Mon Feb 17 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Gabby Petito’s Parents Share Untold Story in New Netflix Docuseries and Podcast

**PHOENIX –** A new Netflix docuseries, “American Murder: Gabby Petito,” and a companion True Crime Arizona podcast, both premiering Monday, will offer an intimate look into the life and death of Gabby Petito, as told by her parents. The Petito and Schmidt families shared previously unknown details about their daughter’s relationship with Brian Laundrie, highlighting the escalating concerns they had leading up to her tragic death.

Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, revealed initial doubts about Laundrie, describing him as “a little strange.” Tara Petito, Gabby’s stepmother, noted a shift in Gabby’s behavior before the couple’s cross-country road trip. Bodycam footage from a Moab, Utah, incident, where Gabby reported an argument, is now viewed by her parents as evidence of domestic violence, a situation Gabby downplayed at the time.

The parents expressed regret at not intervening sooner, highlighting the difficulty in recognizing the severity of domestic abuse. They revealed the last contact with Gabby was on August 27th, 2021, and emphasized the devastating impact of not receiving the phone call Gabby attempted to make to her mother during the Moab incident.

The documentary and podcast will feature previously unseen text messages between Gabby and Brian, shedding light on the dynamics of their relationship and contradicting the seemingly idyllic image presented online. The families hope the release will help others recognize the signs of domestic violence and encourage those in need to reach out for help.

Beyond their personal grief, the Petito and Schmidt families have channeled their energy into the Gabby Petito Foundation, focusing on missing persons cases and domestic violence prevention. They are particularly committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate lack of attention given to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), actively working to address this disparity. Their advocacy recently included attending the sentencing of Tre James, who was given life in prison for the murder of Jamie Yazzie.

The families’ message is clear: every case deserves the same level of attention and investigation, regardless of race or background. They urge viewers to remember the human element behind such tragedies, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support for victims and their families.

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