Fans of the true crime genre will be pleased to know that American Murder: Gabby Petito is now streaming on Netflix as of today (February 17). Gabby, full name Gabrielle Venora Petito, a 22-year-old American woman from Suffolk County, New York was reported missing on September 11, 2021. Eight days later, she was confirmed dead after her body was found in Wyoming, devastating her loved ones. Following an autopsy, it was revealed that her death was homicide by strangulation and it was later determined that her death occurred three to four weeks before her body was found.
The popular so-called 'Van-life' blogger had been documenting a cross-country road trip with her fiance Brian Laundrie when she was killed. Brian returned home alone to his family home in Florida in September of that year and then Gabby was later reported missing. Brian was the main suspect in connection with the death, however he himself went missing and his own body was found by a nature reserve near his parents' home.
The story gained huge widespread media attention and still remains to be a big talking point today. Hence Netflix has released the new three-part documentary which showcases Gabby's story on behalf of her family and friends. It shares real text messages, video footage and excerpts from her personal journals, in a never-before-seen way. During Gabby and Brian's relationship, pals have come forward to admit they saw some concerning behaviour but Gabby had assured them everything was fine.
The pair headed off on their road trip on July 2 2021 as she filmed the journey for her brand new YouTube channel. However, just a month and ten days in, the couple were spotted in the middle of a physical altercation in Moab, Utah, with an onlooker calling 911 to report the incident. When the police arrived, they noticed both had marks on them which indicated physical violence, but law enforcement had determined Gabby to be the aggressor.
