Ep 9. Hunting Bambi: The Laurie Bembenek Story

In American Justice season 1998 episode 9, titled "Hunting Bambi: The Laurie Bembenek Story," the show explores the strange and controversial story of Laurie Bembenek, a former Milwaukee police officer who was accused and ultimately convicted of murdering her husband's ex-wife. Bembenek gained notoriety after she escaped from prison and was on the run for several months before being captured in Canada and extradited back to the United States.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Bembenek and the circumstances surrounding her arrest and conviction. Bembenek claimed that she was innocent of the crime and that she was framed by members of the police department who were upset with her for speaking out about corruption within their ranks. However, despite her claims of innocence, Bembenek was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

The episode then delves into the aftermath of Bembenek's conviction, which included a long and contentious appeals process. Bembenek's attorneys argued that there was no physical evidence connecting her to the crime and that the key witness against her, her former roommate Judy Zess, had been coerced into testifying against her. However, despite these arguments, Bembenek's conviction was upheld and she remained in prison.

Things took a dramatic turn when Bembenek managed to escape from prison in 1990, sparking a nationwide manhunt. Bembenek eluded authorities for several months before being captured in Canada, where she was seeking asylum. Her escape and capture garnered national attention and turned Bembenek into a household name.

The episode also explores the public reaction to Bembenek's case, which was divided in many ways. Some people believed that she was a victim of a corrupt system and had been wrongly convicted, while others saw her as a cold-blooded killer who was trying to evade justice. The episode features interviews with people on both sides of the debate, as well as with Bembenek herself.

Overall, "Hunting Bambi: The Laurie Bembenek Story" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that raises questions about the nature of justice, the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and the potential for corruption within law enforcement. Whether viewers believe Bembenek is innocent or guilty, they will undoubtedly find themselves engrossed in her strange and fascinating story.