Netflix doc skips key details in Gabby Petito’s case. Learn about police failings and missed evidence.
Brian’s parents hired lawyers quickly and refused to talk to the police. Suspicion around them grew. This case became a media sensation. A Netflix documentary revisits Gabby’s story, called “American Murder: Gabby Petito.” It came out on February 17.
The show features Gabby’s texts, and an ex-boyfriend is interviewed too. He says Gabby wanted to leave Brian. The series omits key case details, including shocking twists and turns.
In August 2021, big questions arose: Where was Gabby? Why was Brian hiding? What were his parents concealing? Journalists and web sleuths wanted answers. The case went global, and news spread that Brian disappeared. He was a “person of interest,” though not formally accused.
Police Chief Todd Garrison stated he knew Brian’s location on September 16. Days before, the family lawyer reported Brian missing, supposedly after a hike on September 13 from which he never returned. The Netflix series skips these facts and shows outrage over Brian’s leaving.
The show includes a 911 call about a welfare check. Officers visited the Laundries on September 17, and Brian’s parents said he was gone. Police allegedly mistook him for his mother. Gabby’s stepfather learned Brian was missing, on live TV, and was stunned.
A nationwide manhunt started, costing millions. Brian slipped away unnoticed first. Police searched the house later and found a letter from his mom that said, “Burn After Reading.” It discussed disposing of a body, but Roberta said she wrote it earlier to connect with Brian.
A YouTuber found dashcam footage of Gabby’s van at a Wyoming campsite. This was when she stopped using her phone. On September 19, police found Gabby’s body near the campsite.
Brian became a wanted person for illegally using Gabby’s debit card between August 30 and September 1. Gabby’s parents had her cremated before a memorial service in New York.
The search swamped police with tips, and social media became full of jokes. Dog The Bounty Hunter joined the hunt. Speculation went wild with people thinking they saw Brian everywhere.
Some people thought Brian hid in his garden, under a flower bed. Some sleuths helped, while others caused more harm. People grew angry at the police and at Brain’s parents.
Weeks passed without any news. Brian’s parents searched a park with police. Soon after, his father found Brian’s backpack in the flooded Carlton Reserve.
Authorities found Brian’s notebook too. His remains were underwater. Gabby died from strangulation and blunt force trauma. Brian’s death was a suicide; he shot himself in the head.
Brian left a note, taking blame for Gabby’s death. He said she fell near a creek and he claimed his actions were merciful because he thought she wanted to die. He said that he saw his mistakes now.
Many doubted his story, believing the relationship was toxic. Police bodycam footage emerged, showing a dispute in Moab, Utah, weeks before she vanished.
A caller said Brian hit Gabby. Police named Gabby the “aggressor” and separated them for the night only. Brian stayed in a motel for domestic violence victims, a perceived failure of the Moab PD.
Gabby’s parents sued the department, seeking $50 million. The report said police should have arrested someone, citing probable cause. Officers missed Gabby’s injuries, which a selfie documented.
There were problems with the police report, and an officer got promoted. Some locals criticized the move. The officer allegedly threatened a mistress and never responded to inquiries. He faced no charges.
Gabby’s parents’ lawyer was “disappointed” and talked about the officer’s alleged misconduct. He said Moab City should have known it. Gabby deserved more, and Moab deserved better.
The wrongful death suit got dismissed, but Gabby’s family appealed. They won’t give up now. The Utah Supreme Court is handling it and will schedule briefings soon.
Gabby’s family also sued Brian’s parents and their lawyer for emotional distress. A settlement occurred before trial. Gabby’s family hasn’t forgiven them. The Laundries denied wrongdoing and were never charged.
Their lawyer criticized the Netflix show, saying it showed a one-sided “truth,” likening it to Republican vs. Democrat fights. He stated there were no contradictions made by his clients.
The documentary contained many errors, including incorrect timelines and misstatements. He believes Brian killed Gabby and then killed himself. He wants both families to grieve in peace.
He didn’t specify any inaccuracies. The production company never responded. They will not sue and want to move on. Gabby was murdered. Her body sat for weeks. Her family still seeks justice.
Nobody faced any consequences for it all. Brian’s death leaves unanswered questions. Her family will live with them forever.