Gabby Petito’s parents, Joe and Tara Petito, have revealed that they had the van she traveled in with Brian Laundrie crushed, fearing it could be exploited. “We didn’t want the van to be out there and someone owning it,” Joe told NewsNation.
Keeping small mementos
Though the white Ford Transit Connect was destroyed, the Petito family kept small items from it, including a gasoline cap and a sticker Gabby collected from the Great Smoky Mountains.
The tragic road trip
Gabby, 22, set out on a cross-country journey with Laundrie in July 2021, aiming to create social media content about van life. The trip turned dark when police in Moab, Utah, responded to a domestic dispute on August 12. A month later, Gabby’s remains were found in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Authorities believe Laundrie strangled her to death on August 27.
Laundrie’s escape and death
Laundrie returned alone to his parents’ home in Florida on September 1. A nationwide manhunt ensued, with speculation that he was hiding in the Appalachian Trail. His skeletal remains were found in the Carlton Reserve on October 20 after he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Legal battles and family tension
Gabby’s family won two wrongful death lawsuits, including a $3 million settlement from Laundrie’s estate. A lawsuit against the Moab Police Department was dismissed. Court filings revealed Laundrie allegedly called his parents 20 times after the murder, seeking legal help.
No apology from Laundrie’s parents
Joe and Tara Petito say Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have never apologized. “We’re never gonna get that,” Joe said, while Tara added, “At this point, I don’t want one.”
Gabby’s mother forgives Laundrie
Nicole Schmidt, Gabby’s mother, took a different approach, saying she has forgiven Laundrie. “I know that’s what Gabby would have wanted,” she said. “I needed to forgive to let that anger go.”
Netflix documentary sparks renewed interest
The tragic case is back in the spotlight with Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito, which premiered on February 17 and quickly became the platform’s top TV show.
