Listen: Lauren McCluskey’s Murder (2023)

Listen: Lauren McCluskey’s Murder is a 90-minute documentary produced by ESPN. The film delves into the life and tragic death of Lauren McCluskey, a talented track and field athlete at the University of Utah. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of a campus that would forever be marked by her untimely demise.

In October 2018, Lauren was shot and killed on Utah’s campus by her ex-boyfriend, Melvin Shawn Rowland. The documentary sheds light on the events leading up to this horrifying incident, revealing the chilling details of Lauren’s repeated attempts to seek help.

She had been in contact with University of Utah police officers, expressing her fear of Rowland, who ultimately took her life.

The film explores the contentious debate surrounding campus safety, as Lauren’s case exposed systemic failures. It was later revealed that the university had mishandled her complaints, failing to fully understand and respond appropriately to her situation.

The fallout from this tragedy led to a $13.5 million settlement between Lauren’s parents and the University of Utah.

Through never-before-seen surveillance footage, police recordings, and interviews from the homicide investigation, “Listen” paints a vivid picture of Lauren’s relationship with Rowland.

It captures the emotional turmoil she faced, the desperate measures she took, and the heart-wrenching aftermath of her death.

Lauren McCluskey’s journey began in her quiet hometown of Pullman, Washington. As a high school track and field athlete, she stood out.

When she arrived in Salt Lake City to pursue a communications degree at the University of Utah, the bustling city initially overwhelmed her. But gradually, she found her place, thriving academically, athletically, and socially.

It was during her senior year that she met Rowland at a bar. Their relationship took a dark turn, and Lauren’s life was forever altered. Listen captures the essence of her struggle, the pain of her parents, and the urgent need for better campus safety protocols.

This powerful documentary serves as a tribute to Lauren McCluskey, a young woman whose life was cut short but whose legacy continues to resonate.

Through her story, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance, empathy, and collective action in preventing such tragedies from recurring.