Petito’s family was unaware of this account until now, with her mother expressing a desire to connect with the witness.
Through the widespread attention Petito’s case has garnered, the documentary underscores how her story has helped others escape abusive relationships. Her friend Rose shared in the docuseries that she was inspired to leave her own abusive relationship after following Gabby’s story. The filmmakers hope that the series not only honors Gabby’s memory but also serves as a resource for those in similar situations.
American Murder: Gabby Petito began streaming on Netflix on Monday, offering previously unseen details, videos, and photos that had only been available to Petito’s family and the FBI. The series aims to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and its devastating consequences.
