Ep 13. Lauren McCluskey

On October 22, 2018, 21-year-old Lauren McCluskey was shot and killed by a man she dated briefly while attending the University of Utah. In this episode of ABC 20/20, correspondents Amy Robach and Diane Sawyer take a deep dive into the events leading up to Lauren's tragic death and the failures of the University of Utah and law enforcement to protect her.

The episode starts with Lauren's parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, sharing memories and photos of their daughter. They describe Lauren as incredibly intelligent, kind, and athletic, with a bright future ahead of her. Lauren had a full scholarship to play on the University of Utah's track and field team and was majoring in communications.

The correspondents then recount the events leading up to Lauren's murder. Lauren had briefly dated a man named Melvin Rowland, whom she met at a local bar in Salt Lake City. She soon discovered that Rowland had lied about his age, criminal history, and status as a registered sex offender. She ended the relationship on October 9th, but Rowland began harassing and threatening her.

Lauren went to campus police for help but was not taken seriously. The correspondents speak with Lauren's friends and family members, who describe how scared she was and how she had taken steps to protect herself, such as contacting her parents for support and getting a gun license. However, the university did not provide her with adequate protection, despite her and her parents' repeated attempts to seek help.

On October 22nd, Rowland kidnapped Lauren from her dormitory parking lot and shot her multiple times before killing himself. The correspondents speak with witnesses who describe the chaos of that night and the shock of the university and local community. They also cover the investigation that ensued and the many ways in which the university and police failed to protect Lauren and respond appropriately to her concerns.

The episode features interviews with Lauren's parents, friends, and former coach, as well as law enforcement officials and university administrators. The correspondents also delve into the broader issues at play, such as the prevalence of dating violence and the ways in which universities and law enforcement often fail to protect victims. They examine how Lauren's case led to changes in Utah law and policies regarding campus safety, including the establishment of a statewide task force on campus safety.

Throughout the episode, the correspondents highlight Lauren's incredible life, accomplishments, and potential, as well as the devastating impact of her loss on her family and community. They also honor the important legacy that Lauren's story has left behind, as a call to action for better protections and support for victims of dating violence.

ABC 20/20's episode on Lauren McCluskey is a powerful and emotional examination of a tragic case that highlights important issues around campus safety, dating violence, and law enforcement failures. The correspondents approach the story with sensitivity and depth, honoring Lauren's life and legacy while challenging viewers to consider how we can all work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.