Stow Police to Host Community Forum on Domestic Violence

Panel Will Feature Family of Gabby Petito, Who Was Slain by Fiancé in 2021

STOW – The family of Gabby Petito, whose 2021 disappearance and murder by her fiancé gained national headlines, will speak at a domestic violence community forum in August.

The Stow Police Department, in partnership with Randall Library, will host the forum on Aug. 14, from 6:30-9 p.m., at Hale Middle School, 55 Hartley Road.

The panel will feature Nichole and Jim Schmidt, Petito’s mother and stepfather, Police Chief Michael Sallese, Lt. Kellie Barhight, and Jaki Apsler, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Services Network of Concord.

The panel discussion will focus on community and police responses to domestic violence, ways to improve domestic violence training for officers and ways to support domestic violence survivors as well as resources available in the area. There will be time for audience questions.

“I am grateful for Nichole and Jim Schmidt and their willingness to come out to our community and be a part of this event”, said Chief Michael Sallese. “I think this is an important opportunity for our community and our department to come together and have a open dialogue about domestic violence as well and how we can be a part of Gabby’s legacy to not only support survivors but ensure law enforcement and our partners have all available resources to appropriately respond to these calls.”

The event is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to donate to the Gabby Petito Foundation and support its mission and vision.