Gabby Petito's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Moab Police Department for releasing her and fiancé Brian Laundrie after a 911 caller reported seeing him smack her during an altercation.

Another witness now claims to The Sun he saw Laundrie smack Petito in the head with a "closed fist."

Chandler, the eyewitness, was just getting into his truck when he noticed Laundrie and Petito ranting at one other in the rear of their car. Chandler then alleged that Laundrie swung his left hand at Petito.

He also mentioned that the movement was similar to a "slapping motion," although he did it with his fist closed.

Chandler also stated that he was slowing down to halt at a red light and was only traveling 15 miles per hour when the event occurred.

He described himself as "struck" and wondered if he saw what he thought he saw. The travel vlogger's reaction to Laundrie's strike, on the other hand, revealed that her fiancé had hit her.

Chandler went on to add that Petito had fallen against the side of the van and that she was certain she felt it.

"When she crashed into the van, she banged her back and maybe the back of her head." For a little moment, they exchanged shouting, and as Brian turned around, she pursued him."

The police officers who responded to the call were unable to obtain a statement from the initial 911 caller. They even said in the police report that there were no witnesses to Brian Laundrie hitting Gabby Petito.

Petito was murdered at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming two weeks after the officers let them go after listening to the caller's domestic abuse concerns. Her body was recovered on September 19, 2021.

Brian Laundrie admitted to the crime in a journal found by investigators after he committed suicide.

The latest testimony by the eyewitness comes on the anniversary of Gabby Petito's death. Her parents paid heartfelt homage to her and disclosed their global effort to prevent others from suffering the same tragedy as their daughter.

"By recognizing these victims, we can also express our support to individuals who are now in this circumstance by letting them know they are not alone, they matter, and we don't want this to happen to them!" they stated in a tweet.

Nicole Schmidt also asked her followers to share the tweet and join their global movement to raise awareness about domestic abuse.


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Brian Laundrie, Gabby Petito, Gabby petito murder