Innocent Faces on 'America’s Most Wanted': The Case of Laurie ‘Bambi’ Bembenek

The TV series “America’s Most Wanted” has been a platform for seeking justice for decades. However, it has also been the means to expose the occasional wrongful conviction. In this article, we explore one such instance, the case of Laurie ‘Bambi’ Bembenek. Her story is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in policing and legal systems.

From Prison to the Spotlight

Laurie ‘Bambi’ Bembenek was serving a life sentence at the Taycheedah Correctional Institute in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She was incarcerated for the murder of her husband’s ex-wife, Christine Schultz. Her name surfaced on the popular TV show “America’s Most Wanted”, leading to her arrest in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Questions Arise

Canadian lawyers were not convinced of her guilt. Several aspects of the case raised eyebrows:

Two young eyewitnesses were the sons of the victim, Christine Schultz. They identified the killer as a man with reddish-brown hair tied in a ponytail, which did not match Bembenek, who was blonde with short hair. Christine Schultz’s ex-husband, who was also a Milwaukee police detective, had a strong motive. He had repeatedly lied to investigators and worked closely with a violent ex-con who fit the killer’s description. However, his fellow officers never considered him a suspect. Several irregularities in the prosecution’s case were discovered, leading many to believe she was framed to prevent her from testifying against the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) in a federal investigation of potential corruption.

Legal Battle and New Trial

The publicity surrounding Bembenek’s flight and her legal fight against extradition led to her being granted a new trial. Yet, she faced a difficult decision due to her parents’ health. Her parents were battling cancer, and the prospect of a new trial in front of what she believed was a corrupt judge was daunting.

A Tragic Conclusion

Eventually, Bembenek chose to plead no contest to the charges in exchange for immediate release. Alas, she had contracted hepatitis in prison and passed away at the age of 52, without the chance to be fully exonerated.

The story of Laurie ‘Bambi’ Bembenek is a poignant reminder of the flaws in the criminal justice system. Every case on “America's Most Wanted” has a profound impact, and it is crucial for law enforcement and the public to scrutinize these cases meticulously.