Laurie Bembenek
| Laurie Bembenek | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Lawrencia Ann Bembenek August 15, 1958 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | November 20, 2010 (aged 52) Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Kidney and liver failure |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Bambi Bembenek, Jennifer Gazzana |
| Occupation | Police officer |
| Criminal charge |
First-degree murder (1982 charge) Second-degree murder (1992 charge) |
| Criminal status | Released November 1992 |
| Spouse(s) |
Elfred Schultz (m. 1981; div. 1984) Marty Carson (m. 2005; div. 2007) |
| Conviction(s) |
Life (1982 verdict) 20 years (1992 verdict) |
|
Capture status
|
Released on December 9, 1992 |
|
Time at large
|
95 days |
| Escaped | July 15, 1990 |
| Escape end | October 17, 1990 |
| Killings | |
| Victims | Christine Schultz |
| Date | May 28, 1981 2:15am |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) | Wisconsin |
| Location(s) | Milwaukee |
| Killed | 1 |
| Weapons | .38 caliber pistol |
|
Date apprehended
|
July 24, 1982 |
| Imprisoned at | Taycheedah Correctional Institution |
Lawrencia Ann "Bambi" Bembenek (August 15, 1958 – November 20, 2010), known as Laurie Bembenek, was an American former police officer convicted of murdering her husband's ex-wife. Her story garnered national attention after she escaped from Taycheedah Correctional Institution and was recaptured in Canada, an episode which inspired books, movies and the slogan "Run, Bambi, Run". Upon winning a new trial, she pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and was sentenced to time served and ten years probation in December 1992. For years after, she sought to have the sentence overturned.
Prior to her arrest, Bembenek was fired by the Milwaukee Police Department and had gone on to sue the department, claiming that it engaged in sexual discrimination and other illegal activities. She worked briefly as a waitress at a Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Playboy Club. At the time of her arrest, she was working for Marquette University's Public Safety Department in downtown Milwaukee.
On November 20, 2010, Bembenek died at a hospice facility in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 52.
Bembenek was the youngest of three girls born to Joseph and Virginia Bembenek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 15, 1958. Joseph Bembenek had previously worked for the Milwaukee Police Department but quit after witnessing what he described as corruption within the department. He later worked as a carpenter.
Bembenek was raised a Roman Catholic and attended St. Augustine Elementary School and St. Mary's Academy in Milwaukee. She later transferred to Bay View High School where she graduated in 1976. Upon graduation, Bembenek attended Bryant & Stratton College, where she earned an associate degree in fashion merchandising management.
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