Authorities have released a letter that Gabby Petito wrote to Brian Laundrie before he strangled her to death. The FBI also released hundreds of other documents related to the murder investigation. The letter written by the 22-year-old was a part of the FBI’s collection of evidence. While undated, it shows a first-hand account of the relationship between the two.
“You know how much I love you (and I’m writing this with love),” Petito wrote. “Just please stop crying and stop calling me names because we’re a team and I’m here with you. I’m always going to have your back.”
"I just love you too much, like so much it hurts. You in pain is killing me,” she continued. “I’m not trying to be negative but I’m frustrated there’s not more I can do.”
"Yes I can be a child sometimes I know," she said. "But it's cause you give me this energy and I just love you too much." She apologized for upsetting her then-fiancé "over a dumb piece of paper."
More from LittleThings: Gabby Petito's Mom Forgives Murderer Brian Laundrie But Condemns His 'Sociopath' Mother
Petito was found dead in September 2021 near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This was over a week after she being reported missing. Laundrie was named a person of interest in the murder investigation. He was found dead by suicide in Florida a month later.
The FBI also found personal items by Laundrie's body, including a notebook where he claimed responsibility for Petito's death. Her family and Laundrie's family engaged in a wrongful death lawsuit filed after it was concluded that he had strangled his partner.
Petito's family alleged that Laundrie's family knew their daughter was dead long before her remains were found and that they knew where her body was. Petito's family received a $3 million settlement, which their attorney said would go to the Gabby Petito Foundation, dedicated to searching for missing people and curbing domestic violence.
“We want to help all missing people,” Joe Petito, her father, previously told People. “If the media doesn't continue doing this for all the people then that's a shame because it's not just Gabby that deserved that."
"Just read the article," one person commented. "The fact that the family is using their recognition and funds to bring awareness that minorities do NOT receive the same media attention and response. They are donating to an organization that is shedding light on the fairness in response. All people deserve to be found. Not just white, rich people. This makes me so proud of that family. Thank you to the Petito family. Well done. ."
Another person commented: "Begging someone to stop being mean to you. Classic abuse victim mindset. 'if I can just make him understand that it hurts me….'"
"So heartbreaking," another person wrote. "Sending so much love up there to you in heaven gabby ❤️."
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter domesticshelters.org.
