#03: The Vanishing of Gabby Petito: A Crime Unfolded Online

The Vanishing of Gabby Petito: A Journey of Love, Adventure, and Tragedy

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie seemed like the perfect couple—two young adventurers embracing van life, documenting their travels on social media, and sharing their experiences with the world. But behind the picturesque Instagram posts and YouTube vlogs lay a troubling reality. Their story, which started as a dream road trip, would soon become one of the most widely followed and tragic missing persons cases in recent history.

A Journey Begins

Gabby Petito, a free-spirited 22-year-old from New York, had a passion for storytelling and adventure. In July 2021, she and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, set out on a cross-country journey in a converted white Ford Transit van. Their plan was simple: explore the country’s national parks, document their travels, and build an online following.

Through Instagram and YouTube, they shared glimpses of their seemingly joyful experiences. But as they traversed the country, unseen cracks in their relationship deepened, foreshadowing the tragedy to come.

Signs of Trouble

The first public indication of trouble emerged on August 12, 2021, in Moab, Utah. Police responded to a domestic dispute after a witness reported seeing Brian hit Gabby. When officers pulled them over, bodycam footage showed Gabby in tears, visibly distressed. Instead of making an arrest, police decided to separate them for the night—a decision that would later be heavily scrutinized.

Two weeks later, on August 27, another troubling incident occurred at a restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Witnesses described Brian arguing aggressively with staff while Gabby, in tears, apologized for his behavior. This would be the last confirmed sighting of her alive.

A Lone Hitchhiker

On August 29, Brian was spotted alone, hitchhiking near Grand Teton National Park. A couple who picked him up noticed his odd behavior—despite claiming he had been camping for days, he looked remarkably clean. When he realized they were heading to Jackson Hole instead of Jackson, Wyoming, he abruptly asked to be let out. Later, another driver took him closer to Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area, where he insisted on being dropped off at the entrance, avoiding direct access to the site.

On September 1, Brian returned home to Florida—alone. Gabby’s family, growing increasingly worried, was unable to contact her.

A Nationwide Search

As the days passed with no word from Gabby, her parents reported her missing on September 11. The case quickly captured national attention, fueled by social media users who dissected every clue in hopes of finding answers.

A breakthrough came when a travel vlogging couple, reviewing footage from their own trip, spotted Gabby’s van parked at Spread Creek on August 27. This crucial tip led investigators to search the area. On September 19, they discovered Gabby’s remains. The cause of death: homicide by strangulation.

The Hunt for Brian Laundrie

With Gabby’s tragic fate confirmed, attention turned to Brian, who had vanished. His parents claimed he had gone for a hike in Florida’s Carlton Reserve on September 13 and never returned. A large-scale search was launched, but weeks passed with no sign of him.

Finally, on October 20, investigators found human remains in the reserve, along with Brian’s backpack and a notebook. Dental records confirmed the remains were his. The notebook contained a written confession to Gabby’s murder, though his version of events left lingering questions.

A Legacy Beyond Tragedy

Gabby Petito’s case ignited discussions about domestic violence, coercive control, and media bias in missing persons coverage. Her family has since dedicated themselves to raising awareness, advocating for victims, and supporting families of missing persons through the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Her story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the hidden struggles behind social media’s curated perfection, the importance of recognizing warning signs, and the lasting impact one life can have.

For the full story, including exclusive details and expert analysis, listen to our latest podcast episode.

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