Gabby Petito's Death Commemorated On Two Year Anniversary

It’s been two years since Gabby Petito’s life was taken unexpectedly.

The former “Van Life” vlogger was murdered by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, in August of 2021.

While thousands upon thousands of strangers across America attempted to help find Gabby, her parents were given the utmost devastating news following her disappearance.

The incident took place on August 12, 2021, and their interactions with the Moab City Police Department were caught on police body camera.

On August 27th, Gabby’s father, Joseph Petito, shared a sweet and informative message to honor her legacy.

Joseph tweeted, “Tonight will make 2 years my only daughter #GabbyPetito was taken. If her story touched you, I ask you to share a #MissingPerson flyer. Help get someone home safe to their loved ones who are missing them. #EveryoneDeservesTheSameAttention#TogetherWeCan#MissedEveryDay.”

Many fans, followers and supporters shared their heartfelt wishes on social media, so much so that her name began trending on Twitter.

“Two years ago today heaven gained a beautiful angel. We remember Gabby Petito and honor her legacy. She touched the world and continues to change it for the better. Share a #MissingPersons flyer today & shine a light tonight in her memory,” one user wrote.

Another wrote, “Yesterday was 2 years since Gabby Petito was taken from this world. She united so many of us and her light remains forever.

"@josephpetito asked that we all share a missing person's flyer in her honor & help bring them home. Let's do that as often as possible. #gabbypetito.”

The couple were stopped by police during a cross-country National Parks road trip when the unthinkable happened.

During their pass-through in Moab, Utah, a civilian reported a domestic violence incident.

An outside investigation found the two responding officers in Moab, Utah, made several mistakes.

In the wake of her murder, Gabby’s parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, filed a $50-million wrongful death lawsuit against the MCPD in 2022.

One of the family’s lawyers, James W. McConkie, also announced that new information was found by Gabby’s family that one of the officers, Eric Pratt, who spoke to their daughter during the traffic stop, was accused of having a history of domestic abuse.

“[Pratt] was a domestic abuser, who has used authority and threats of physical violence to control and intimidate sexual partners," according to another Petito family attorney, Brian Stewart.

He believes the officer was “fundamentally biased and likely ignored Gabby.”

Her parents have amended the lawsuit and claim Officer Pratt said Laundrie “seemed like a mental and emotional bully,” but treated him like the victim instead of the aggressor.

The lawyer representing the Utah cops named in the lawsuit has hit back at Gabby’s family.

According to a US Sun interview, lawyer Mitchell Stephen called the lawsuit a “publicity stunt” and overreach.

Stephen is a high-profile business attorney in Salt Lake City, UT.

Stephens also added that the officers who responded to the domestic dispute acted with “kindness and respect.”