Murder victim’s mother to speak at Purdue Northwest

Gabby Petito, whose disappearance and murder made national headlines and inspired Lifetime and Netflix programs, will have her story told Monday by her mother and “bonus mother.”

The fireside chat, open to the public, will discuss red flags that were missed and what lessons about domestic violence can be learned from Gabby’s death in 2021.

Her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, was suspected in her killing. His remains were found later that year. A forensic anthropologist determined he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Purdue University Northwest professor Nicky Ali Jackson said she asked Petito’s mother, Nicole Schmidt, to speak at PNW in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Gabby’s “bonus mother,” Tara Petito, will also participate.

The free event, open to the public, will be