Two Moab officers involved in Petito, Laundrie stop remain on duty

MOAB, Utah (KUTV) — Moab’s former police chief is reacting to a report from an outside investigation into two police officers and their handling of an August traffic stop involving Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie.

Jim Winder, who served as Moab police chief from 2017 to 2019, agrees with the findings that the officers made some unintentional mistakes, but he does not believe much of the criticism that has come their way is warranted.

“Mistakes, yes,” Winder told KUTV 2News. “Done bad things or erred to the point of resulting in someone’s death? No.”

The actions of Moab Police Officers Eric Pratt and Daniel Robbins have been scrutinized around the world. They interacted with Petito and Laundrie August 12 near Arches National Park when the couple was pulled over. A 911 caller had reported seeing Laundrie slap Petito, his fiancée.

Pratt and Robbins made no arrests during the incident, instead separating the couple for the night and chalking up the matter to a “mental health crisis.”

But a report from the Price Police Department released Wednesday said the two officers made several mistakes during that encounter, including not making an arrest for domestic violence when there was probable cause.

Petito later went missing, and her body was discovered in Grand Teton National Park in September. Authorities ruled her death a homicide. Laundrie disappeared, and his body was eventually discovered in a Florida nature preserve. Laundrie's family attorney said he died as a result of suicide.

“These guys have been picked apart nationally and vilified, and every armchair quarterback has indicated what should or should not have been done,” Winder said. “Very few people have recognized the humanity that was involved in their response in this particular date and time.”

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Jenn Oxborrow, a licensed clinical social worker and longtime victim advocate, said law enforcement response is “key” in domestic violence situations.

“I thought these officers tried to do a good job with a really difficult situation, but more and more training to appreciate the different nuances that can show up in these cases is just essential,” Oxborrow said. “I think ongoing training for officers related to domestic violence is really, really, really important.”

Oxborrow said domestic violence cases are complex. Moving forward, she said she hopes law enforcement, victims, and even perpetrators of domestic violence will understand that help and resources are available.

“There’s help for everyone,” Oxborrow said, “so let’s stay focused on solutions and do all that we can to promote safety in our communities.”

Gary Rider, a spokesperson for Gabby Petito's family, told KUTV 2News the family has seen the report but has no further comment at this time.

“We are confident that the real facts in this case will eventually be made clear,” Rider said.

The report recommends probation for the officers along with additional training. A Moab city spokesperson told KUTV 2News the officers are currently on duty but declined to say whether they have been – or will be – on probation.