Gabby Petito’s story is one of sadness and mystery. Many people have many different takes and theories and that includes a variety of specialists and experts. There are many different personnel and agencies when it comes to cases like this and it can sometimes shed light on what is happening in the case.
Gabby was officially reported missing on September 11th, 2021. Her and her fiance, Brian Laundrie, went on a cross country trip from Florida to Wyoming. Along the way they would document on social media what the trip was like especially since they were living full time in the van they were traveling in.
The trip was supposed to take four months, however Laundrie returned back to his home in Florida on September 1st, 2021 alone. The couple had left in July making the trip only three months. After Laundrie returned alone Petito’s family became worried and reported her missing.
Time passed and on September 17th, 2021 Laundrie’s family reported Brian missing after not seeing or hearing from him in three days.
Unfortunately, on September 21st, 2021 remains that were found in the area where Gabby was last seen in Wyoming were identified as that of Gabby Petito and forensic examiners declared her death a homicide.
When it comes to identifying and investigating a body there are many steps that forensic specialists like Joseph Scott Morgan have to take. Morgan was interviewed by East Idaho News and he went over the ways they investigate cases like this. According to investigators Petito’s body could be seen, meaning that her body was not buried. “Environment conditions are very, very hostile out there…More than likely, her body is at least particularly skeletonized. They will not only have a forensic pathologist but they’re probably going to have a forensic anthropologist present for the (autopsy) examination. It would not surprise me if they brought in a forensic odontologist – otherwise known as a forensic dentist,” said Morgan.
As always evidence is key when it comes to investigations. Morgan went on to explain what the forensic specialists would do to collect the most and best evidence. “The FBI is looking for hair and fiber evidence, collecting clothing and any kind of cocooning material – what the body might be wrapped up in. If he [Laundrie] took a blanket or tarp that you can identify as belonging to him – that’s going to be significant from a fiber evidence standpoint.”
Before Gabby went missing there was actually a call about a reported possible domestic between Petito and Laundrie after the witness reported seeing Laundrie slap Petito. Body cams from the officers show them interviewing the couple separately and Petito looking distressed and crying. A domestic violence expert, Mindy Murphy, watched the entire body cam video and made some conclusions. “It was not unusual to hear her taking responsibility for behaviors, and kind of, you know, and him not taking any responsibility for his. I tend to think that probably there was a lot more that he did to contribute to the situation.” said Murphy. Neither Petitio nor Laundrie were cited or charged with anything for that incident.
As of October 1st, 2021 Brian Laundrie is still considered missing and has a warrant out for his arrest on fraud charges. The Petito family had a funeral service for Gabby and the public is still very much invested in this ongoing case. To find out more information or to contact the authorities with any information visit /tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 303-629-7171. Photos & videos may be uploaded to: http://fbi.gov/petito.
