The National Park Service has released a bodycam video capturing U.S. Rangers at the scene of a significant traffic stop near Arches National Park in August 2021 involving Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie, shortly before her tragic death.
The footage, obtained through a public records request, shows a female ranger attempting to calm Petito and advising her to distance herself from Laundrie's alleged abusive behavior. Despite some audio difficulties, Petito can be heard expressing frustration with Laundrie, who witnesses claim had struck her in public before attempting to drive away without her outside a grocery store in town.
During the encounter, Petito downplays Laundrie's actions, even taking the blame for a physical altercation between them. The NPS has indicated that transcripts of the video will be released at a later time.
The videos shed new light on the incident as Petito candidly conversed with a female Park Ranger from the National Park Service, who was present alongside Moab police officers during the stop. Legal representatives for Petito's parents have acknowledged the significance of the NPS videos as potential evidence in the case.
Moab police officers initiated the stop at the entrance to Arches National Park, with Park Rangers providing support in a secondary role. A previously released video depicted Petito in distress as officers confronted her and Laundrie following reports of domestic violence, with Petito being portrayed as the 'aggressor.'
The Park Ranger's bodycam footage reveals previously undisclosed statements from Petito, including a male officer acknowledging her struggles and urging her to address emotional challenges.
Ranger Melissa Hulls, in a private conversation with Petito, advised her to distance herself from what she described as a 'toxic' relationship with Laundrie. The Ranger's empathy towards Petito was evident as she offered support and guidance during the encounter.
Despite the legal requirement in Utah to address domestic violence incidents, Moab police opted not to press charges but arranged accommodation for Laundrie through a domestic abuse nonprofit. Petito was tragically found deceased in Wyoming weeks after the traffic stop.
The FBI later determined that Laundrie was responsible for Petito's death, leading to legal actions between the families. The case remains ongoing, with Petito's parents pursuing legal action against the Moab Police Department.
