Gabby Petito's father has marked the third anniversary of her murder with a heartbreaking message.
The case of Gabby Petito captured national attention in 2021 when she was reported missing in September during a four-month van journey across the U.S. with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie.
After her parents lost contact with her in late August, a massive search was launched. Eighteen days later, Gabby's remains were found, and an autopsy confirmed she had been strangled to death.
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A manhunt ensued for her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie, who became the prime suspect after returning alone to his parents' home in Florida in early September.
He was later found dead, having taken his own life, with a journal nearby in which he confessed to killing Gabby.
Joseph Petito has shared a message regarding his daughter's death three years after she was murdered.
"Three years ago this evening you were taken from us. We can’t stop crying when we think of you. There is no waking up from this nightmare," Joseph wrote on Instagram.
"We push forward for you and all those you have inspired and nothing can make us stop. I ask anyone who reads this, please share a #missingperson flyer today."
The poignant message was accompanied by a photo of a joyful moment between father and daughter, capturing them laughing together during a fish pedicure, where tiny fish nibbled at their feet.
This same photo was shared by Joseph just five months ago to commemorate what would have been Gabby's 25th birthday. "We love and miss you," he wrote at the time.
The post drew hundreds of comments from followers, many of whom credited Gabby Petito’s story for inspiring them to leave toxic relationships.
One person wrote: "Your daughter’s story is what woke me up to my toxic reality. She gave me the courage to fight for myself and for my son.
"We are coming up on year three of leaving home and starting completely over. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but we are still here to live another day and we are safe thanks to Gabby."
Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, also delivered a powerful message to Laundrie during her appearance at CrimeCon 2024 in Nashville on May 31.
"I speak for myself here when I say Brian, I forgive you," Schmidt said, as reported by CNN. "I needed to release myself from the chains of anger and bitterness, that I refuse to let your despicable act define the rest of my life."
However, Schmidt did not hold back in condemning Laundrie's actions and his parents' alleged involvement.
"Your atrocious decision to take a life, my daughter's life, has ignited a fire within me, a fierce determination to protect the innocent from falling victim to monsters like you," she continued.
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