Gabby Pettit's heartbroken father released a heartbreaking message on Tuesday to mark three years since her murder.
“Three years ago tonight you were taken from us. I cry for you. I can never wake up from this nightmare.” Joseph Pettit wrote on Instagram
“We move forward for you and all those who have been inspired by you and nothing will stop us. I ask everyone reading this: please share the #missingperson flyer today.”
The heartbreaking message was posted alongside a photo of father and daughter laughing together.
Gabby and Joseph sat side by side and both dipped their toes into the tub of fish, allowing the little creatures to nibble at their dead skin and tickle them both.
The happy memory captured in a photograph is a familiar moment: Joseph Petiot shared it just five months ago to celebrate Gaby's 25th birthday.
“We loved you and miss you,” he wrote at the time.
The father's social media post prompted hundreds of comforting comments, many of whom said Gabby Pepito's story had inspired them to leave their own toxic relationships.
“Gabby saved my life 3 years ago. I never knew her and wish she was still around to thank me in person. After following this case and learning how she was taken, I left my ex-wife after 6 years of abuse. I am forever grateful to her and thinking of her always. I love you Gabby!” one woman wrote.
“Your daughter's story woke me up to my harmful reality. She gave me the courage to fight for myself and my son. It's been 3 years since we left home and started over completely. It's been the hardest thing ever but we're still here and living another day. We're safe because of Gabby,” another wrote.
As the anniversary approaches, Gabby Pettit's family continues to fight to have her honored. Last month, Joseph Pettit slammed Utah State Police for trying to get a $50 million lawsuit dismissed for failing to save his daughter.
The Moab Police Department, which allowed Gabby Pettit to flee in a car with future killer Brian Landry after intervening in a domestic dispute, described the lawsuit as an “alternative to a GoFundMe campaign.”
Landry strangled Gabby Pettit to death a few days later and dumped her body at a remote campground in Wyoming.
The couple were travelling around the US in a campervan and she documented the journey on social media.
Landry reported Pettit missing during the trip and then suddenly returned to her parents in Florida without Pettit in late August 2021, sparking a nationwide search that drew national attention.
Landry then committed suicide in a nearby national park, leaving behind a handwritten note admitting to the murders.
IIf you or someone you know is experiencing any of the issues discussed in this article, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
