An attorney for Brian Laundrie’s parents criticized Netflix’s new docuseries about Gabby Petito, calling it filled with “many inaccuracies.” He didn’t detail specific issues but expressed concern over how the story is portrayed.
The docuseries, titled American Murder: Gabby Petito, is a three-part series featuring new interviews, journal entries, and text messages related to the case. It covers the tragic timeline of events involving Laundrie and Petito, who went on a cross-country trip in 2021.
After their trip, Laundrie returned home alone, driving the van they used. Petito was reported missing shortly after, leading to a search that ended with her body being found in Grand Teton National Park. She had been strangled.
A month later, Laundrie’s body was discovered in a nearby nature reserve. In a note, he admitted to killing Petito. Attorney Steve Bertolino claimed the series misrepresented events and omitted crucial facts.
Bertolino compared the docuseries’ portrayal to political disputes, saying, “Each side believes their perspective is correct.” He emphasized that Laundrie’s parents, Chris and Roberta Laundrie, did not contradict their statements.
Although the filmmakers reached out to the Laundrie family for participation, they declined. Instead, filmmakers Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro focused on Petito’s family and friends for insights. They noted that they made efforts to include the Laundries but respected their decision not to take part in the project.
Body camera footage showing Laundrie’s parents talking to police is included in the docuseries. Additionally, the filmmakers used AI technology to recreate Gabby’s words from her texts and journal entries, highlighting the complexities of her relationship with Laundrie.
Gabby Petito was last seen on August 27, 2021, and her body was discovered in September. Laundrie went missing shortly after and was found dead in October. Following the incidents, Petito’s family lodged civil suits against Laundrie’s parents, which were settled for a total of $3 million.
The docuseries is now available for streaming on Netflix, drawing attention to this tragic and complex story.