Gabby was an American vlogger that began filming and posting her and Brian’s ‘van life’ on their channel, before going missing on their cross-country trip in August, 2021.
Brian returned to his home in Florida from the trip alone, raising alarm bells as he refused to speak with Gabby’s family and police when they started investigating the 22-year-old’s disappearance.
A true crime documentary was recently released on Netflix about the incident, titled American Murder: Gabby Petito. You can view the trailer here:
After police issued a warrant for Brian’s arrest, he disappeared, with his body later being found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had admitted to killing his fiancée in a journal entry that was found next to his body.
Since Gabby’s tragic death, details have emerged of her relationship with Brian, including the new Netflix documentary, which came out on Monday (17 February), that includes interviews from family and friends, as well as Gabby’s personal texts and journal entries.
One of Gabby’s friends admitted that meeting him was ‘very weird but he was very nice’, but told their mum: “He’s a really nice guy but I feel like there’s something off about him.”
Gabby and Brian seemed like the perfect couple online (YouTube/Nomadic Statik)
But just a day after the documentary’s release, fans have noticed something chilling about her YouTube channel.
If you visit the couple’s page, titled ‘Nomadic Statik’, you’ll notice that there is just one video that’s been uploaded, and it was back on 19 August, 2021.
This sole eight-minute video is titled ‘VAN LIFE | Beginning Our Van Life Journey’, and it marked the start of an intended vlog series, showcasing the couple’s adventures in their van, which was converted into a makeshift motorhome.
It was the only video she posted to the channel, despite filming a lot more content throughout their trip.
One user pointed out: “I felt sick after realising this was the only video she was able to publish. I love how this was put together. Amazing talent. Her van was also incredibly put together. So very heart breaking.”
Another wrote: “It’s really sad coming back to this video knowing what happened. Rest in the sweetest peace, Gabby. You are loved by so many.”
And a third said: “This proves everything you see on social media isn’t always reality…”
Gabby’s mother, Nicole Schmidt, revealed that she got an ‘odd text’ from her daughter on the day she went missing, and also offered some advice to potential documentary viewers.
Brian admitted to killing his partner in his suicide note (YouTube/Nomadic Statik)
“When you watch the documentary, remember that this is a real person, this is a real family, it’s a real story and it’s real life,” she said to NewsNation.
“It’s not just true crime. This can happen to anyone. We never in a million years thought this would happen to our family.
“That’s why we’re trying to help people, so we can prevent this from happening to them.”
