Netflix has debuted a new docuseries titled “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” which revisits the tragic and high-profile case of 22-year-old vlogger Gabby Petito. The show premiered on February 17 and seeks to provide insight into the life and mysterious death of Petito, who disappeared during a road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, in 2021.
Petito, originally from New York, moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to Laundrie, with whom she would later become engaged. Their journey across the country in a 2012 Toyota Transit Connect van was documented on her YouTube channel, Nomadic Statik. However, their adventure turned dark after Petito was last seen alive on August 27, 2021, following a reported domestic disturbance incident that involved police but did not lead to any arrests.
After Laundrie returned to Florida without Petito on September 1 and opted not to communicate with her family, alarms were raised. Less than two weeks later, on September 19, authorities discovered Petito’s remains in a Wyoming campground, with a subsequent autopsy confirming that her death was a homicide by strangulation. The ensuing manhunt for Laundrie concluded tragically when he took his own life in October of the same year.
The three-episode docuseries provides a comprehensive account of Gabby’s life, their travels, and the chilling aftermath of her disappearance. Each episode explores various dimensions of the case—from the couple’s initial relationship and their “van life” adventures, to the search for Gabby and the fallout following the discovery of her body.
Importantly, the series includes contributions from several of Petito’s family members and friends, who are eager to share Gabby’s story and advocate for awareness around domestic violence. Her mother, Nichole Schmidt, has expressed the family’s intention to use the series as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that the events can happen to anyone and the importance of dialogue surrounding such issues.
While the Laundrie family chose not to participate in the docuseries, the series highlights the real-life impact of the case and the community response to the tragedy.
“American Murder: Gabby Petito” is available exclusively on Netflix, which continues to provide varied subscription options for viewing.
This renewed focus on Petito’s life and death serves not only to honor her memory but also to engage audiences in critical conversations about domestic abuse and personal safety. The series may help educate viewers on recognizing signs of unhealthy relationships and the importance of speaking out.