***READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED***
Posts about real school tragedy, crime and/or events can be upsetting.
BLOG POST #184: This week, I’m sharing research on a specific crime involving three high school friends.
She was a 16-year-old honors student living in a small close-knit community when she went missing. After her parents reviewed the security video from their apartment complex, they saw she’d slipped out her bedroom window and got into the back seat of a car. The video was too grainy to see make, model, or license plate number.
Besties No More
Once best friends, the friendship between the threesome had crumbled. Two girls were fearful the third would tell others their sensitive and embarrassing secrets. So they concocted a detailed plan to kill their ex-friend and then they executed the murder.
The girls borrowed a car, packed towels, cleaning supplies, fresh clothes, shovels and knives into the trunk before they coaxed their “friend” to sneak out and go somewhere to smoke marijuana with them.
Lies and More Lies
As days turned to weeks, and then months with no sign of their daughter, her parents held on to hope she would return. The two friends kept up with their story that they didn’t know where she’d gone. They’d post on social media how much they missed her and beg her to come home.
Her parents considered the friends extended family. You know how friends are at that age, one weekend they’d stay at one girl’s house the next weekend at another’s.
Finally, the burden of keeping the secret became too much for one of the girls. She voluntarily went to the police and confessed. She also told the authorities where they had left the body. The other friend denied her involvement.
Big Girl Consequences
For more than six months, her body was 30 miles from home across the state line under a pile of branches and vegetation debris.
Both girls were charged, and their cases transferred to adult court.
Once their horrific act went public, the murdered girl’s parents were shocked how easily the girls had lied to them and pretended to care about their daughter’s disappearance.
The girl who had confessed pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The judge sentenced her to 30 years in prison.
The week before her trial was scheduled to begin, the “mastermind” pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. The judge sentenced her to life in prison. She’ll be eligible for parole after 15 years.
Gone But Not Forgotten
After losing a child to a violent crime, I’m sure it’s difficult for parents to heal. Almost every night for more than six years, the mother of the girl murdered in this case has posted a good night message to her daughter on social media.
Sadly, this type of crime is not an isolated incident. You may have missed this similar case: Cold-Blooded Vengeance
My heart hurts for all family and friends who’ve lost a loved one to a violent crime.
What are your thoughts about this case? Join the conversation on the website. We talk about the sensitive subject of crimes occurring at or connected to schools. Your relevant comments are always welcome on the Research Blog.
Do you know of a school crime you’d like to share? Email me so we can discuss the details.
Thanks for reading!
-Robin
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BLOG POST #171: This week, I’m sharing research on a specific crime that occurred a few years ago involving a high school Dean of Academy and a 17-year-old student.
Thank you for reading my weekly posts. I don’t know about you, but I’ve come to the conclusion nothing is too bizarre when it comes to crime.
Summer is a time when it’s more likely friends will have sleepovers. Days are long. School’s on break. Parents usual relax curfews.