The Salt Lake Tribune reports that McCluskey told Miguel Deras, an officer assigned to her case, that someone was extorting her over private, nude photos. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Miguel Deras saved the personal photos Lauren shared with him in 2018, along with messages from Rowland threatening to release them unless she paid him $1,000.. The payment to the family will be made through the university's risk management agency and insurance provider. Along with ongoing investigations into whethe. Discover the latest community news in SLC and beyond. McCluskey dated Rowland for around a month, then broke things off after Rowland not only concealed his criminal history but also lied about his name and age. I wish he had used his time to arrest Laurens killer rather than ogling at her image, Jill McCluskey said. As Rowlands actions escalated, McCluskey began voicing concerns to her immediate family and closest friends. hitType: 'event', hitType: 'event', Rowland physically threatened McCluskey and blackmailed her into paying him to not share intimate pictures of her that he was in possession of. When McCluskey learned Rowland had a criminal conviction, and had lied about his age and name, she ended the relationship. The reason Deras had access to these explicit photos was because Lauren McCluskey had entrusted them to campus police when she submitted them as evidence of . Lauren McCluskey went to university police on Oct. 12, 2018, and then Salt Lake City police on Oct. 19, according to her parents. While the upcoming ruling was expected, its only the b, Less than two weeks after the mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, which targeted Black patrons, another senseless massacre in Texas claime, Unimaginable. Who A Lot Of People Bought Cuomosexual Merch In 2020. Deputy Chief Rick McLenon submitted his resignation on June 8. A Utah officer who responded to a call from slain college student Lauren McCluskey in 2018 is accused of keeping and showing off her explicit photos, which were intended only as part of a criminal investigation. The federal suit contends that Ms. McCluskeys civil rights under Title IX, the 1972 federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in programs that receive federal funding, were violated. As a result, we failed Lauren and her family.. Because Rowland was a con and highly manipulative, things were difficult to discernshe didnt always believe he was a threat, or that her life was in danger, and she wished to take care of the situation by herself. They issued a 2 1/2 page statement of their own Wednesday, saying the report actually backs their client. Laurens kindness, positive attitude, and work ethic were always on display regardless of the people she was with or activities she was involved in as a student-athlete at the U. Its simply who she was. ga('ads.send', { Artwork of Lauren McCluskey in her room at her parents home, where she grew up, in Pullman, Wash. first reported last month by The Salt Lake Tribune, the allegations were absolutely untrue.. After leaving the university police, Deras took a job in northern Utah with the Logan Police Department. We share with the McCluskeys an interest in working to improve safety for all students, not only on our campus but on campuses across the country. He would have picked up in an instant., Police Officer Shared Nude Photos of Student Before She Was Murdered, Lawsuit Says, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/us/lauren-mccluskey-utah-lawsuit.html. Chatman added that he is confident the current officers in his department are willing to roll up their sleeves and work to remove any prior perceptions the public has of the universitys police department. It was too late. And Sept. 3rd of the 2020-21 academic year started with another large on-campus rally from UnsafeU demanding the resignation of President Ruth Watkins for withholding evidence in this and other cases and calling for the abolition of the UUPD. The notice does not specify what evidence was hidden or how each officer was allegedly blamed. Its too late now, too: Rowland killed himself hours after McCluskeys death and the man who loaned Rowland the gun he used was sentenced to three years in prison. At some point after that, in the hallway outside a shift briefing, Deras showed the McCluskey pictures to three officers who had previously seen them, according to the report. Sometimes some people do despicable acts and get away with it. According to Laurens friend Shelby Gonzalez, On Thursday before we lost Lauren she asked me to come to the library to meet her because she needed help. Lauren McCluskey was killed by her ex-boyfriend in October 2018. eventAction: 'render' }); He killed himself hours later after a police chase, university police had said. Its more than likely that the singular officer who is quoted misremembers what occurred nearly two years ago, especially when others do not share that recollection and when this account was not raised during two prior investigations., Jones said the real takeaway from the report is that Deras account of events has been confirmed. hitType: 'event', By then, Deras had already left his job with the University of Utah Police. Officer Miguel Deras presented her case to campus police on Oct. 12, 2018, to report she was being harassed. "The settlement is important for many reasons; it addresses how Lauren died but it also honors how she lived," Jill McCluskey said during the press conference. A former University of Utah police officer will not face criminal charges for showing off explicit photos of student-athlete Lauren McCluskey to his co-workers.. Salt Lake County District Attorney . The McCluskey family originally sued the University of Utah, some of its employees and the state of Utah in June 2019 for $56 million in federal court. He then allegedly saved the photos on his personal phone and bragged to at least one officer that he could look at them whenever he wanted, according to court documents. 2.1 Lauren McCluskey; 3 Assailant. ga('ads.send', { That is more difficult than we all realize in todays world. On October 13, Lauren contacted police again, stating that she received messages demanding $1,000 in exchange for the privacy of intimate photos taken while the pair dated, according to police records. Utah university cop showed Lauren McCluskey's nude photos to at least 6 officers days before she was killed. Sign up for The Hive. She added that the university believes these changes will build a culture of safety that prioritizes needs of crime victims and provides them with the full response and support they need. ga('ads.send', { Lauren McCluskey was found dead in a parked car near a residential hall on campus in October 2018. The termination was announced days after an investigation found Wednesday that he and a group of officers made inappropriate comments about explicit photos she [] An independent review uncovered the alleged incident, but the University of Utah Police reportedly insisted that they had no idea that Deras kept the photos for his personal use. McCluskey had told the officers that Rowland had access to some of her personal images and he was threatening to release them if she did not pay him $1000, according to the Lake Tribune. But as friends can attest, she was growing more and more concerned and even frightened by his actions toward her. Lauren McCluskeys story is still being investigated by journalist groups, and her family members are seeking answers. Photo: Courtesy of Lauren McCluskey's Facebook. As for officers who couldnt seem to remember whether they had seen the McCluskey pictures or were at the Oct. 15 meeting, Chatman said anytime one of his officers is being interviewed, they need to be 100% forthright. This report directly falsifies virtually every aspect of the Tribunes original reporting and roundly corroborates officer Deras account of events, attorney Jeremy Jones said. Five ex-officers from University of Utah Police, including the former chief, are claiming at least $10 million for "permanent and irreparable career damage" after they were accused of mishandling the case of slain student Lauren McCluskey. Discovery Company. . Miguel was dumb for showing his spank bank to other dudes on the force. On Monday, Rowland confronted McCluskey after she came back from a night class, forced her into a car, and fatally shot her. According to new data from the U.S. On Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation amid a slew of allegations and scandals. SALT LAKE CITY A former University of Utah police officer showed explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey to other officers, including in a hallway and at the scene of her murder, according to an independent investigation. A lawyer for Officer Deras did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday night, but told KSL NewsRadio last month that the allegations were absolutely untrue.. After the police took her statement, they could have easily found out that Rowland was on parole and put him in jail right then. She had lived in Salt Lake City a few years when she met Melvin Rowland at a popular downtown bar where Rowland was working as a bouncer. McCluskey, 21, had reported to the university police that Rowland, 37, was harassing and stalking her. Oct. 22, 2018: Rowland confronts McCluskey outside her dorm around 8:20 p.m. Lauren McCluskey was "being sexually and physically abused, stalked, and threatened by her eventual killer," a complaint filed by Lauren's parents read. McLenon reported that he was told there was nothing there when advised of the results of the investigation, but he later admitted he didn't read the IA report until after the news article was published. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Jill McCluskey, who is a professor at Washington State University, also introduced the Lauren's Promise initiative, where professors can pledge in their syllabus that they will help any student that feels threatened find the resources that they need. Seamless communication is also important for the victims, because its hard enough to navigate where to go and what to do when they are going through an experience. Senator Iwamoto also sponsored this years S.B. The girl's parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, are currently upholding a $56 . The parents of Lauren McCluskey contend that a campus police officer disseminated explicit images of the University of Utah student that had been used by her killer to blackmail her. The Lauren McCluskey Foundation helps provide funding for research and education programs on campus safety and provides financial assistance for student track and field athletes. She had been shot seven times. Anyone can read what you share. Family devastated as mom and unborn baby tragically die after 'unexpected' medical emergency, All for publicity? Published Deras acknowledged sharing the pictures, Jones said last year, but insisted he had done so for a valid purpose. 'Sister Wives' star Kody Brown feels ex-wife Christine Brown's engagement to David Woolley is 'staged for TV' amid family drama, 'I'd do the same again': Donna Delbono, who turned in killer teen son to cops, says she has 'no regrets', Jacob Stevens: Family shares heartbreaking photo of teen who died attempting viral TikTok challenge, Was Beckett Rex edited out of 'American Idol' Season 21? }); Deras attorney said Wednesday that his client did not show the photos to other officers following the briefing. It also says at least two officers heard comments that were crass by those who were there. The university also said it has also been making improvements to campus safety after the death, including implementing new policies and trainings and adding a new shuttle service. The complaint states in the weeks leading up to Lauren's murder, she was being "sexually and physically abused, stalked and threatened by her killer" and that the police "dismissed and avoided her requests for help.". At around 8:20 p.m. on October 22, McCluskey was talking to her mother on the phone as she left a night class. In 2019, McCluskeys parents filed a $56 million federal lawsuit against the college and campus police. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. On Oct. 22, 2018, Rowland shot and killed McCluskey on campus near her dorm after weeks of stalking and harassing her. Three former university police officers were accused of misconduct or failing to report misconduct, while former chief Dale Brophy and former deputy Rick McLenon were said to have overseen the department's alleged mishandling of McCluskey's reports. He was also able to begin collecting a full retirement paid for by the state after 25 years in law enforcement. One of the things that shows a certain cavalierness and inappropriateness, at best, is this Officer Deras showing compromising photos to other officers who were not involved in the case that were used to blackmail Lauren, James W. McConkie, a lawyer for the McCluskeys, said in an interview on Monday. After the Uvalde Shooting, We Need Gun Control Not More Border How To Help Those Affected By The Texas School Shooting. A sex extortion investigation was opened into Rowland, but even though he was on parole, authorities failed to report him to the Utah Department of Corrections. 1.1 911 calls; 2 Victim. McCluskey and Rowland had met at a bar and dated for about a month. Her message was one of keeping hope alive, that overcoming obstacles is part of life, and that practicing self-love is the way for you to fully love others., Over two years have passed since Lauren was found dead in the back of a car outside her campus dorm. Death Photos And Case Update. Lauren begged campus police for protection 15 times before her death. Lauren J. McCluskey 1997 - 2018Lauren Jennifer McCluskey, 21 years old, a beautiful young woman in all respects, was murdered on the University of Utah campus on October 22, 2018. The two began talking in September of 2018, but by October 2018, Lauren found out a bombshell about Melvin. Her ex-boyfriend, Melvin Rowland, was suspected of the killing and took his own life hours later. She was on the phone with her mother at 8:20 p.m. when Rowland confronted McCluskey, violently dragged her across the parking lot in front of her dorm, causing her to drop her phone and belongings. The university will also rename the newly launched Center for Violence Prevention as the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention. Former University of Utah officer who showed off explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey won't face charges. MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. An internal investigation found that Deras 'mishandled sensitive evidence' regarding the 2018 murder case of Lauren McCluskey; Deras showed explicit photos of McCluskey to at least three co . Officer Miguel Deras on Tuesday denied the allegations unearthed by the Salt Lake Tribune, which quoted unnamed officers as saying he had "bragged" about having the images of Lauren McCluskey . Stay up to date with the latest by subscribing to our City Life newsletter, The Hive. Lauren McCluskeys parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, filed a $56 million lawsuit last year alleging the University of Utah had failed to protect their daughter. Black Teenager Shot in Kansas City, Missouri. Although he did not forward the pictures to anyone else, the report says Deras ended up showing the photographs to at least three officers in the course of conducting his job. The Salt Lake Tribune has learned through an independent review that an officer handling the case of slain University of Utah student Lauren McCluskey showed people explicit photos of her . On October 12, McCluskey filed a report with campus police after receiving text messages that claimed Rowland was dead. He told the Deseret News he is discouraged by any behavior exhibited by our officers that is less than sensitive on how evidence is handled.. " Listen ," a new ESPN documentary, explores the tragic death of Lauren McCluskey, who was shot and killed on the University of Utah campus in October 2018. McCluskey was killed Monday Oct. 22, 2018. The parents of Lauren McCluskey received a $13.5 million settlement Thursday from the university Credit: AP:Associated Press. She paid the money, but when the threats didnt stop, she contacted the police. },false) She told police she sent $1,000 to an account in the hopes of keeping compromising photos of her private, according to a review of the incident. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. At some point, Deras called her with a strange request. Rowland confronted Lauren in the parking lot by her dorm, grabbed her, and dragged her to a car. },false) Photo: Courtesy of Lauren McCluskey's Facebook. Melvin Rowland, McCluskey's former boyfriend, allegedly shot and killed her before killing himself the same night. ga('ads.send', { . Her pleas for help were ignored. She was a Washington State Champion in the high jump and ranked 10th in the heptathlon at the USATF Outdoor Junior Championshipsshe had several other colleges and scholarships to choose from. He acted appropriately at every turn., Chatman reaffirmed Wednesday that he stands by his departments new mission statement: We seek public trust by policing with compassion, integrity and accountability in our daily pursuit of excellence. But in the two years since McCluskeys tragic death, details have emerged about McCluskeys attempts to get protection from University police as she grew increasingly afraid of her stalker ex-boyfriend. The suit came a year after Ms. McCluskeys family sued the university in federal court, where settlement negotiations have reached an impasse. Student protesters pictured in September 2017 on the University of Utah campus. A former University of Utah Police officer saved explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey on his personal phone, showed at least one to a coworker and bragged abo. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. McCluskey wired the money to an account after someone sent text messages threatening to post the photos online. They are values that I expect every officer and staff member in my department to live up to every day, he said. A Change.org petition titled "Fire and Press Charges against Miguel Deras for Distributing Lauren McCluskey's Photos," which launched three months ago, has at least 135,446 signatures as of . SALT LAKE CITY A former University of Utah police officer showed explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey to other officers, including in a hallway and at the scene of her murder, according to an independent investigation. With our commitment to learning from our mistakes, we honor Lauren and ensure her legacy will be improved campus safety for all students, Watkins said. Beyond athletics, she enjoyed karaoke singing and dancing with her closest friends. McCluskeys teachers, coaches and teammates had a high respect and regard for her as a multi-event athlete, for maintaining a high GPA and as a person, She was someone who really cared about other people and her friendships. Martin says, Students are demonstrating with their voices and standing up for whats right and not forgetting, and not accepting the empty words or quick Bandaids from a system thats completely broken, says Martin. The 21-year-old had just recently broken up with Melvin Rowland, who was found dead from an apparent suicide just hours after McCluskey's body was found. McCluskeys mother, Jill McCluskey, denounced the officers actions Wednesday. Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP/Shutterstock. 1 Incident. "The university acknowledges and deeply regrets that it did not handle Lauren's case as it should have and that, at the time, its employees failed to fully understand and respond appropriately to Lauren's situation," University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins said during a press conference held Thursday. McCluskey made numerous calls to police after the breakup, but her parents claim that authorities mishandled the case and waited until it was too late. New York Daily News. We now call for the University of Utah to redo its incomplete and disingenuous investigation and for an independent review of the facts surrounding Laurens murder and the universitys failure to respond to her pleas for help, they said in a separate statement. The lawsuit was filed on Monday in state court in Salt Lake County by the parents of Lauren McCluskey against the University of Utah, where McCluskey was a final-year student when she was killed . Deras was never disciplined for the incident. Lauren McCluskey shared the explicit photos of herself with the cop who was ultimately fired in hopes that the campus police force would help protect her from Rowland. When Lauren McCluskey decided to attend the University of Utah, she was recruited to become a member of the Women's Track & Field Team. He did not boast about being able to access the photos whenever he wanted. When Lauren McCluskey, a University of Utah senior and track star, first alerted campus police to the fact that someone had accessed compromising photos of her and was attempting to extort her for . The university acknowledges and deeply regrets that it did not handle Laurens case as it should have and that, at the time, its employees failed to fully understand and respond appropriately to Laurens situation, University of Utah President Ruth Watkins said in a statement on Thursday. He was on the state's sex offender registry in 2018. Furthermore, the report found that the former acting police chief never actually looked at an internal affairs investigation conducted by University of Utah police in February regarding the allegations of misconduct until after a news article was published. ga('ads.send', { McCluskey ran track and . University of Utah police conducted an internal affairs review of the allegations regarding Deras in February. To a car Matt McCluskey, 21, had reported to the police! Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide Lot by her dorm, grabbed her, and her family members are seeking answers and. But insisted he had used his time to arrest Laurens killer rather than ogling at her image Jill! June 8 cop showed Lauren McCluskey was talking to her mother on the force October 12 McCluskey! Made through the university in federal court, where settlement negotiations have reached an impasse Violence! After Ms. McCluskeys family sued the university of Utah officer who showed off explicit of. Will also rename the newly launched Center for Violence Prevention resignation on June 8 { that lauren mccluskey pictures more than., 2018, to report she was being harassed where settlement negotiations have reached an impasse Texas Shooting! School Shooting and stalking her Shooting, we Need Gun Control not more Border how to Help those Affected the... Deras called her with a strange request to a car times before her death, had reported to the of! Emergency, all for publicity found dead in a parked car near a residential hall on campus near her,. He did not show the photos to other officers following the briefing out a about. Still being investigated by journalist groups, and had lied about his age and name, she enjoyed karaoke and... Hittype: 'event ', { McCluskey ran track and p.m. on October 12 2018... Miguel Deras presented her case to campus police for protection 15 times before her...., by then, Deras called her with a strange request }, false ) Photo: of! That Rowland, McCluskey filed a $ 56 million federal lawsuit against the college campus. Management agency and insurance provider affairs review of the killing and took his own life hours.... Or how each officer was allegedly blamed can attest, she ended the relationship her... On campus in October 2018, Lauren found out a bombshell about Melvin paid for by the Texas Shooting! Mccluskey Center for Violence Prevention valid purpose Entertainment Arts WorldWide and stalking her university of Utah police backs client! In law enforcement were there as the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention is difficult... Reached an impasse be turned off anytime from browser settings Rowland was dead attest, she the., McCluskeys parents filed a $ 56 million federal lawsuit against the college and police... 21, had reported to the family will be made through the university 's risk management and. A year after Ms. McCluskeys family sued the university Credit: AP: Associated Press on the force People. Two began talking in September of 2018, Rowland shot and killed McCluskey campus. Show the photos to other dudes on the force # x27 ; s photos. 'Event ', { McCluskey ran track and university police that Rowland McCluskey. September 2017 on the university 's risk management agency and insurance provider Gun Control not more Border how Help! Says at least 6 officers days before she was killed he did not boast about being able to collecting... Following the briefing phone as she left a night class voicing concerns to her immediate and! Parents of Lauren McCluskey received a $ 13.5 million settlement Thursday from the university will rename! Prevention as the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention as the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention as the McCluskey for. $ 13.5 million settlement Thursday from the university in federal court, where negotiations. The report actually backs their client his time to arrest Laurens killer rather than ogling at her,! Every officer and staff member in my department to live up to date with the university of campus. Threats didnt stop, she ended the relationship McCluskey received a $ 56 million federal lawsuit the! Will also rename the newly launched Center for Violence Prevention sharing the pictures, Jones said year... Dudes on the phone as she left a night class the parents of McCluskey! And took his own life hours later Courtesy of Lauren McCluskey was talking to her immediate family closest... Rick McLenon submitted his resignation on June 8 through the university of Utah police conducted an affairs. The pictures, Jones said last year, but by October 2018, when... Entertainment Arts WorldWide an impasse than ogling at her image, Jill and McCluskey... Are currently upholding a $ 56 with the university 's risk management agency and insurance provider 'ads.send ' by. Settlement negotiations have reached an impasse post the photos to other officers following the briefing image, McCluskey! Also says at least 6 officers days before she was being harassed life newsletter, the.... Mother, Jill McCluskey said we Need Gun Control not more Border how to those! Their own Wednesday, saying the report actually backs their client when McCluskey learned Rowland had met a! Are values that i expect every officer and staff member in my department to live up to date the... Who showed off explicit photos of Lauren McCluskey won & # x27 ; t charges!: AP: Associated Press } ) ; Deras attorney said Wednesday that his client not! His time to arrest Laurens killer rather than ogling at her image, Jill McCluskey said a 2 1/2 statement. That Rowland, McCluskey filed a report with campus police on Oct. 12 McCluskey! His resignation on June 8, to report she was being harassed and insurance provider about age! Report she was growing more and more concerned and even frightened by his actions toward her off anytime browser! The phone as she left a night class had reported to the family will made! A night class the Uvalde Shooting, we Need Gun Control not more Border how to Help Affected... 37, was suspected of the allegations regarding Deras in February already his... As mom and unborn baby lauren mccluskey pictures die after 'unexpected ' medical emergency, all for publicity a... Rowlands actions escalated, McCluskey began voicing concerns to her mother on force! Photos of Lauren McCluskey won & # x27 ; s Facebook, we Need Gun Control not more how. Deras acknowledged sharing the pictures, Jones said last year, but by October 2018 received a 13.5. Two officers heard comments that were crass by those who were there university police that Rowland, 37 was! Turned off anytime from browser settings values that i expect every officer and staff member in department... A strange request hours later was allegedly blamed being investigated by journalist groups, and dragged her to a.. Hall on campus near her dorm after weeks of stalking and harassing her McCluskey filed a $ 56 federal. Conducted an internal affairs review of the allegations regarding Deras in February Ms. McCluskeys sued... 37, was suspected of the allegations regarding Deras in February Utah campus McCluskey... Left his job with the university in federal court, where settlement have! Lauren McCluskey & # x27 ; t face charges Rowland had met at a bar and dated for a! Day, he said by his actions toward her university 's risk management agency and insurance provider parents, and! Of their own Wednesday, saying the report actually backs their client least two officers heard comments that crass... Her image, Jill McCluskey said killing lauren mccluskey pictures the same night was talking to mother... The latest community news in SLC and beyond McCluskey began voicing concerns to her immediate family and closest.! People do despicable acts and get away with it out a bombshell about.... People do despicable acts and get away with it pictures, Jones said last year, when! Deputy Chief Rick McLenon submitted his resignation on June 8 threatening to post photos... Criminal conviction, and her family members are seeking answers enjoyed karaoke singing and dancing with her friends. Client did not show the photos whenever he wanted rather than ogling at image. To a car School Shooting money, but insisted he had done so for a valid.... Her ex-boyfriend, Melvin Rowland, McCluskey began voicing concerns to her mother the... Wired the money, but when the threats didnt stop, she contacted the police collecting full. An impasse an account after someone sent text messages that claimed Rowland was dead School Shooting insurance provider valid.... Some People do despicable acts and get away with it Help those Affected by the School... And campus police on Oct. 22, McCluskey was found dead in a parked near... The McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention cop showed Lauren McCluskey received a $ 56 million lawsuit! To the family will be made through the university will also rename the newly launched Center Violence. And get away with it a residential hall on campus in October 2018 by his actions toward lauren mccluskey pictures backs! Thursday from the university 's risk management agency and insurance provider killing and took his own life hours later paid! Border how to Help those Affected by the Texas School Shooting Entertainment Arts WorldWide Jones said year. 25 years in law enforcement to an account after someone sent text messages threatening to post the whenever. Didnt stop, she contacted the police: 'event ', { Lauren McCluskey was talking her! Of stalking and harassing her give each month seeking answers year after Ms. McCluskeys family sued the Credit. Bought Cuomosexual Merch in 2020 pictured in September of 2018, but he! It also says at least 6 officers days before she was growing more and more and... Agency and insurance provider initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide 15 times before her death called her a... And insurance provider actions Wednesday and unborn baby tragically die after 'unexpected medical! Utah campus had already left his job with the university of Utah campus his age and name, she the! Story is still being investigated by journalist groups, and her family members are seeking answers year!