• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • News

Gabby Petito case becomes point of interest for internet sleuths on social media

3:32
Authorities raid Florida home of Brian Laundrie during manhunt
Miranda Baker/TikTok
ByHaley Yamada
September 21, 2021, 4:20 AM

The extensive reach of social media has become a focal point in the disappearance of travel blogger Gabby Petito.

Petito had been traveling cross-country with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, in a white van and had frequently documented their adventures on YouTube and Instagram.

This undated photo provided by the North Port, Fla., Police Department shows Gabby Petito.
North Port Police Department via AP

Since she was reported missing nine days ago, Petito's case has captured the nation's attention -- particularly young people online who are sharing their reactions and actively trying to solve the case themselves.

ABC News' Trevor Ault, who is reporting on the case from Florida, spoke with ABC News podcast "Start Here" about the influence of social media and the blurry line between solving a tragic situation and getting entertainment from it.

"It's like you're taking part in the true crime podcast before there's a true crime podcast," Ault told "Start Here" on Monday. "[Infatuation with a case] isn't a new experience in America, but it is definitely a new look at how it is evolving … and how it impacts law enforcement too."

Police confirmed that they have been looking into TikTok user Miranda Bakers claim, but have yet to officially confirm her story.
Miranda Baker/TikTok

TikTok user Miranda Bajer claimed that she and her boyfriend gave Laundrie a ride on Aug. 29 in Grand Teton National Park a couple days after Petito was last seen.

"In the past, if a person thought that they had a tip and they wanted to share it, they could share it to law enforcement and it would be that until law enforcement investigated it," Ault said. "Now a person can post about it or whatever their theories are and it can catch on."

Related Articles

MORE: Gabby Petito case: Timeline of travel blogger's disappearance

Baker's video has since gained 8 million views on TikTok.

Police in Florida confirmed to ABC News on Sunday that they have spoken to Baker, but federal authorities have not yet confirmed her statement.

Related Articles

MORE: FBI ends day-long search of Brian Laundrie's family home: Live updates

While on one hand, the extra tips and leads are helpful, law enforcement said that they have run into trouble corroborating facts and disproving false narratives about the case before they are published widely online.

"In every instance, law enforcement has expressed gratitude to the people who are opening up about what they're seeing or what they think they might know or have experienced," said Ault. "[But] It can clog the machine."

This report was featured in the Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, episode of "Start Here," ABC News' daily news podcast.

"Start Here" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Up Next in News—

How to help victims of deadly Texas floods

July 7, 2025

How Trump's tax cut and spending megabill would impact SNAP recipients

July 2, 2025

Lululemon sues Costco for allegedly selling dupes of its popular products

July 1, 2025

Father jumps overboard after daughter falls off Disney cruise ship

July 1, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News