Gabby Petito's Father Celebrates Her Second Heavenly Birthday, 'Keep Shining That Light'

Gabby Petito would’ve been 24-years-old this year.

Sadly, the YouTube vlogger’s life was cut short at the hands of her fiancé, Brian Laundrie.

He murdered her at the age of 22 while they were on a cross-country road trip visiting National Parks in the US.

There’s not a day that goes by that her family isn’t thinking of her or fighting in her honor.

Since Gabby’s passing, her father and mother, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, have dedicated their lives to helping find missing persons, domestic violence victims and implementing laws to protect those harmed domestically.

On Sunday, March 19th, Joseph took to Twitter to wish his late-daughter a happy heavenly 24th birthday.

“Happy 24th Birthday Gabby. You brought so many together. Keep shining that light. #GabbyPetito #WeMissYou #TogetherWeCan,” he tweeted.

The tweet was accompanied by multiple photos of Gabby as a little girl and up until her tragic death.

The day prior, he shared another note about his daughter. He had one wish on the eve of his daughter’s birthday.

“Good morning #Twitter. #GabbyPetito would be turning 24 tomorrow and I’m watching the sunrise. I ask that if you’re reading this, please share a #MissingPerson story and help a family the same way you all helped us. Every share matters. #MissingPersons #TogetherWeCan,” his tweet read.

One fan replied, “Happy Birthday in Heaven sweet Gabby. May your 24th Birthday be filled with Love and Light. You always and forever have a special place in my Heart. You woke the hearts of millions around the world. You will be the 1st one I hug in Heaven someday. We Love You Gabby.”

Twitter user @GabbsJustice wrote, “Happy heavenly birthday to #GabbyPetito. Gabby’s family continues to honor her memory through advocacy, awareness, education and prevention with @gabbsfoundation.”

Many others did as Joseph instructed and reposted a missing persons story.

Gabby’s family was set to face-off with Brian’s family, Chris and Roberta Laundrie, this year in court; however, their civil lawsuit trial was pushed to next year.

The Blast recently reported on the minor setback for Gabby’s family.

The Petito-Schmidt family is suing the Laundrie family for knowing more about their daughter’s death, and allege Chris and Roberta attempted to help Brian flee the country.

They filed the lawsuit in March 2022.

Their lawsuit also alleges the Laundrie family intentionally ignored the Petito-Schmidt families’ pleas for help with Roberta even blocking Nichole’s number and social media accounts.

Their original trial date for the civil lawsuit was set for some time in August; however, it will now take place in May 2024.

According to local news station WFLA, Petito-Schmidt attorney, Patrick Reilly, asked that the trial be moved to December 2023.

Bertolino requested the proceedings begin around the fall of 2024, and Matthew Luka, who is representing the Laundries in the civil case, asked that the trial begin sometime between both requested dates.

The Laundrie’s legal team filed to dismiss the trial, but Judge Hunter W. Carroll denied them.