In the summer of 2021, the nation was invested by the tragic disappearance of 22-year-old Gabby Petito. Her case dominated headlines, sparked widespread social media engagement, and led to a massive police and FBI response. While Petito’s story brought much-needed attention to the issue of missing persons, it also highlighted systemic inequities in how cases are prioritized and investigated. Critics have pointed out that Petito’s privilege as a young, white, conventionally attractive woman played a significant role in the media frenzy and rapid law enforcement action—a privilege many other missing individuals, particularly women of color, do not receive.
During the search for Petito, several other missing persons were found. These cases, often overshadowed by the Petito media storm, reveal a troubling pattern of inefficiency and inequity in law enforcement responses. Here, are the stories of those who were found during the search for Gabby Petito, and how their cases underscore the need for systemic change in how missing persons cases are handled.
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Emily Ferlazzo
The most recent body found during the search for Gabby Petito was that of 22-year-old Emily Ferlazzo. Her case bears eerie similarities to Petito’s. Emily was reported missing by her parents on September 20, 2021, after her husband, Joseph Ferlazzo, returned to their New Hampshire home without her. The couple had been living in a renovated bus and were traveling to Vermont to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
Joseph allegedly confessed to shooting Emily and dismembering her body inside their camper. The gruesome nature of her death shocked the community, but the case received far less media attention than Petito’s. Emily’s story raises questions about how domestic violence cases are handled and why some victims’ stories resonate more with the public than others.
Lauren Cho
Lauren Cho, a 30-year-old woman from New Jersey, disappeared on June 28, 2021, while living in Yucca Valley, California. She had moved west with her former boyfriend, Chris Orell, to pursue a more creative life, including starting her own food truck. On October 9, human remains were found in the California desert near where Lauren was last seen.
Lauren’s case gained renewed attention as the Petito story unfolded, with many noting the stark contrast in media coverage. As a woman of color, Lauren’s disappearance did not receive the same level of national attention, highlighting the disparities in how missing persons cases are treated based on race and ethnicity.
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Sara Bayard
Sara Bayard, a 55-year-old woman, was reported missing on July 4, 2021, after last being seen at a gas station in Douglas County, Colorado. Her remains were discovered on October 9 off a highway in El Paso County, an area Petito and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, had visited and posted about on Instagram.
Sara’s case has stalled due to the limited remains found—mostly bones—making it difficult to determine the cause of death. Her story is a stark reminder of how quickly missing persons cases can go cold, especially when they lack the media attention needed to keep them in the public eye.
Josue Calderon
Josue Calderon, a 33-year-old man from Rhode Island, was found stabbed to death along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina on October 9. Before his identification, rumors swirled that the body might belong to Brian Laundrie, who was also being sought in connection with Petito’s death.
Calderon’s tragic death highlights the dangers faced by those living transient lifestyles and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving crimes in remote areas.
Miya Marcano
Miya Marcano, a 19-year-old college student, was reported missing on September 24, 2021, after finishing her shift at an Orlando apartment complex. Her body was found on October 2 in a wooded area near her home. The sole suspect, Armando Caballero, a maintenance worker at the complex, was found dead by suicide on September 27.
Miya’s family has been vocal about their belief that her case was not treated as a “high priority” by authorities, despite clear evidence of foul play. They have drawn comparisons to the Petito case, suggesting that Miya’s race and ethnicity may have played a role in the lack of urgency.
Robert Lowery
Robert “Bob” Lowery, a 46-year-old father of two from Houston, disappeared on August 20, 2021, while hiking in Bridger-Teton National Forest. His body was found on September 28, and it was determined that he died by suicide. Lowery’s case, while tragic, did not receive the same level of attention as Petito’s, despite occurring in the same area.
His story serves as a reminder of the silent struggles many face, particularly men, who may not seek help for mental health issues.
Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner
Kylen Schulte, 24, and Crystal Turner, 38, were found shot to death at a campsite outside Moab, Utah, on August 18, 2021. The couple had reportedly told friends about a “creepy man” who had been bothering them, and they feared for their safety.
Initially, their case was investigated for potential links to Petito’s disappearance, as both women had been in the same area at the same time. However, no connection was found. The lack of progress in solving their murders has left their loved ones frustrated and heartbroken.
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Systemic Issues in Law Enforcement and Media Coverage
The tragic outcomes of these cases reveal systemic issues within law enforcement agencies, including inconsistent protocols, resource allocation, and potential biases that can affect the urgency and effectiveness of missing persons investigations. The disparities in media coverage, often influenced by factors such as race, age, and socioeconomic status—a phenomenon referred to as “Missing White Woman Syndrome”—can further exacerbate these issues. Gabby Petito’s case, while deserving of attention, highlights how media focus can be disproportionately allocated, potentially sidelining cases involving individuals from marginalized communities.
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Equitable Media Representation: Media outlets must strive for balanced reporting that gives voice to all missing persons, regardless of background.
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Law Enforcement Training: Agencies should implement comprehensive training to recognize and address biases in missing persons cases, ensuring that investigations are conducted with the same urgency and resources, regardless of the victim’s race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
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Improved Coordination and Resources: Law enforcement agencies should enhance collaboration between jurisdictions, invest in better technology for tracking missing persons, and allocate resources more equitably to avoid disparities in case prioritization.
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Public Awareness and Advocacy: Community-driven initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups should continue to push for visibility in cases that receive little to no media attention. Social media has proven to be a powerful tool in mobilizing public interest and holding authorities accountable.
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Legislative Reforms: Policymakers should push for legislation that standardizes the way missing persons cases are handled, ensuring that all individuals receive the same level of attention, regardless of demographics.
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The loss of Gabby Petito and the subsequent discovery of several other missing individuals serve as a stark reminder of the gaps within our law enforcement and media systems. Every missing person deserves a thorough, timely, and just investigation—no matter their race, gender, or background. By addressing these disparities, we can ensure that all families searching for their loved ones receive the attention and justice they deserve.
