Joseph Petito Says Daughter Gabby's Death Is Influencing Other Cases And 'Saving Lives'

The father of Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Petito has taken to social media to share something of a silver lining behind his daughter’s tragic murder.

Petito’s remains were found on Sept. 19, 2021, in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, as previously reported. While no cause of death has been released, the FBI announced her manner of death as homicide. The discovery followed a high-profile search for the 22-year-old travel blogger, who disappeared in August while on a cross-country road trip with her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brian Laundrie.

Laundrie was named a person of interest after returning to his Florida home 10 days before Gabby's family reported her missing. Laundrie himself has vanished, with his parents telling authorities they haven't seen him since Sept. 14. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Now, Joseph Petito, Gabby’s father, has taken to Twitter to share that his daughter’s case has been the inspiration for saving others.

“She is already saving lives,” Joseph Petito tweeted. “So many stories being sent to us about relationships being left with proper planning for safety, and people are being found due to her influence. We have much more work to do, but it’s a start. #gabbypetito #justiceforgabby"

The national coverage of Gabby’s case has captivated the nation, prompting tips in other missing person cases, including hiker Robert Lowery, who disappeared on Aug. 20, according to KHOU 11. The father of two from Texas was found on Sept. 28 in the same national forest where authorities found Petito’s remains.

The coverage also helped highlight the June disappearance of 27-year-old Irish hiker Cian McLaughlin, who was last seen at Grand Teton National Park, according to Fox News. The profile of Daniel Robinson, a Black geologist last seen leaving his job site in Arizona, was also raised. A local resident found Robinson’s damaged car in a ravine one month after his June disappearance.

On top of raising the profiles of other missing persons, Gabby’s case has sparked debates about domestic violence.

Body cam footage showing a distressed Gabby following an altercation with Laundrie called into question how police handle domestic violence cases. According to CNN, The Moab City Police Department received divided opinions after officers separated Gabby and Laundrie instead of making an arrest, claiming they’d “conduct a formal investigation and, based on the results, will take any next steps that may be appropriate.”

Gabby admitted to officers that Laundrie hit her but was quick to blame herself, as previously reported.

Gabby’s case continues to rivet the country as authorities head into the fourth week searching for Laundrie. The FBI issued a federal arrest warrant on Sept. 22, charging Laundrie with “’Use of Unauthorized Devices’ related to Mr. Laundrie’s activities following the death of Gabrielle Petito.”

Most recently, tips have been coming in about Laundrie possibly being on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.

“We have been monitoring social media for alleged sightings or information of Brian Laundrie being in this area,” said Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman to the Watauga Democrat. “But nothing has been verified.”

Joseph Petito hopes his daughter’s death continues to inspire other cases. He expressed this much in a eulogy at his daughter’s funeral in her native Long Island hometown, according to People.

“So when you leave here today, be inspired by what she brought to the table,” said Gabby’s father. “Because the entire planet knows this woman’s name now. And she’s inspired a lot of women and a lot of men to do what’s best for them first. Put yourself first and do it now while you have the time. I couldn’t be more proud as a father.”

"The Murder of Gabby Petito: Truth, Lies and Social Media" will air on Oxygen on Monday, January 24 at 9/8c. It's also available to stream on Peacock now.