Gabby Petito's Family Launches New Lawsuit — But NOT Against Brian Laundrie's Parents
Gabby Petito's bereaved family continues to seek justice as they filed a new wrongful death lawsuit.
On Monday, the court announced that the Petito family plans to file a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit nearly a year after the YouTuber's passing.
This time, they direct the lawsuit against Moab, Utah, officers.
Per NBC News, the family's lawyers submitted a notice of intent since it is required before they can sue government entities. The document named Moab City Police Department, its then-Chief Bret Edge, ex-Assistant Chief Braydon Palmer, and officers Eric Pratt and Daniel Robbins as defendants.
The Moab City Police has not commented on the matter. However, an official for the City of Moab explained it does not comment on pending litigation.
Rolling Stone reported that the lawsuit focuses on the incident that happened on Aug. 12, 2021 during which Petito and Brian Laundrie bumped into the police.
As seen in a body cam video of one of the responders, the couple was near the entrance of the Arches National Park.
At that time, Petito admitted she "punched" her fiancé in the arm when she saw law enforcement turn their lights on behind them. A leaked 911 call also proved that the YouTuber informed the service that Laundrie hit her, but she clarified that she slapped him first as he kept on telling her to stay silent.
Weeks after Petito's body was found, the extended version of the video was released, showing one officer asking her about her bruises and if Laundrie hit her. The late YouTuber insisted that she hit her fiancé first.
His nails reportedly caused a cut that burned during the altercation.
Brian Laundrie Accused of Manipulating Officers
While the officers should have saved Petito, a 102-page report by an independent law enforcement agency last year revealed that the police made things worse with their unintentional mistake.
According to the papers, the police failed to cite Petito for domestic violence and that Laundrie would have been the victim. With that, the YouTuber might be the suspect and abuser at the time of the incident.
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"Statement of all those involved, along with the evidence presented, provided probable cause for an arrest," the captain who wrote the report said.
They recommended giving the police additional training on domestic violence situations.
An official Moab Police Department's review was completed in January, supporting Petito's family recent filing.
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