JUST days before she was murdered by her abusive fiancé Brian Laundrie, Gabby Petito told her ex-boyfriend Jackson of her plans to escape the monster’s clutches.
Here’s everything we know about Jackson, who is featured in the docuseries American Murder: Gabby Petito, which delves into the tragic final days of the influencer’s life.
© 2025 Netflix, Inc.Jackson is Gabby Petito’s ex-boyfriend[/caption]
Instagram / Gabby PetitoBefore her tragic murder, Gabby Petito was a social media influencer[/caption]
Who is Gabby Petito’s ex-boyfriend Jackson?
Jackson dated Gabby Petito for about a year before she started her ill-fated relationship with Brian Laundrie.
As the investigation into Gabby’s disappearance progressed, Laundrie went into hiding before becoming a person of interest in the case.
He ultimately took his own life before being brought to justice.
In Netflix’s American Murder: Gabby Petito, Jackson shares his perspective on Gabby’s situation, as well as his interactions with Gabby in the days leading up to her murder.
The series also includes the first-ever interview with Jackson, as well as previously unseen texts, diary entries, and footage from family and friends.
Jackson said Gabby texted him one night while she was separated from Laundrie on their four-month journey across the US.
After cops were called on the couple in a disturbing domestic violence incident in Moab, Utah, on August 12, 2021, Laundrie flew back to Florida for a few days
On August 22, 2021, Gabby wrote in a message to Jackson: “Hey, I’m sure I’m the last person on the planet you want to hear from.
“I would really love to talk to you. I’m only alone until tomorrow.”
Jackson told docuseries creators Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro that they wound up talking with each other for hours.
Gabby even expressed her desire to get away from her abusive fiancé.
Jackson said: “She was like, ‘I have a plan. I think I want to leave him. I’m gonna do it. I have to figure out when to do it.’
“And that’s when I was kind of like, ‘What are you talking about? What do you mean you have a plan?’
“From the sound of her voice and the way she was saying it, I think that she, like, wasn’t sure what he would do or what he could do.
“I think she was wanting to get away, but just didn’t know how to do it.”
She was like, ‘I have a plan. I think I want to leave him. I’m gonna do it. I have to figure out when to do it
Jackson
On August 27, 2021, Jackson heard from Gabby for the last time — she told him she was thinking of him on her trip.
Jackson said: “Gabby Snapchatted me, ‘Hey, I’m in Jackson Hole and it reminded me of you.
“Later in the day, I had gotten a phone call from her. I was at work and unable to answer it.”
“Maybe if I did answer that phone call, I could have helped or there could have been a different outcome.”
How to watch American Murder: Gabby Petito
American Murder: Gabby Petito dropped on Netflix on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Exploring the sad story of Gabby’s disappearance and death, the docuseries is made up of three parts.
The show features interviews with her loved ones, who reveal the untold story behind her tragic murder.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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