A budding track star in Utah, warned the police six times in ten days about her boyfriend’s death threats, but they did not take her seriously until it was too late.
Victim’s Attempts to Seek Help and Protection Not Enough
The young woman, Lauren McCluskey, was a promising athlete with dreams of competing in the Olympics. However, her dreams were shattered when her abusive partner, Melvin Rowland, killed her in a violent attack, despite her repeated attempts to seek help and protection.
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A Violent Past
According to reports from Life Daily and Heavy , Rowland had a history of violence and crime, including convictions for theft, drug possession, and assault. He had also been accused of stalking and harassing other women, but was never held accountable for his actions. Despite this, the victim tried to stay with him, hoping that he would change and that she could help him get the support he needed.
Death Threats
However, the situation became untenable when Rowland started threatening to kill the victim and himself.
Cries For Help Ignored
She contacted the police six times in ten days, explaining the gravity of the situation and pleading for help. She also tried to get a restraining order against him, but was told that she did not have enough evidence. The police advised her to keep a diary of the threats and incidents, and to seek support from her family and friends.
Acted On His Words
Unfortunately, the victim’s attempts to seek help and protection were not enough. Despite her warnings, the police did not take the threats seriously or intervene in time. On the seventh day, Rowland made good on his promise and killed the victim in a brutal attack, before turning the weapon on himself. He later died from his injuries.
How Did the Police Let This Happen
The victim’s death has shocked and outraged the community, and has sparked a debate about domestic violence and the role of the police in addressing it.
Many have called for better training and resources for officers to identify and respond to abusive relationships, and to prioritize the safety and well-being of victims. They have also called for stricter laws and penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence, and for more support and services for victims to escape and heal from abuse.
The victim’s death is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, and the urgent need to address it. It is also a call to action for all of us to speak out against abuse and to support those who are suffering in silence. We must not let another promising life be cut short by violence and neglect.
