Judge Dismisses Gabby Petito Family’s Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Moab Police

The court ruled that Utah's Government Immunity Act protects the police, though the family plans to appeal the decision.

A Utah judge dismissed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Gabby Petito's parents against the Moab Police Department.
The judge cited the Government Immunity Act of Utah, which shields government agencies and employees from liability, as the basis for the dismissal.
Gabby Petito's parents argued that police negligence during an August 2021 traffic stop increased the risk of harm to their daughter, who was later killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie.
The family’s attorney plans to appeal, challenging the constitutionality of the immunity law and raising questions about causation in the case.
An independent investigation found that Moab police made multiple errors during their interaction with Petito and Laundrie, identifying Petito as the aggressor despite signs of domestic violence.