Death in the Dorms: Season 1, Episode 6 – "Katie Autry"
Introduction
In the final installment of the first season of Death in the Dorms, ABC News' 20/20 delves into the tragic and mysterious case of Katie Autry, a first-year student at Western Kentucky University. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Katie's untimely death, the subsequent investigation, and the lingering questions that remain unanswered.
Background on Katie Autry
Katie Autry was born on June 10, 1984, in Rosine, Kentucky, where she spent her early childhood. Growing up in a family with deep roots in Rosine, Katie was admired for her loving nature and vibrant personality. Deborah Roberts, Katie's cousin, shares fond memories:
"Katie was a very funny and sweet person. She couldn't stand for somebody to be around her and be down. She wanted to make them smile and be happy" ([00:53]).
Despite facing challenges early on, including entering foster care at the age of seven or eight due to her mother's illness, Katie thrived academically and socially. She attended Western Kentucky University to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, marking a significant milestone as the first in her family to attend college.
College Life and Events Leading to the Incident
Katie's transition to college life was filled with excitement and newfound freedom. Living in Poland Halls, she quickly formed close relationships, notably with her roommate Danika Jackson, a cheerleader at the school. Their bond was described as sisterly:
"They kind of described each other almost as like sisters, you know, in addition to being best friends" ([09:56]).
Katie was actively involved in campus life, balancing her studies with extracurricular activities and a part-time job at a smoothie shop. However, financial strains led her to take a job at a local gentleman's club, Tattletales, a decision that sparked rumors and affected her reputation.
On May 4, 2003, the night took a dark turn. Around 4:00 AM, a fire alarm at Poland Hall led to the discovery of Katie seriously injured in her dorm room. What was initially presumed to be a prank quickly unraveled into a horrifying crime scene.
The Incident: Fire and Violence
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, with firefighters finding Katie in critical condition. Captain Bob Sanborn recounted:
"I saw something glistening. And that was Katie. And the part that was glistening was a part of her arm that was exposed that wasn't blackened by the fire. She was still alive and she was in a very bad place" ([14:51]).
Medical staff at Greenwood Hospital noted the severity of her injuries, which included burns and signs of sexual assault. Katie was placed in a medically induced coma but tragically succumbed to her injuries after three days.
Investigation and Trial
The investigation revealed that Katie had attended a fraternity party on the night of her death, where she had an altercation with her on-and-off boyfriend, Maurice Perkins. Katie left the party with a designated sober driver, Ryan Payne, but circumstances following their departure raised suspicions.
Key developments in the investigation included:
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Interviews and Leads: Katie’s roommate, Danika Jackson, provided crucial information about Katie's interactions that night, including a phone call where she heard a second male voice ([09:07]). Maurice Perkins initially provided a solid alibi, but inconsistencies emerged when his friend, Stephen Sewells, confessed involvement under coercion.
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Stephen Sewells' Confession: Sewells revealed he was forced by his acquaintance, Lucas Goodrum, to rape and murder Katie. He stated:
"He made me do it. Lucas made me do everything he did" ([43:04]).
Sewells agreed to testify against Goodrum in exchange for a plea deal, which ultimately led to his life imprisonment without parole.
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Lucas Goodrum’s Trial: Lucas Goodrum, identified as having connections to a prominent family, faced trial with limited physical evidence against him. Despite Sewells’ testimony, DNA evidence was inconclusive, leading to Goodrum’s acquittal after a three-hour jury deliberation ([55:34]).
Notable Quotes:
- Deborah Roberts: "She did matter. She mattered to a lot of people" ([01:44]).
- Stephen Sewells: "This was pure torture. That's what it was" ([16:56]).
- Danika Jackson: "Police seem to put a lot of weight on Danica's testimony that there were two men in that room" ([46:25]).
- Deborah Roberts: "We know that Lucas is innocent. We believe him 100%" ([53:11]).
Conclusion and Reflection
The episode concludes with reflections from Katie’s family and those involved in the case. Deborah Roberts expresses enduring sorrow and the unresolved anguish from the verdict:
"I believe that I will probably never know exactly what happened and get all the answers that I'm asking for, and that eats at me" ([56:02]).
Detective Kevin Pickett highlights the profound impact of narratives on public perception and justice:
"I see this case as it's all about, you know, narratives, and, like, whoever establishes the first narrative, that's the one that people stick to" ([56:33]).
Katie’s legacy is remembered fondly by her family and friends, emphasizing her vibrant spirit and the loss felt by her untimely death. The episode underscores the complexities of criminal investigations, the influence of societal narratives, and the enduring quest for truth and closure.
Closing Thoughts
Death in the Dorms presents a compelling and heartfelt exploration of Katie Autry’s life and tragic death. Through interviews, investigative insights, and personal reflections, the episode not only recounts the events but also delves into the emotional and societal ramifications of such a loss within a community.