Petito Family's Lawsuit Dismissed; Appeal Planned

A Utah district judge has dismissed the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Gabby Petito's family against the Moab Police Department, citing the state's governmental immunity laws which protect municipal entities from such suits. The lawsuit accused the police of failing to prevent Petito's murder by her fiancé Brian Laundrie, following a domestic abuse incident in August 2021 where officers took no action. Judge Don Torgerson acknowledged that the family presented strong arguments indicating a faulty investigation might have contributed to Petito's death, but ruled he was bound by existing law. The Petito family plans to appeal, arguing that the governmental immunity statute is unconstitutional and seeking to have it overturned. They contend that Utah's legal history supports their right to bring such claims and are determined to pursue justice and accountability. The case highlights the ongoing legal and constitutional debate over the scope of police immunity in domestic violence cases.