Why Armchair Detectives Think Laurie 'Bambi' Bembenek Was Framed For Murder By The Police

According to prosecutors, Laurie Bembenek's motive for killing Christine Schultz was money. Fred Schultz's financial responsibilities to his family were eating into their finances, and that was why Bembenek decided to kill Christine. Prosecutors stated that Bembenek wore a disguise, entered Christine's home using Fred's key, and killed her (via Vanity Fair). They argued that Bembenek was the only other person who had access to Fred's gun. A wig was also found in plumbing underneath the apartment she shared with Fred, and its fibers were consistent with those found on Christine's body.

The jury found Bembenek guilty, and she was sentenced to life in prison. Fred divorced her soon after. As reported by Milwaukee Magazine, Bembenek earned a bachelor's degree while incarcerated, and she even started a newspaper for the inmates. As years passed, Bembenek's appeals were repeatedly denied, and she had lost all hope of ever getting out. She had a romantic relationship with Dominic Gugliatto, the brother of a fellow inmate, and with his help, she escaped the prison through a window in July 1990 after eight years in prison. When news of Bembenek's escape broke, many supported Bembenek, and hundreds of people gathered together donning "Run Bambi Run" shirts. "Bambi" was the nickname the media gave Bembenek during the trial, a name she despised. As reported by AP News, many believed that Bembenek's trial was unfair and that she was innocent. Her supporters even donated money to pay for her legal team.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunCFkm5paWpfrLW6ecCrpJygkZ6%2FbrDErZycrJmrsrR506Ggp6Ndoa62vsieZJuZnZe2bq7EppmeppWgerit0madq5mdmrFuss6rZKatopmys3nBsmStoJVivbC4yJycaA%3D%3D