Truer Crime - Episode: Lauren McCluskey

Release Date: January 20, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Truer Crime, host Celisia Stanton unravels the tragic and complex story of Lauren McCluskey, a beloved 21-year-old student at the University of Utah. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode explores Lauren's life, her relationship with Melvin Rowland—a man with a disturbing past—and the systemic failures that culminated in her untimely death.

Background: Who Was Lauren McCluskey?

Lauren McCluskey was not just another college student; she was a vibrant, dedicated individual deeply involved in her community and athletic endeavors. As Celisia Stanton narrates, “It was September of 2018... Lauren now embraced the spotlight. She built deep friendships, sang at karaoke nights, even tried her hand at performing comedy” ([05:00]). Her enthusiasm and commitment made her a cherished member of the University of Utah community.

The Beginning of a Tragic Relationship

Lauren met Melvin Rowland at the London Bell, a local bar in Salt Lake. Melvin, posing as a charming and mature individual, quickly became a significant presence in Lauren's life. “He was the guy next door” ([01:10]), recalls Lauren's coach, highlighting Melvin's initial benign facade. Their whirlwind romance was marked by Melvin’s thoughtful gestures—dinners, flowers—and his apparent maturity, which initially seemed to complement Lauren's athletic and academic focus.

Red Flags and Rising Concerns

Despite Lauren's happiness, those close to her began noticing troubling signs. Friends like Alex observed Lauren’s rapidly changing behavior and Melvin's controlling nature. “Lauren’s explanation of her outfit raised more eyebrows. Shawn told me to wear a T-shirt and jeans” ([09:30]). Melvin’s insistence on knowing Lauren’s whereabouts and his restrictive behavior began to erode her autonomy, leading friends and family to worry about her well-being.

Attempted Intervention and Institutional Failures

Alarmed by Lauren’s situation, Alex and other friends reported their concerns to campus housing authorities. Unfortunately, the response was inadequate. “They focused on the parts of the story that indicated Lauren might have violated campus housing guest policy” ([10:30]). Technical issues and bureaucratic indifference resulted in the report never being formally filed, leaving Lauren without the necessary support and protection.

Escalation: Blackmail and Threats

As the relationship unraveled, Melvin’s true nature emerged. Lauren discovered Melvin’s real identity—Melvin Rowland—a 37-year-old with a history of sex crimes. “[Melvin] had some big, scary things to hide” ([12:20]). Following their breakup, Lauren began receiving threatening texts orchestrated by Melvin, aimed at blackmailing her. At [19:05], Lauren explains, “I’m being blackmailed for money. It’s a photo of me and my ex. They’re threatening to send it out to everyone and asking for a thousand dollars.”

The Final Assault and Tragic Loss

Despite multiple reports to campus police, Lauren’s pleas for help went unanswered. On a fateful evening, Lauren’s parents received a desperate call from Lauren, who was being physically attacked. “[Matt] My daughter, Lauren McCluskey was talking to her mom and then she just started saying, no, no, no” ([26:50]). Tragically, Lauren was found dead later that evening, having been shot seven times. Melvin, when confronted by police, took his own life, leaving behind a devastated community and unanswered questions about institutional negligence.

Investigation and Unveiling Systemic Failures

The investigation revealed glaring systemic failures within the University of Utah's campus police. Melvin’s parole status was not adequately checked, and his history as a sex offender was not properly communicated or surveilled. “[Melvin] was using dating sites, social media, and even borrowed a gun before killing Lauren” ([34:00]). These oversights and the campus police's lack of coordination with external law enforcement agencies critically hindered timely intervention that might have saved Lauren’s life.

The McCluskey Family’s Advocacy and Legacy

In the aftermath of Lauren's death, her parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, channeled their grief into advocacy. They established the Lauren McCluskey Foundation and launched Lauren's Promise, a campaign encouraging communities to support and believe victims of stalking and dating violence. Their relentless pursuit of justice led to significant legislative changes, including state bills mandating detailed response plans for such cases in public colleges.

Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Change

Lauren McCluskey’s heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact systemic failures can have on individual lives. Truer Crime not only memorializes Lauren’s vibrant life but also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in how institutions handle abuse and stalking cases. The McCluskey family's ongoing efforts underscore the importance of community advocacy and systemic accountability to prevent future tragedies.

Notable Quotes

• Matt McCluskey on Lauren’s Final Call: “My daughter, Lauren McCluskey was talking to her mom and then she just started saying, no, no, no” ([26:50]).

• Lauren's Coach on Her Character: “Lauren was an outstanding young woman... She was genuinely sweet and had a relentless determination” ([29:31]).

• Celisia Stanton on Systemic Failures: “We will never know that this tragedy could have been prevented without these deficiencies” ([37:32]).

Final Thoughts

This episode of Truer Crime masterfully intertwines personal tragedy with critical analysis of systemic shortcomings, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Lauren McCluskey's story. It stands as a compelling call to action, urging societies and institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.

For more episodes and detailed stories, visit the Truer Crime website or subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform.