GABBY Petito was a social media star whose disappearance and murder in 2021 rocked the world.
A new Netflix docuseries called American Murder: Gabby Petito delves into the final days of the influencer’s life. The series explores the timeline of events related to this tragic case.
Timeline of Gabby Petito’s disappearance & murder
July 2, 2021: Gabby & her fiancé hit the road
Gabby Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie embarked on a cross-country trip across the US.
They planned to document their travels on the YouTube channel Nomadic Statik, with its description reading: “Hey! We’re Gabby + Brian.
“Recently we decided to downsize our life into a little Ford transit connect to travel across the United States!”
The couple seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely during their travels to various scenic locations across the United States, such as several national parks.
August 12, 2021: Pulled over by police
Police in Moab City, Utah, pulled over Gabby and Laundrie’s van after receiving reports of a physical altercation.
Months after the incident, body camera footage was unveiled, revealing Gabby’s evident distress. In the footage, she informed the officers that she and Laundrie had a disagreement, which Laundrie acknowledged.
When asked what happened by police, Gabby said: “We’ve just been fighting this morning. Some personal issues.
“Yeah, I don’t know, it’s just some days, I have really bad OCD, and I was just cleaning and straightening up, and I was apologising to him saying that I’m so mean because sometimes I have OCD and get frustrated.”
Cops spotted that Gabby had marks on her face and arm, while Laundrie also had a facial injury.
Officers ruled Gabby as the aggressor and advised the couple to separate for the night.
Laundrie said he would not press charges, explaining: “I’m not going to pursue anything because she is my fiancée and I love her.
“It was just a squabble. Sorry it had to get so public.”
August 19, 2021: First and only YouTube video dropped
Gabby and Laundrie posted their sole YouTube video to their channel, titled Van Life: Beginning our Van Life Journey.
The eight-minute reel showcased a number of seemingly happy moments from their trip so far.
It has gone on to amass more than 7million views on the platform.
August 24, 2021: Salt Lake sighting
Gabby was seen leaving a hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, alongside Laundrie.
August 26, 2021: Gabby’s final Insta post
The final post was shared on Gabby’s Instagram account @GabsPetito.
It featured Halloween-themed photos and was captioned “Happy Halloween”.
August 27, 2021: Estimated date of Gabby’s murder
This was the estimated date of Gabby’s murder.
CCTV footage from the day showed her and Laundrie at a Whole Foods store — this is the last footage of Gabby alive that was ever captured.
August 29, 2021: ‘Gabby is gone’
Laundrie called his parents and told them “Gabby is gone”, per CNN.
He also reportedly asked his dad Christopher to arrange an attorney for him.
Speaking of the call, Laundrie’s mum Roberta later told the court: “His voice was very upset and I didn’t know why.
“I didn’t want to push him, so we just said goodbye.
“When I got off the phone, I told Chris, you know, ‘Brian sounded upset. Maybe you should give him a call’.”
August 30, 2021: Text to Gabby’s mum from her phone
In this date a text message was sent from Gabby’s phone to her mother Nichole Schmidt.
Nichole found the wording suspicious, suggesting Laundrie may have sent it posing as Gabby.
The message referred to Gabby’s grandad by his first name — something she would not have done herself.
September 1, 2021: Laundrie arrived at parents’ home
Laundrie returned to his parents’ home in Florida without Gabby.
He was driving the van he shared with his fiancée.
It stayed there until September 11, when it was picked up by the authorities.
September 5, 2021: Laundrie family meeting
Brian Laundrie’s sister Cassie said she met with her parents and brother at a Florida campsite before the news of Gabby’s disappearance was made public.
Cassie claimed they ate dinner together and everything seemed fine.
She later revealed that this was the last time she saw her brother alive.
September 11, 2021: Gabby’s mum reported her missing
Gabby’s mum Nichole reported her daughter missing to the police.
Authorities towed away Gabby and her fiancé’s shared van from the Laundrie family’s driveway.
September 14, 2021: Laundrie family statement
Through their lawyer, the Laundrie family released a statement reading: “This is understandably an extremely difficult time for both the Petito family and the Laundrie family.
“It is our understanding that a search has been organised for Miss Petito in or near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
“On behalf of the Laundrie family it is our hope that the search for Miss Petito is successful and that Miss Petito is re-united with her family.
“On the advice of counsel, the Laundrie family is remaining in the background at this juncture and will have no further comment.”
September 15, 2021: Brian Laundrie named person of interest
Police named Brian Laundrie as a person of interest in Gabby’s disappearance in a post on X/Twitter directed at the Laundrie family’s lawyer Steven Bertolino.
The tweet read: “Mr. Steven Bertolino, esq. the @NorthPortPolice needs your help in finding Gabby Petito.
“Please call us to arrange a conversation with Brian Laundrie. Two people left on a trip and one person returned!”
September 17, 2021: Brian Laundrie reported missing
Laundrie’s family reported him missing, claiming they hadn’t seen him for three days.
They said they believed that he might have been somewhere in the Carlton Reserve, Sarasota County.
September 18, 2021: Cassie Laundrie ABC interview
Laundrie’s sister Cassie gave as interview on ABC.
She said: “Obviously me and my family want Gabby to be found safe. She’s like a sister and my children love her.”
September 19, 2021: Gabby’s body discovered
Gabby Petitio’s body was found near Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Police inform her family of the gruesome discovery before later making the news public.
September 21, 2021: Cause of death
The coroner rules that Gabby’s cause of death as homicide.
This development turns the ongoing case into a murder investigation.
September 28, 2021: Petitos call out Laundries
At a press conference, a lawyer representing the Petitos said: “The Laundries did not help us find Gabby.
“They sure aren’t going to help us find Brian.
“For Brian, we’re asking you to turn yourself in to the FBI or the nearest law enforcement organisation.”
October 12, 2021: Cause of death confirmed
Coroner Dr Brent Blue tells a press conference that Gabby was strangled to death.
He said: “Unfortunately, this is only one of many deaths around the country of people who are involved in domestic violence and it’s unfortunate that these other deaths do not get as much coverage as this one.”
The coroner also added that her body had been “outside in the wilderness for three to four weeks” prior to discovery.
October 20, 2021: Brian Laundrie’s body found
Brian Laundrie’s body and belongings were found by his parents and authorities at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park.
The FBI said at the time: “After water had receded from the area and the park was reopened, [Roberta and Christopher Laundrie’s lawyer] Mr Bertolino notified law enforcement that Mr Laundrie’s parents intended to return to the park to search for Mr Laundrie.
“Law enforcement officers were present when Mr Laundrie’s parents located an item in the park later determined to belong to Mr Laundrie.”
The FBI continued: “Upon further search of the area, investigators found human remains later confirmed to be Mr Laundrie, along with a backpack, notebook, and a revolver.
“A review of the notebook revealed written statements by Mr Laundrie claiming responsibility for Ms Petito’s death.”
November 23, 2021: Laundrie’s cause of death
Police confirmed that Laundrie died by suicide following an autopsy.
They said: “The District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office in Sarasota, Florida, released its report on the manner and cause of death of Mr Laundrie.
“The report concluded Mr Laundrie died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
How to watch American Murder Gabby Petito
On Monday, February 17, 2025, American Murder: Gabby Petito dropped on Netflix.
The docuseries is made up of three parts, exploring the sad story of Gabby’s disappearance and death.
Featuring interviews with her loved ones, the true crime show reveals the untold story behind her tragic murder.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
