In the Aftermath of the Gabby Petito Case: From Loss to Learning

You’ve likely heard about the case.

You may have even seen the documentary on Netflix.

Now, the UCCS Department of Criminal Justice and the College of Public Service

invite you to an event that looks beyond the headlines to explore the lessons learned in the aftermath of Gabby Petito’s death.

In 2021, Gabby Petito’s disappearance during a cross-country road trip captured national attention and sparked a global conversation about domestic violence, warning signs, and how systems respond when someone is in danger. What began as a widely followed social media journey ended in tragedy when Gabby was murdered by her boyfriend. In the years since, her family has worked to transform that loss into education, prevention, and awareness.

Next week, Jim Schmidt, Gabby’s stepfather who helped raise her, will visit UCCS to share his story and what he has learned both as a parent and as a longtime firefighter and EMT. Drawing from more than two decades responding to emergencies, and from his family’s experience after Gabby’s death, Jim offers a powerful perspective on trauma, domestic violence, and what professionals can learn when lives intersect with crisis.

The presentation includes an interactive discussion and Q&A exploring the realities of domestic violence, the neurobiology of trauma, and the lasting impact violence has on victims, families, and the professionals who respond. It is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has spent a career helping others in moments of crisis and who now speaks from deeply personal experience about turning tragedy into purpose.

From Loss to Learning: When Pain Becomes Purpose
An Evening with Jim Schmidt

📅 March 17, 2026
🕖 7:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 ENT Center for the Arts
5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs

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Host or Publisher UCCS Department of Criminal Justice