Gabby Petito, whose disappearance and murder made national headlines and inspired Lifetime and Netflix programs, will have her story told Monday by her mother and “bonus mother.”
The fireside chat, open to the public, will discuss red flags that were missed and what lessons about domestic violence can be learned from Gabby’s death in 2021.
Her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, was suspected in her killing. His remains were found later that year. A forensic anthropologist determined he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Purdue University Northwest professor Nicky Ali Jackson said she asked Petito’s mother, Nicole Schmidt, to speak at PNW in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Gabby’s “bonus mother,” Tara Petito, will also participate.
The free event, open to the public, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Alumni Hall (Room 360) at the Student Union and Library Building on PNW’s Hammond campus.
Sponsors include PNW’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, the psychology and behavioral sciences departments, and the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network, which Jackson heads.
“Hear Gabby’s story in person,” Jackson said. “This is a unique opportunity. They don’t typically show up here in Northwest Indiana.”
The program will include a discussion of the Gabby Petito Foundation’s work in promoting advocacy, awareness and prevention on topics of domestic violence, Jackson said.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
