Family of Gabby Petito shares story at Safe Passage event

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(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The family of Gabby Petito shared her story at the annual Safe Passage fundraiser in Batesville on Saturday. 

Petito was 22-years-old when she was was found dead in Wyoming after going on a cross-country road trip with her fiance in 2021. 

The high-profile case gripped the nation as her fiance, Brian Laundrie, was the prime suspect and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Florida.

Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, and stepmom, Tara Petito, came to Walhill Farm to share Gabby’s story as well as advocate for domestic violence prevention. 

They have created the Gabby Petito Foundation which is focused on driving real change in the fight against domestic violence and missing persons. 

“Inspired by Gabby's legacy, our mission is to take action on the front lines, partnering with organizations and equipping communities and first responders with the tools, training, and support they need to prevent and respond collectively to violence, and to protect those at risk,” the organization said. 

You can learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation by clicking here.

During the fundraiser, Safe Passage Executive Director Cari Kettman said the local organization will face a 40 percent slash in federal funding in 2026. 

If you would like to support Safe Passage you can do so by clicking this link.

If you are a victim of domestic violence you can contact Safe Passage's 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-733-1990.