Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito revisits the tragic true story of Gabby Petito’s disappearance and murder, uncovering shocking details about her final days, Brian Laundrie’s chilling confession, and the unanswered questions that still haunt her family.

A young couple sets off on a cross-country adventure, documenting their travels and dreams. But only one of them returns.

The disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito became one of the most chilling true crime cases in recent history, capturing the attention of millions and sparking widespread speculation about what really happened during those final days.

Now, Netflix’s latest docuseries, American Murder: Gabby Petito, seeks to unravel the truth behind the case that shocked the nation.

Through exclusive footage, chilling police reports, and never-before-seen insights, the three-part series revisits the haunting journey of Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie—and the series of events that led to her tragic death.

Gabby Petito wasn’t just another name in a headline—she was a 22-year-old woman with dreams of seeing the world, sharing her experiences through social media and YouTube. Born in 1999 in Blue Point, New York, she was the eldest of six siblings and grew up loving travel and adventure.

She began dating Brian Laundrie, a former high school classmate, in 2019. The two eventually moved in together at Laundrie’s parents’ home in Florida and took up jobs at a local supermarket.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they quit their jobs, deciding to pursue their dream of living on the road, documenting their experiences as “van lifers.”

Their journey began in July 2021, when they set off on a road trip in a converted Ford Transit van, sharing picturesque vlogs of beach sunsets, campfire dinners, and scenic hikes.

On August 19, they even uploaded a YouTube video titled “Beginning Our Van Life Journey,” giving followers a glimpse into their new life.

But just weeks later, Gabby disappeared.

On August 12, 2021, police in Moab, Utah, responded to reports of a public altercation between a man and a woman. A concerned bystander claimed to have seen Laundrie hitting Petito, prompting officers to pull the couple over.

In the now-infamous bodycam footage, a distressed Gabby is seen crying, explaining that they had been arguing. Although she admitted to hitting Laundrie first, officers noted scratches on her face, raising questions about who was truly the aggressor.

Instead of arresting Laundrie, police separated them for the night—allowing him to stay in a hotel while Gabby remained alone with their van.

This encounter would later be scrutinized as a missed opportunity to prevent what was to come.

For the next few weeks, Gabby continued to stay in touch with her family—sending text messages and posting Instagram updates. But by late August, the messages became unusual.

On August 27, her mother received a strange text that read, “Can you help Stan? I just keep getting his voicemails and missed calls.” The name “Stan” was a reference to Gabby’s grandfather—but she never called him by that name, making her family suspect that someone else sent the message.

Then, on September 1, Brian Laundrie returned home to Florida—alone.

Gabby’s parents grew increasingly worried after days passed without any contact. On September 11, they officially reported her missing. But when police tried to question Laundrie, he refused to cooperate, directing all inquiries to his lawyer.

As public suspicion grew, Laundrie suddenly disappeared on September 13, claiming to have gone for a hike in Carlton Reserve—but never returning.

Then, on September 19, the worst fears were confirmed. Gabby’s remains were discovered in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. The autopsy later revealed that she had been strangled to death, and her body had been left exposed for three to four weeks before being found.

Just days later, the FBI issued a warrant for Brian Laundrie’s arrest, citing fraudulent use of Gabby’s debit card. But it was already too late.

For weeks, law enforcement searched tirelessly for Laundrie. On October 21, authorities discovered human remains in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park—later confirmed to be Laundrie’s.

The cause of death? A self-inflicted gunshot wound.

But the most shocking revelation came months later. Near his body, police found a notebook with a written confession. In it, Laundrie admitted:

“I ended her life… I thought it was merciful, that it is what she wanted.”

He claimed that Gabby had been injured and that she “begged for an end to her pain.” However, Gabby’s family did not believe his account, calling it “nonsense and a desperate attempt to escape accountability.”

In early 2022, the FBI officially closed the case, declaring Brian Laundrie responsible for Gabby’s murder. But for her family, the pain and unanswered questions remain.

Her parents have since become advocates for domestic violence awareness, launching the Gabby Petito Foundation to help other victims of abuse and missing persons cases.

In 2022, they filed a civil lawsuit against Laundrie’s parents, alleging that they helped Brian conceal Gabby’s murder and even planned to help him escape. After years of legal battles, a settlement was reached in 2024—but the details remain undisclosed.

The case of Gabby Petito is more than just a true crime story—it’s a haunting reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the flaws in the system that failed to protect her.

Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito revisits the case with never-before-seen footage, interviews with investigators, and shocking insights into the mind of a killer who tried to rewrite history.

As the world watches, one question remains: How many more stories like Gabby’s will go unheard?