If you’ve been following the case of missing woman Gabby Petito, there are additional developments worth noting that tie into other recent tragedies in the Moab area.
Two other victims, Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte, were found murdered near camping areas in the La Sal Mountains, and some of the surrounding circumstances have prompted investigators and the public to look closely for possible connections or overlapping timelines.
Reports indicate that Gabby Petito and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, were involved in a confrontation the day before the women were last seen alive. That altercation occurred outside a food cooperative where Kylen Schulte had worked, and police were called to the scene the day prior to the murders in the La Sal area.
We’re looking at everything, I mean, anything and everything that was suspicious around that time or we’re not ruling anything out at this time. So, we’re just investigating the information as it comes in.
an unnamed police spokesman
Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte were last seen at Woody’s Tavern on Main Street in Moab on August 13. Their bodies were discovered five days later; they were partially clothed and had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Those facts have raised concerns among friends, family, and local residents about safety in and around remote camping sites.
On August 12, police responded to a call reporting an argument involving Gabby and Brian outside the food cooperative where Kylen worked. Bodycam footage from that response shows Gabby visibly upset and crying, while Brian asserted that she had struck him. Law enforcement ultimately classified the incident as a mental health crisis and did not file charges.
Police characterized the interaction as a mental health call rather than a criminal matter, but given the proximity of that confrontation to the later murders, investigators say they are reviewing all available information and leads. The presence of overlapping times and locations makes those details relevant to ongoing inquiries.
There was a creepy man lurking
Crystal and Kylen had been living nomadically, traveling in a van and moving between campsites. They spent significant time in the Moab area and, according to friends, went camping on August 13. While at that campsite they reported seeing a suspicious man loitering nearby and said they planned to relocate because of the disturbance.
After that decision to move, neither woman was heard from again. Police recovered their bodies several days later. Investigators have interviewed witnesses and gathered forensic evidence from the scenes, but have not publicly confirmed a direct link between the two murders and other incidents in the area.
While authorities say there is no definitive evidence tying the cases together, the sequence of events—the altercation involving Gabby and Brian, the report of a suspicious person near the campsite, and the subsequent discovery of the victims—has left many people unsettled and seeking answers.
Why won’t Brian cooperate?
Another aspect drawing scrutiny is Brian Laundrie’s reported lack of cooperation with investigators. Given his close relationship to Gabby, many people find his refusal to engage with authorities puzzling and concerning. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist ongoing investigations.
If you have any information related to Gabby Petito’s disappearance, the FBI asks that you call 800-CALL-FBI. For information about Crystal Turner and Kylen Schulte, local authorities request tips be directed to the Moab City Police Department at 435-259-8115. Any detail, no matter how small, could be important to investigators working to piece together what happened.
Authorities continue to investigate these cases, and the community remains focused on obtaining clarity and justice. Anyone with tips or relevant observations is encouraged to speak with investigators so that law enforcement can follow every lead and bring resolution to the families involved.