University Of Utah To Pay Lauren McCluskey’s Family $13.5 Million Over ‘Preventable’ Death

Topline

The University of Utah announced Thursday it had agreed to pay the family of slain track star Lauren McCluskey a $13.5 million settlement, acknowledging for the first time that McCluskey’s death was “preventable” and that the university could have better protected her but failed to do so.

Key Facts

Key Background:

Rowland, a registered sex offender out on parole, had reportedly lied to McClusky about his name, age and criminal history. He claimed he was a 28-year-old community college student named Shawn Fields. Once McClusky uncovered the truth, she immediately ended the relationship. At that point, Rowland began harassing McCluskey and threatening to release compromising photos of her. McCluskey reported his conduct to campus police several times. Concerned that campus officers there weren’t moving quickly enough, she also twice called Salt Lake City’s police dispatch line looking for additional assistance. McCluskey’s friends reportedly told school housing officials that Rowland had talked about bringing a gun to campus, but the staff never passed that information on to police. A campus detective did not formally open a case until a week after McCluskey first called. No one in the department learned Rowland was on parole (for felony sex abuse) until after McCluskey was killed. The reported allegations against Rowland, including stalking and blackmailing, could have resulted in him being sent back to prison for violating the terms of his release. In the two weeks before she was killed, McCluskey and her mother called campus police at least 15 times requesting help. 

Tangent:

In August, Utah police officer Miguel Deras was fired after being accused of showing off explicit images of McCluskey while he investigated her report that she was being extorted. An investigation by Utah’s Department of Public Safety concluded that Deras “mishandled sensitive evidence” pertaining to McCluskey’s case.

Crucial Quote:

“We acknowledge and applaud the many positive changes that have occurred at the University of Utah since her death and we hope they continue,” said Jill McCluskey, Lauren’s mother. “This settlement is important for many reasons: It addresses how Lauren died, but also honors how she lived.”

Further Reading:

Utah admits error in Lauren McCluskey’s death, settles for $13.5 million (ESPN) 

University of Utah agrees Lauren McCluskey’s murder was ‘preventable,’ will pay her parents $13.5 million (SLT)