Gabby Petito Case

[AnnieA]

I've been following this case with interest so I saw all the news pieces today about what they're calling "missing white woman syndrome." The missing black women in Chicago was mentioned and CNN talked about the 700 missing Native American women. All of these cases are terrible, but I think the news is misleading when they imply that the media makes as big a thing about every white woman as they have done about Gabby.

@OneEyedDiva stated: "I was going to mention this anyway but when looking to find more information about Ms. Petito's case I found this on ABC news. When a White woman/girl is kidnapped and/or missing...it becomes national headline news which goes on for days (sometimes weeks) until the person (or her body) is found. The headline in the article below calls this "Missing white woman syndrome", a term coined by the late PBS anchor Gwen Ifil, years ago. Non Whites do not get this kind of attention when they go missing. In fact, relatives have reported being brushed off by police when reporting their loved ones as missing"

I think the "missing white woman syndrome" was coined after the Natalie Holloway coverage, but didn't search to double check it. It's bothered me since then every time a white woman gets disproportionate coverage.

Do think in this case that the fact that Gabby Petito was a social media personality and the bizarre behavior of the boyfriend's parents as well as his flight explains why this case is so high profile.


A recent missing person case involving Kori Gauthier, a black LSU honors student got national, some international and even more regional coverage. In the Baton Rouge area, there were many black and white volunteers searching until her body was found. Her family, friends and LSU were very proactive in seeking media coverage and the family offered a $10,000 reward. I think that she was a missing young, beautiful woman and had loved ones who went all out in promoting the search made her case comparable to the "missing white woman syndrome." Her body was found relatively quickly; she had jumped from the Mississippi River bridge following an argument with her boyfriend.

 

[oldpop]

Do you mean Gabby? Or Brian? It's possible. Anything is possible because we know so little and it will take time to learn more as there was probably little left to help police without being too graphic about it. You know what I mean.

I was speaking of Gabby. It just makes more sense to me with the way Brian behaved and is behaving. I also think there is a good chance Brian will commit suicide or already has. Somewhat like a Romeo and Juliet type of thing.....

 

[oldpop]

Wasn't the boyfriend also missing by the time they suspected it was a homicide? It was stupid for him to return to Florida without her and think no one would notice but I'm not clear on the timeline with when he returned to FLA and how soon afterward he fled. I'm wondering if he committed suicide. It's such a sad thing when anyone is killed but especially when it is by someone loved and trusted. May she R.I.P. It was interesting to read that information they got from online "sleuths" actually helped with their investigation.

I was going to mention this anyway but when looking to find more information about Ms. Petito's case I found this on ABC news. When a White woman/girl is kidnapped and/or missing...it becomes national headline news which goes on for days (sometimes weeks) until the person (or her body) is found. The headline in the article below calls this "Missing white woman syndrome", a term coined by the late PBS anchor Gwen Ifil, years ago. Non Whites do not get this kind of attention when they go missing. In fact, relatives have reported being brushed off by police when reporting their loved ones as missing. It is often assumed that they ran away or are off doing drugs or participating in criminal activies. The lack of effort in finding missing people of color is so prevalent that a couple of major T.V. shows included the lack of concern for missing Black women in their shows' story lines last season. Yet another reason why we say "Black lives matter"! This link contains the video clip from Good Morning America and the article. What this mother who's 16 year old daughter went missing years ago describes is hardly an isolated incident:

"She (Ms Cosey-Hill) described watching the search for Petito unfold as an "emotional rollercoaster," since she has both grieved for the Petito family and reflected on what did not happen in the aftermath of her daughter's disappearance. All the questions that weren't answered with my daughter, I'm checking to see if they're doing in that case," said Cosey Hill. "When you report your loved one missing, you hear, 'We'll try to get someone on this,' and they act as if they don't have enough manpower to do it."
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/gab...hite-woman-syndrome-experts/story?id=80144611
@Pecos @feywon

When the MSM is involved follow the dollar. More money to be made with a white girl. JMO

 

[Gary O']

My wife has been following this
I glean a bit with ear shot

I'm sayin' Brian's folks are dirty
.....and he's outa state

If I were the authorities, I'd be interviewing his folks....attorney and all
ask pertinent questions
Like, when did you last see yer son?
Claiming the 5th speaks volumes

Gonna go to the courts

 

[oldpop]

Another possibility as far as Brian's whereabouts? In that area there are a lot of rental condos. The people who own them use them a few times a year and rent them out during the summer season. This means there are a lot of condos in the area that are empty. He could be holed up in any one of them.

 

[Irwin]

am not a member or associated in any way with MRA (men's rights advocates) but all too often they are correct when they say that society and the world give so little value to males.

Males are expected to be able to protect themselves and to protect women. That's why when we go missing, there's not as much uproar. Plus, I would guess that a lot of missing males don't want to be found.

 

[RadishRose]

I'm sayin' Brian's folks are dirty

I agree very dirty but that's their son and they're terrified. Still.......

I don't think they can get the parents for aiding & abetting or obstruction, since there was no arrest warrant issued at the time he left their house.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I think the "missing white woman syndrome" was coined after the Natalie Holloway coverage, but didn't search to double check it. It's bothered me since then every time a white woman gets disproportionate coverage.

Do think in this case that the fact that Gabby Petito was a social media personality and the bizarre behavior of the boyfriend's parents as well as his flight explains why this case is so high profile.


A recent missing person case involving Kori Gauthier, a black LSU honors student got national, some international and even more regional coverage. In the Baton Rouge area, there were many black and white volunteers searching until her body was found. Her family, friends and LSU were very proactive in seeking media coverage and the family offered a $10,000 reward. I think that she was a missing young, beautiful woman and had loved ones who went all out in promoting the search made her case comparable to the "missing white woman syndrome." Sadly, her body was found relatively quickly; she had jumped from the Mississippi River bridge following an argument with her boyfriend.

Thank you for posting about this Annie. I think I did read something about this case. She certainly was a beautiful young woman. So sad that she took her own life over a man! (Well any reason would be sad). Offering a reward certainly is enough to garner media attention and I'm sure it helped that LSU got involved proactively as well as her parents. Too many young women (and young men sometimes) go missing and the cases end horribly. I feel so terrible thinking about what their families go through with the waiting, the not knowing, then ultimately finding out the worst. May they all Rest in Paradise and may their families be comforted in some way.

 

[oldiebutgoody]

Males are expected to be able to protect themselves and to protect women. That's why when we go missing, there's not as much uproar. Plus, I would guess that a lot of missing males don't want to be found.

Don't want to be found? I seriously doubt any of the victims I mentioned would feel that way. The real problem as MRA's see it is that society ascribes far less value to this type of victim. Recall a couple of years ago when cops killed a black man and a white woman in the Twin Cities. The black man's family was awarded $200,000 as compensation. The white woman's family was awarded $20 million. People here shook their heads in disbelief as the value of a white woman was deemed one hundred times greater than that of a black man. To me, people are people regardless of gender or skin tone ~ all are or should be equally valued by society. Sad, but all too often this is not the way people view this matter.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Don't want to be found? I seriously doubt any of the victims I mentioned would feel that way. The real problem as MRA's see it is that society ascribes far less value to this type of victim. Recall a couple of years ago when cops killed a black man and a white woman in the Twin Cities. The black man's family was awarded $200,000 as compensation. The white woman's family was awarded $20 million. People here shook their heads in disbelief as the value of a white woman was deemed one hundred times greater than that of a black man. To me, people are people regardless of gender or skin tone ~ all are or should be equally valued by society. Sad, but all too often this is not the way people view this matter.

Another excellent, albeit sad example of how the system works (or doesn't work!). When the report of Gabby's body being found aired on World News Tonight, it was also reported that Daniel Robinson, a young Black geologist went missing in the Arizona desert in late June. His overturned vehicle was found on July 19th near the job site where he was last seen. His family says authorities have not done enough to try and find him.

 

[win231]

I see where Dr. Phil (the ambulance chaser) is featuring
this on his show now.....he doesn't let a person be buried
before he's trying to get money or fame from it.......disgusting....

His license was suspended in several states for......."Inappropriate" behavior with some clients." Also:

"He was brought up on ethics charges for having an inappropriate non-physical relationship with a patient in 1989… 6) and in 2008 for practicing psychology without a professional license or certification 7) and also for violating doctor-patient confidentiality regarding Britney Spears."

 

[Alligatorob]

a CNN commentator who said Gabby was benefiting from white privilege. The poor girl was murdered and lay dead in the desert for weeks, how privileged is she?

No she clear is not benefiting from it!

 

[RadishRose]

No she clear is not benefiting from it!

The medias White Woman Syndrome discussion should be under a thread of its own.

The OP here is about the Gabby Petito Case.

 

[Alligatorob]

Somewhat like a Romeo and Juliet type of thing.....

Maybe, and that would make a more interesting story. But right now its looking to me more like murder and whatever...

Course I know nothing and probably just disqualified myself from serving on the jury if Brian gets charged in Utah...

 

[Alligatorob]

Don't want to be found?

Got a few people I hope never find me... But then they are not likely looking.

 

[chic]

My wife has been following this
I glean a bit with ear shot

I'm sayin' Brian's folks are dirty
.....and he's outa state

If I were the authorities, I'd be interviewing his folks....attorney and all
ask pertinent questions
Like, when did you last see yer son?
Claiming the 5th speaks volumes

Gonna go to the courts

I think he's out of state too but not in the direction people are looking.

 

[chic]

I was speaking of Gabby. It just makes more sense to me with the way Brian behaved and is behaving. I also think there is a good chance Brian will commit suicide or already has. Somewhat like a Romeo and Juliet type of thing.....

No he's still alive.

 

[mellowyellow]

A team of 10 divers was requested on Wednesday. “These divers are specifically trained to dive down where you and I can’t see anything at all” Sarasota Country Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. “But nothing found. We will be back out Thursday, for a similar operation.”

What are they looking for?

 

[chic]

Why wouldn't he hide out in a Northern state with a mask mandate or lots of mask wearers? It covers so much of your face, hides your identity. It would be perfect. He could survive like that forever. I really do think police are looking in the wrong place. I may be wrong. But my thinking leads me in this direction.

 

[Alligatorob]

A team of 10 divers was requested on Wednesday. “These divers are specifically trained to dive down where you and I can’t see anything at all” Sarasota Country Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. “But nothing found. We will be back out Thursday, for a similar operation.”

What are they looking for?

Sounds like they know something, or they would not be doing this. But who knows what or if its right. Unless something is found the Sherriff will likely not say much.

 

[AnnieA]

The medias White Woman Syndrome discussion should be under a thread of its own.

The OP here is about the Gabby Petito Case.

True. Sorry for my part in the derail. I don't even think the term applies in this case since she was a social media influencer with over 60,000 followers on Instagram alone. Anyone of any color with a social media high profile would get a lot of news coverage. His parents and his disappearance add more mileage to the story.

 

[FastTrax]

The medias White Woman Syndrome discussion should be under a thread of its own.

The OP here is about the Gabby Petito Case.

I agree. Historically tragic incidents that involved the death of someone usually touched the heart of every human regardless of race, skin color, or sexual orientation. Now certain groups claim the media coverage or lack of is race based by omission. It would be interesting to see accurate documentation of the the racial and sexual breakdown of missing and/or reported homicides committed by the media. On another note people who feel they are being institutionally marginalized should address these incidents with their leadership be they political, religious or social.

 

[oldman]

I agree very dirty but that's their son and they're terrified. Still.......

I don't think they can get the parents for aiding & abetting or obstruction, since there was no arrest warrant issued at the time he left their house.

Here in Florida where I am at this time, the law is fairly simple with regards to parent-child legal protection. Unless the parents somehow aid Brian, like give him money or a plane ticket, they can not be charged. Parents are protected form having to speak with the law if their child is suspected or has been charged with a felony. There are exclusions, but none fit this case at this time. If the case would go to trial, the rules may change. .

I don't understand why he doesn't give himself up. I seriously doubt if he can stay on the lamb his entire life and have any normalcy.

 

[Alligatorob]

A recent missing person case involving Kori Gauthier, a black LSU honors student got national, some international and even more regional coverage. In the Baton Rouge area, there were many black and white volunteers searching until her body was found. Her family, friends and LSU were very proactive in seeking media coverage and the family offered a $10,000 reward. I think that she was a missing young, beautiful woman and had loved ones who went all out in promoting the search made her case comparable to the "missing white woman syndrome."

Thanks for this, it is good to see not all fit the "missing white woman syndrome" thing. Though I have to admit I never heard of Kori or this one, and as an LSU grad who lived in Baton Rouge for a while you'd think I would have...

Sorry for my part in the derail.

I think your posts are fine, many of these threads wander even further off the original topic. To things like Dr Phil (which I am ok with)! Just my opinion, does the Forum have any rules about this?

 

[oldman]

Dr. Phil calls himself a "life coach." He makes above $60mil per year as a TV "doctor," who is actually a daytime TV entertainer. Personally, I compare him to Jerry Springer, only Phil has a higher level of clientele than Springer. Who goes on TV and airs their dirty laundry?