Gabby Petito told her ex she was scared to leave Brian Laundrie but wanted to, just before murder: new doc

The tragic story of Gabby Petito, a young woman whose life was cut short in the Wyoming wilderness, continues to captivate and horrify audiences. Just days before her murder, Gabby confided in her ex-boyfriend about her plans to leave Brian Laundrie, the man she would ultimately accuse of domestic abuse. She expressed fear over how he might react, a chilling foresight that underscores the dangers of intimate partner violence. These revelations come to light in the new Netflix docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito, a project that involves Gabby’s friends, family, and previously unseen text messages, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the days leading up to her death. The series, directed by Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro, is the first to directly involve those closest to Gabby, ensuring her story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.

The docuseries reveals a disturbing dynamic between Gabby and Brian, one that was often masked by a veneer of normalcy. Through text messages exchanged between the couple, as well as with Gabby’s ex-boyfriend and her mother, the series paints a picture of a relationship marked by manipulation and subtle signs of abuse. Gabby’s journals and artwork, provided by her family, add another layer of depth, showcasing her inner turmoil and her struggles to break free from the toxic relationship. One particularly haunting exchange shows Gabby urging Brian to “stop crying” in a letter, a demand that now seems to hint at the control he exerted over her. Her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, shares in an interview that Gabby had confided in him about her fear of leaving Brian, a fear that ultimately proved deadly.

The timeline of Gabby’s final days is a harrowing reminder of the fragility of life. Just days before her murder, Gabby and Brian were involved in a domestic violence incident in Moab, Utah, on August 12, 2021. Witnesses described Brian as acting erratically, slapping Gabby, and pleading with her in a manner that raised red flags for those who saw them. Despite the incident, the couple was not arrested, and Brian flew back to Florida, leaving Gabby alone in Salt Lake City. During this time, Gabby reached out to her ex-boyfriend, expressing her desire to leave Brian but admitting her fear of his reaction. By August 27, Brian had rejoined her, and the couple arrived in Jackson, Wyoming, where Gabby texted her ex-boyfriend, poignantly noting that the town’s name reminded her of him. It was in this same town that eyewitnesses reported seeing the couple arguing at a restaurant, with Brian’s behavior becoming increasingly erratic. These moments, captured in text messages and eyewitness accounts, provide a chilling backdrop to the events that would unfold.

Gabby’s final days were marked by a sense of desperation and unease. On the evening of August 27, Gabby and Brian were seen at the Merry Piglets Tex-Mex restaurant, where Brian became confrontational with the staff. Gabby, in a text message to Brian, complained about the food, saying it made her sick. Her words, laced with frustration, were met with Brian’s dismissive replies, further highlighting the dysfunction in their relationship. That same evening, Gabby was last seen alive on surveillance video at a nearby Whole Foods store. In one of her final messages to her mother, Nichole Schmidt, Gabby expressed her desire to pursue her van-life video blogging career without Brian holding her back. She even mentioned that Brian had agreed to camp in the woods while she slept in the van, a decision that would prove devastating.

The Netflix docuseries also sheds light on the investigation and its aftermath. The FBI has released previously undisclosed material, including text messages between Gabby and Brian, as well as an interview with an unnamed witness who came forward after seeing the couple in Moab on the day of the domestic violence incident. The witness described Brian’s erratic behavior, noting how he acted like a “lunatic” and pleaded with Gabby before eventually pushing her into the van. This account corroborates the growing evidence of Brian’s abusive behavior and raises questions about whether more could have been done to protect Gabby. Her mother, Nichole Schmidt, has expressed her desire to speak with this witness, hoping to find closure and answers.

Gabby’s story has resonated deeply with the public, sparking a national conversation about domestic violence and its often-devastating consequences. Her parents, Nichole Schmidt and Joe Petito, have channeled their grief into advocacy, establishing the Gabby Petito Foundation to support victims of domestic violence and missing persons. The foundation has also lobbied for new laws to protect victims, a testament to the enduring impact of Gabby’s life and legacy. The series highlights how Gabby’s story has inspired others to escape abusive relationships, with one of her friends, Rose, sharing her own decision to leave a toxic relationship. As the docuseries so poignantly illustrates, Gabby’s voice lives on, a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the subtle signs of abuse and the need for support and intervention.

In the wake of Gabby’s murder, her family continues to fight for justice and awareness. They are currently advocating for information in the case of Nikki McCain, a 39-year-old woman from Redding, California, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances in May 2024. Nikki’s husband had a history of domestic violence charges, which were dismissed due to her disappearance. Gabby’s father, Joe Petito, has called for the public’s help in locating Nikki, emphasizing the importance of supporting families affected by similar tragedies. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to Nikki’s safe return or the prosecution of those responsible. Gabby’s story serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of human nature and the urgent need for collective action to protect vulnerable individuals.

Through American Murder: Gabby Petito, Gabby’s family and friends hope to honor her memory and ensure that her story serves as a warning to others. By sharing her texts, journals, and artwork, they aim to reveal the subtle signs of abuse that often go unnoticed, especially among young people. The series is not just a tribute to Gabby’s life but also a call to action, urging viewers to recognize the warning signs of intimate partner violence and to support those who may be trapped in dangerous relationships. Gabby’s life was cut short far too soon, but her legacy lives on, inspiring others to seek help and to fight for justice.