Detailed Impactful Content Guide – American Murder: Gabby Petito

American Murder: Gabby Petito is self-rated M by Netflix, with content warnings for domestic violence, offensive language and suicide themes.

***This guide contains spoilers for the docuseries and discusses content that might be challenging for some viewers.***

True crime documentaries often make waves on social media, and this one is no different. American Murder: Gabby Petito draws on interviews with family and friends, as well as real footage – including police bodycam footage and text messages – that capture the unsettling realities of the case. Given its subject matter, it may be especially distressing for younger audiences who might come across clips on TikTok or other social platforms. If you're considering watching, or if someone in your whānau has already seen it, here’s what you need to know.

Domestic violence and control

One of the biggest themes in the docuseries is the pattern of domestic violence present in Gabby and Brian Laundrie’s relationship. Through witness reports, police bodycam footage, and recovered evidence, we see signs of emotional abuse and physical violence. The documentary highlights how:

• Witnesses saw Brian physically assault Gabby in public before her disappearance. One 911 caller reported seeing him slap her.
• Police pulled the couple over after reports of a domestic incident. Gabby was visibly distressed, while Brian downplayed the situation, framing it as a minor argument. While laughing, he says Gabby is “crazy” and repeatedly says she “gets worked up.” The police ultimately identified Gabby as the aggressor as Brian had scratch marks on his face and she claimed to be the one at fault in the situation.
• Brian displayed controlling behaviour, including locking Gabby in their van, as well as isolating her from friends in the lead-up to their trip. Patterns of manipulation and emotional abuse were also evident, with him alternating between mistreatment and affectionate gestures.

The final days

The series follows Gabby’s last known movements:

• CCTV footage captured her in a supermarket in the days before she vanished.
• Witnesses saw her and Brian arguing at a restaurant.
• Her final Instagram post appeared staged, and communication with her mother abruptly stopped.

Through news reports and interviews, we learn that Gabby’s body was discovered 11 days later in a national park in Wyoming. The coroner ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and strangulation. Reports described signs of an attempted cover-up at the crime scene, including evidence of a fire and her body being wrapped in a jumper.

Brian Laundrie’s suicide and confession

The docuseries reveals that after Gabby’s tragic death, Brian fled, leading his family to report him missing. His remains were eventually discovered in a remote location, along with personal belongings – including a notebook in which Brian admitted responsibility for Gabby’s death. In his writings, he portrayed the killing as an act of mercy, claiming he ended her suffering from an injury. However, experts in the series dismantle his narrative, calling his claims entirely false.

Other Disturbing Details

Beyond the core events of Gabby’s disappearance and Brian’s confession, the docuseries highlights unsettling details about the case:

• After killing Gabby, Brian began creating an alibi by continuing his hike and taking photos along the way – including some of animal bones.
• When he returned to the location, he used Gabby’s phone to send fake text messages back and forth to himself in an attempt to make it seem like she was still alive. He also used her bank cards to pay for gas and wired $700 to himself from her account.
• Brian’s mother, Roberta Laundrie, left him a note saying she would help him dispose of a body and assist him in evading law enforcement. She and Brian’s father refused to cooperate fully with investigators.

Watching with care

This docuseries doesn’t just recount the details of the case, it raises important conversations about domestic violence and coercive control. If you or someone in your whānau is planning to watch, take care of your well-being and be mindful of its emotional impact. And if younger rangatahi are encountering true crime content on social media, it’s worth checking in with them. Some good conversation starters might be:

• Have you seen any true crime content on social media lately?
• What kind of stories do you find most interesting or upsetting?
• How do you feel after watching this kind of content?

If they find themselves distressed, encourage them to take breaks, step away, or use content management tools like TikTok’s “Not Interested” button.

Helplines:

The domestic violence and suicide themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen or real-world harm please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Women’s refuge
• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• American Murder: Gabby Petito (Content Breakdown)
• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau? (Blog)
• True Crime on TikTok: Is It Really the Best Way to Watch? (Blog)