171: The Murder of Lauren Burk

On a cool March evening of 2008, motorists on Highway 147 in Auburn, Alabama were startled to see a young girl in the road. She was naked, crying, covered in road rash and waving her arms desperately for help. Despite everyone’s best efforts, 18 year old Lauren Burk did not survive her ordeal. She had been shot and and bled out within 2 to 3 minutes after jumping from a moving car. The Auburn University student had been carjacked in a campus parking lot. The ensuing trial for her murderer, Courtney Lockhart, called into question many troubling aspects of the law. The standard for mental incompetency as well as the Alabama law that a judge can override a jury’s recommendation.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of PTSD due to combat

Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Haley Gray
Additional writing by Erica Kelley
Research Assistance by Anna Luria
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast & Erica Kelley

Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-lauren-burk

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