The FBI has recently unveiled a trove of over 350 documents that shed new light on the tragic murder of Gabby Petito by her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, during their 2021 travels across the United States. The couple had embarked on their journey from Blue Point, New York, in July 2021, a trip from which Petito would never return.
The national spotlight turned to this case when Laundrie returned home alone, leading Petito’s parents to report her missing. Laundrie was subsequently declared a person of interest and later vanished. His body was eventually discovered in a Florida nature preserve, not far from his family’s home, with a medical examiner ruling his death a suicide.
Among the newly released documents is a heart-wrenching letter from Petito to Laundrie, where she implores him to treat her better. 
The note is filled with emotional pleas: “Just please stop crying and stop calling me names because we’re a team and I’m here with you. Yes, I can be a child sometimes I know, but it’s ‘cause you give me this energy and I just love you too much. Like so much it hurts,” part of the note reads. It continues, “So you in pain is killing me. I’m not trying to be negative, but I’m frustrated there’s not more I can do.”
Additionally, the FBI has released images of Petito and Laundrie’s belongings, alongside other vital documents related to the case. The aftermath of Petito’s death also saw her family take legal action against law enforcement, filing a $50 million lawsuit against the Moab Police Department and three of its officers in 2022. 
The lawsuit, which is still ongoing, also names ten additional defendants and accuses them of negligent failure in their investigation of an earlier assault by Laundrie against Petito.
This case continues to resonate deeply, highlighting systemic issues in how domestic violence is handled. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, support is available. The national domestic violence helpline is open 24 hours a day at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), and additional local resources can be found online.