Netflix Doc on Gabby Petito Sparks Controversy: Laundrie Family Attorney Speaks Out

 The tragic story of Gabby Petito has once again captured public attention with the release of Netflix’s new documentary American Murder: Gabby Petito. While the three-part series, which premiered on February 17, aims to shed light on the heartbreaking events leading to Gabby’s death, it has sparked sharp criticism from the Laundrie family’s attorney.

Attorney Calls Out “Inaccuracies” in the Documentary

Steve Bertolino, the attorney representing Brian Laundrie’s parents, has publicly condemned the documentary, stating that it contains “many inaccuracies” and portrays only one side of the story. While Bertolino did not pinpoint specific errors, he argued that the series presents a biased narrative, much like the polarized nature of today’s political climate where “each side believes their perspective is correct.”

The documentary delves into Gabby’s ill-fated 2021 cross-country van trip with Laundrie, which ended in tragedy when Laundrie strangled Gabby and left her body in Grand Teton National Park. Laundrie then returned to Florida alone, igniting a nationwide search that culminated in the discovery of Gabby’s remains and Laundrie’s eventual confession and suicide.

A Disturbing Revelation: The Controversial Letter

One of the most unsettling elements featured in the documentary is a letter from Roberta Laundrie to her son, Brian, labeled “burn after reading.” According to Netflix, the letter contained a chilling message: “If you need to dispose of a body, I will show up with a shovel and garbage bags.” Roberta later insisted that the letter was written before Brian and Gabby’s road trip and was unrelated to Gabby’s tragic fate.

Gabby’s family members expressed horror upon learning about the letter. Her biological mother described it as making her feel “sick to my stomach,” while her stepmother called it “disgusting.”

Efforts to Include Both Sides

Filmmakers Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro made efforts to present a balanced narrative. They extensively collaborated with Gabby’s family, who shared personal videos and artwork to honor her memory. The filmmakers also reached out to the Laundrie family, their attorney, and Brian’s sister, but received no participation from them.

Legal Battles and Emotional Turmoil

Gabby Petito’s family has pursued legal action against the Laundries, leading to the settlement of two civil lawsuits. A $3 million wrongful death lawsuit was resolved in November 2022, followed by an emotional distress claim in February 2024. The latter alleged that the Laundries knew of Gabby’s death but continued to offer false hope about her being alive.

A Call for Peace Amid Controversy

Despite his criticism of the documentary, Bertolino acknowledged the undeniable facts: “We all know Brian took Gabby’s life and Brian then took his own as well.” He emphasized the importance of allowing both families to mourn in peace, away from the relentless media scrutiny.

As American Murder: Gabby Petito continues to draw public attention, the debate over its portrayal of the case raises deeper questions about media ethics, victim advocacy, and the fine line between storytelling and sensationalism.