American Murder: Gabby Petito on Netflix tells the story of a doomed romantic relationship. It is fraught with jealousy and domestic abuse.
A key character in that story is Rose Davis, Gabby Petito's close friend. She is from Blairstown, New Jersey. And now lives in Sarasota, Florida.
Their friendship was special. Rose remains a true friend to this day, even after her best friend's death.
Gabby often confided in Rose Davis. She told her about her struggles and shared all the ups and downs. It is apparent in American Murder: Gabby Petito that Rose knew that Gabby's life with Brian Laundrie wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Right from the beginning of their friendship on Bumble for Friends to the heartbreaking events that followed, Rose saw it all. She noticed the red flags in Gabby’s relationship way before things took a tragic turn. And when Gabby failed to call Rose on her birthday, she knew something was seriously wrong.
Rose still mourns her bestfriend. She remembers her fondly and does all she can to raise awareness on domestic violence.
Read on to know more on this.
American Murder: Gabby Petito - Rose Davis

Rose still lives in Sarasota, Florida. She has her loving friends and a supportive partner.
Gabby is still loved by her, as is evident in how she has kept her best friend’s memory alive. She spreads awareness on domestic violence and supports the foundation started in Gabby’s honor.
Gabby’s story is one that shook the world. And thanks to friends like Rose Davis, her legacy will never be forgotten.
Now, let's get into Rose and Gabby's friendship and how Rose knew something was wrong.
American Murder: Gabby Petito - A rare kind of friendship
Rose from American Murder: Gabby Petito was never a fan of Brian. The first time she met him, she told her mom that he seemed “a little weird.” And as time went on, her suspicions only grew stronger.
She loved her best friend and was concerned for her. Not just because Gabby was sweet when she reached out to Rose on the Bumble for Friends app, but they had a sort of connection that was rare as they became friends almost immediately. They continued being each other's confidants for a long time.
Being a caring friend, Rose had reasons not to like Brian. She believed he didn’t like Gabby wanting to become a social media influencer. She felt he wanted Gabby to stay dependent on him. That was a huge red flag for her.
In an interview with People Magazine, Rose Davis said:
“He didn’t want her to work, and she did, and he was mad about it.”
According to Rose in American Murder: Gabby Petito, Brian also tried to control Gabby. He used to constantly text, call, and question Gabby's whereabouts. Allegedly, he had to know every detail, even when she was just hanging out with friends.
The two young women shared a deep bond. They had the same sense of humor, shared their dreams, and confided in each other about life’s struggles.
However, upon hearing and realizing Gabby's relationship issues, Rose couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off between her and Brian Laundrie.
It was August 29, 2021, Rose’s birthday. Normally, Gabby would’ve been the first to call and wish her bestie a happy birthday. But that year, there was nothing. No text. No call. Silence.
American Murder: Gabby Petito - Rose did all she could to save her friend

When Gabby's remains were found on September 19, 2021, Rose's worst fears were confirmed. The cause of death was said to be homicide resulting from suffocation through strangulation.
Rose’s gut had told her something was wrong when she didn't hear from Gabby. So, she started creating her missing person post on social media right after it came on the news.
She did whatever she could to spread the word. But nothing could have saved her best friend from her fate.
Brian's confession was found in a notebook, along with his remains. This was weeks after Gabby's remains were found in Wyoming.
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