Gabby Petito. The name itself evokes a mix of familiarity and unease. We think we know her story: the idyllic van life, the tragic disappearance, the heart-wrenching conclusion. But like a carefully curated Instagram feed, what we saw was just a snapshot, a filtered version of reality. Netflix’s “American Murder” rips away that filter, revealing new layers of complexity, disturbing truths that make the original narrative feel like a mere prelude. “Revelations” here works on multiple levels. It’s not just about the new facts unearthed – the chilling text messages, the missed calls, the calculated financial manipulations. It’s also about a revelation in the sense of a shocking disclosure, a peeling back of the glossy veneer to expose the raw, ugly underbelly of a relationship gone horribly wrong. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a revelation of the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to unfold, the missed red flags, the lingering questions that haunt us long after the credits roll.
TL;DR
- Gabby Petito’s case is more complex than initially understood.
- “American Murder” reveals previously unknown details.
- Text messages show tension before Gabby’s disappearance.
- A former boyfriend shared Gabby’s fears about Brian Laundrie.
- Laundrie made fraudulent financial transactions after Gabby’s death.
- The case highlights the dangers of abusive relationships.
- Gabby’s story prompts reflection on how society handles such situations.
The tragic murder of Gabrielle Venora Petito, a 22-year-old aspiring travel vlogger, shocked the world in 2021. Her case captivated the public, sparking nationwide discussions about domestic violence, social media portrayals of relationships, and law enforcement’s handling of missing persons cases.
Now, Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, American Murder, revisits this heartbreaking story, uncovering unsettling new details that were previously unknown. While many are familiar with the basic timeline, the documentary sheds light on eerie text messages, haunting testimony from a former partner, and disturbing actions taken by Brian Laundrie after the murder.
Disturbing Text Messages: The First Red Flags
One of the most chilling revelations involves text messages exchanged before Petito’s disappearance. Initially, it was believed that Brian Laundrie had sent fake messages from Gabby’s phone after her death in an attempt to mislead authorities. However, the documentary reveals that troubling messages had been sent even before that—messages that hinted at cracks in their seemingly perfect “van life” adventure.
Gabby’s mother, Nicole Schmidt, had been in regular contact with her daughter throughout the trip. When she asked how things were going, Gabby replied:
“I’m fine. I convinced Brian to go camp out in the woods so I can have the van to myself. That’s what he wants to do. He said I could have the van if I paid him.”
At first glance, it seemed harmless, but Schmidt later admitted that it made her wonder if Gabby was contemplating ending the trip—and possibly her relationship—with Laundrie. When asked directly if they were breaking up, Gabby responded:
“No, I just said I could make more money as a solo female vanlifer.”
At the time, Schmidt didn’t dwell too much on the message. But in hindsight, it painted a chilling picture of growing tension between the couple. Gabby was alone in the wilderness with a man she wasn’t getting along with—a terrifying thought, considering what happened next.
A Former Partner’s Heartbreaking Confession
Another shocking detail revealed in the documentary comes from a man identified only as Jackson, who describes himself as a former boyfriend and close friend of Gabby’s. According to Jackson, he and Gabby had dated for about a year before she entered a relationship with Laundrie. They had even discussed going on an off-the-grid van life trip together—an eerie parallel to what eventually transpired with Laundrie.
On August 22, 2021, Jackson received a text from Gabby saying she was “alone for the day” and needed someone to talk to. That night, they had a phone call where she confided in him about her fears. She revealed she was planning to leave Laundrie but was worried about how he would react.
Just five days later, Gabby sent Jackson a Snapchat message from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, joking about how the town’s name reminded her of him.
At some point after that, she tried to call him again. Tragically, he missed the call because he was busy at work.
By the time he saw the news, it was too late.
“Gabby Petito’s body was officially identified today. The coroner now ruling her death a homicide.”
One can only imagine the guilt Jackson must feel. Though there was little he could have done from a distance, the thought of missing a call from a friend in distress is something that could haunt a person forever.
Laundrie’s Sinister Post-Murder Moves
Brian Laundrie didn’t just kill Gabby—he also attempted to erase his tracks in chilling ways. The documentary reveals new information about his actions after her death, particularly concerning fraudulent financial transactions.
Four days after authorities officially identified Gabby’s remains in Wyoming’s Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area, an arrest warrant was issued for Laundrie. However, he had already disappeared by then, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Initially, the charge against him wasn’t for murder—it was for fraud. Evidence showed that Laundrie had used Gabby’s Capital One debit card after her death, racking up $1,000 in transactions. While many assumed he had simply stolen her card, the FBI has since revealed that a significant portion of these fraudulent charges came from a Zelle direct funds transfer.
Laundrie allegedly used Gabby’s phone to withdraw $700 from her bank account and move it into his own. He even left a note in the transaction memo, attempting to create a false narrative that they were breaking up and ending the road trip. The message read:
“Goodbye, Brian. I’ll never ask you for anything again.”
This eerie detail adds another layer of deception to an already disturbing case. It wasn’t just the fake text messages he sent to Gabby’s mother—Laundrie meticulously planted digital breadcrumbs to make himself look innocent.
My Take: What Can We Learn from This Tragedy?
Gabby’s murder is more than just a true crime case—it’s a devastating example of how controlling and abusive relationships can escalate to deadly levels.
Many people were mesmerized by Gabby and Brian’s “van life” posts on social media. They looked like the perfect couple, exploring the country and living a dream life. But social media is often a highlight reel that masks reality. Behind the curated Instagram posts were arguments, manipulation, and, ultimately, violence.
The signs were there, but they were subtle. The unsettling text messages, the tension in their interactions, and the infamous bodycam footage from their police encounter in Moab, Utah—these were all indicators of a relationship spiraling into danger.
For those in toxic relationships, Gabby’s story serves as a grim reminder: if you feel unsafe, take those feelings seriously. Confide in someone you trust, make a plan, and prioritize your safety. No adventure, no shared dream, no relationship is worth your life.
The Ongoing Impact of Gabby’s Case
Gabby’s family has since turned their unimaginable grief into action. The Gabby Petito Foundation was established to raise awareness about domestic violence and missing persons cases. Her story has also led to greater scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of domestic abuse reports, particularly the Moab police officers’ response to her and Brian’s roadside encounter.
Meanwhile, Laundrie’s family continues to face backlash for their role in the aftermath. Many believe they helped him evade authorities or, at the very least, failed to hold him accountable. The case remains a painful, cautionary tale of how easily a young woman’s life was stolen by someone she trusted.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s American Murder reminds us why Gabby’s story must never be forgotten. This documentary isn’t just another retelling of a high-profile crime—it’s an eye-opening account that brings to light new details and painful truths.
For those who followed the case closely, these revelations are a sobering reminder of how calculated and cruel Brian Laundrie was. For those new to Gabby’s story, it’s a heartbreaking introduction to a case that still haunts many.
One thing is certain: Gabby Petito’s name will not be lost in history. Her story continues to spark change, and her legacy will be one of awareness, advocacy, and a call for justice.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for support.
