Gabby Petito's Family Alleges Moab Police Mishandling in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Gabby Petito's family is seeking accountability from the Moab Police Department for allegedly failing to protect her from domestic violence, which ultimately led to her murder.

Gabby Petito's family is suing the Moab Police Department for wrongful death, alleging that officers failed to properly respond to a domestic violence call involving Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie, leading to her subsequent murder.

In newly released bodycam footage, Petito told a police officer that Laundrie had hit her on Aug. 12, 2021. However, instead of arresting Laundrie or citing Petito under Utah law, officers deemed the incident a "mental health break" and separated the couple for the night.

Gabby Petito's Family Alleges Moab Police Mishandling in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Petito's parents, Joseph and Nichole Schmidt, allege that the officers violated state law, which requires officers to arrest or cite one person in a domestic violence situation. They claim that if the officers had followed the law, Petito would not have been killed.

Moab Police have argued that they are immune from liability under a government immunity law, but Petito's lawyers contend that wrongful death claims against the government are protected under the Utah Constitution.

Gabby Petito's Family Alleges Moab Police Mishandling in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The case has garnered significant attention, with the Petito family's lawyers arguing that Moab's "failure to follow the law and do their job properly" contributed to Petito's death.

The wrongful death lawsuit is part of a broader effort by Petito's family to hold accountable those they believe are responsible for her tragic death.

Gabby Petito's Family Alleges Moab Police Mishandling in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Petito was reported missing on September 11, 2021, after Laundrie returned home to Florida without her. Her body was found on September 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park. Laundrie, who was named a person of interest in Petito's disappearance, later died by suicide.

In addition to the wrongful death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department, Petito's family also filed a lawsuit against Laundrie's estate and a separate lawsuit against his parents and attorney.

Gabby Petito's Family Alleges Moab Police Mishandling in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The wrongful death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department is ongoing, and the court has yet to rule on the city's motion to dismiss the case.