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EXCLUSIVE REPORT: A Colorado family traveling through Moab, Utah, observed Brian Laundrie behaving erratically just two weeks before Gabby Petito’s tragic murder. This revelation comes from newly released FBI documents that detail the witness’s account.
The witnesses, who remain unnamed, were on a road trip when they encountered Laundrie and Petito on August 12, 2021. While driving en route from Denver to Las Vegas, they spotted a white Ford Transit van parked on the roadside.
The male witness recounted seeing a man strike a woman, prompting him to make a U-turn and park nearby in order to monitor the situation closely.
The FBI’s report reveals that Laundrie appeared to be in a distressed state. According to the document, he “acted like a lunatic” by sporadically opening and slamming the van doors while pacing back and forth. At one point, he allegedly attempted to hug Petito, but she resisted his advances. He eventually pushed her legs into the passenger side of the van, closed her door, and took the driver’s seat.
Shortly thereafter, both individuals were observed crying.
The witness expressed regret for not taking action, stating he contemplated intervening or calling 911 but ultimately decided against it. Earlier that day, he had already contacted authorities concerning a separate incident involving a reckless truck driver.
After hearing about Petito’s disappearance in September, he recognized her and Laundrie from news segments, prompting him to report the unsettling encounter to the FBI.
Petito’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, was unaware of these additional witnesses until now. She expressed a desire to communicate with them, saying, “I wish we could get a hold of this person. I would love to ask questions.”
The Moab encounter has emerged as a critical event in the timeline surrounding Petito’s disappearance. At the time, Petito was not yet located, and the media had begun covering her case extensively.
After the couple was separated for the night by police, no charges were filed against Laundrie. He returned to Florida shortly thereafter, only to rejoin Petito on her travels. Tragically, it is believed that Laundrie killed Petito on August 27, the last day she was seen alive in public, near Jackson, Wyoming.
FBI documents revealed various leads investigators pursued as they searched for Petito. This included maps detailing search efforts in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and pages of investigator notes compiled following Schmidt’s report of her daughter’s disappearance on September 11, 2021.
Further insights emerged from interviews conducted by the FBI with individuals who encountered Laundrie at Grand Teton National Park just days following Petito’s death. Witnesses reported that Laundrie claimed to have been lost while hiking along the Snake River for several days.
During the conversation, he mentioned needing to return to his fiancée, indicating they were involved in creating a “vlog” for income. Laundrie referred to himself and Petito as digital nomads and stated they had recently traveled from Utah.
When offered a ride by Good Samaritans, Laundrie reportedly expressed distress because they were heading in the wrong direction. He attempted to pay them for their assistance but ultimately provided nothing.
The FBI noted their investigation into various social media leads, including viral posts and true crime coverage from major networks and podcasters. Despite initially downplaying the value of YouTube content in investigations, they acknowledged receiving multiple tips from individuals who recognized the couple through extensive media coverage.
Another witness identified Laundrie from a photo array based on distinct features such as his “bushy eyebrows” and “scruffy beard.” Additionally, reports indicated that FBI investigators became aware of a conflict at a restaurant involving Laundrie and Petito from news coverage.
Amidst the mounting evidence, investigators pursued various false sightings of the couple before Petito’s remains were found. This included examining boat ownership records and scrutinizing a questionable video that claimed to show Laundrie wearing Crocs.
The investigation concluded with the discovery of Petito’s remains in the Spread Creek dispersed camping area north of Jackson. The FBI later identified Laundrie’s remains in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park after an extensive search.
In a separate find, a waterproof bag containing Laundrie’s handwritten confession was also recovered
For individuals experiencing domestic violence, support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 (SAFE).
As the investigation into this heartbreaking case continues, the testimonies of witnesses remain crucial in piecing together the events surrounding the tragic end of Gabby Petito’s life.
