Gabby Petito update as Florida makes major shift in law after brutal murder

A new law in Florida is changing the way police handle potential domestic violence cases. Known as the 'Gabby Petito Act,' it pays tribute to the 22-year-old who tragically lost her life in 2021 at the hands of her fiance, Brian Laundrie.

Bodycam footage shows Utah police responding to a reported domestic violence incident involving the couple, long before their names became national news. Officers identified Petito as the aggressor but ultimately let them go.

Sadly, just weeks later, Brian strangled Gabby to death. Petito's heartbroken parents sued the police department, claiming they m issed crucial signs of domestic violence . It also raised questions about whether a different approach from the police could have potentially saved Gabby's life, reports CBS12.

• Chilling details in Gabby Petito's autopsy report after killing by Brian Laundrie

• Gabby Petito begged Brian Laundrie for one thing before he brutally killed her

From July 1, SB 1224, also known as the 'Gabby Petito Act', now requires police to carry out a lethality assessment protocol (LAP) for all reported domestic violence incidents. The assessment includes 12 yes-or-no questions designed to measure the level of danger faced by victims.

"There's all types of emotions that a domestic violence victim feels like, you know, they're fearful to report something," said Mike Jachles, a spokesperson for the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD). "The 12 questions are very specific, that you would hope that that victim can answer honestly and upfront."

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Joseph Petito, Gabby's father, is a member of the board of directors at SafeSpace, a charity providing refuge for victims of domestic violence on the Treasure Coast. Jennifer Fox, CEO of SafeSpace Florida , stated: "If law enforcement is being called, it's something's going on, there's something major that's happened. So, want to make sure law enforcement fully understand the issue and then know what to do next."

SafeSpace Florida receives approximately 250 calls a month on its round-the-clock hotline. According to Fox, the organization has ample resources; the challenge lies in raising awareness.

"Safety planning, escape planning, all that's happening right from the minute that we get that phone call," Fox added. "That's just people who know to call."

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