Ep 2. What Happened to Gabby Petito?

On September 11th, 2021, 22-year-old Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family after she failed to make contact with them during her cross-country road trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. In this episode of 48 Hours, titled "What Happened to Gabby Petito?" correspondent Erin Moriarty delves into the case that has captivated the nation.

Moriarty begins by introducing viewers to Gabby and Brian, sharing video clips and photos from their travels as they made their way from New York to Wyoming. She notes that their social media posts depict a couple in love, eagerly exploring new places together. But as Moriarty quickly reveals, things took a dark turn when Gabby's mother received an ominous text message from her daughter's phone: "No service in Yosemite."

From there, the show retraces the steps of Gabby and Brian's travels, speaking with friends and family members who had contact with the couple throughout the trip. Moriarty notes that several eyewitnesses claim to have seen the couple arguing, painting a picture of a relationship that was perhaps not as perfect as it seemed on social media. She also speaks with law enforcement officials who provide insight into the investigation, including how they were able to locate Brian days after Gabby was reported missing.

The episode includes interviews with Gabby's family, who share their reflections on their daughter and the search for answers surrounding her disappearance. Moriarty also speaks with experts in the field, including psychologist and former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole, who provides analysis on the behavior of both Gabby and Brian leading up to her disappearance.

At the heart of the episode is a focus on the search for Gabby, which involved dozens of law enforcement officials, volunteers, and even fellow travelers who encountered the couple on their trip. Moriarty highlights the emotional toll of the search, both for Gabby's loved ones and for members of the community who felt compelled to help in any way they could.

Throughout the episode, Moriarty weaves together a narrative of a missing person case that has transfixed the country, while also providing insight into the larger issues surrounding the case, including domestic violence and mental health. She leaves viewers with questions about Gabby's fate, while also inviting them to consider the broader implications of her disappearance.

"What Happened to Gabby Petito?" is a gripping episode of 48 Hours that offers a deep dive into a case that has left many grappling with its unanswered questions. Moriarty's expert reporting and compassionate storytelling make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime and the complexities of human behavior.