Former Police Officer’s Quest for Innocence Ignites New Evidence in Notorious Murder Case
In a new development in a notorious murder case, a former police officer’s quest for innocence has sparked the emergence of new evidence. Laurie Bembenek, also known as Bambi, spent most of her life trying to prove her innocence in the conviction of the first-degree murder of her husband’s ex-wife.
The case dates back to May 28, 1981, when Laurie Bembenek was accused and later convicted of the murder of Christine Schultz, the former wife of Bembenek’s husband, Elfred Schultz. Bembenek’s conviction was marred by the omission of crucial details and key evidence, which has since raised doubts about her guilt.
Bembenek’s turbulent journey began when she was fired from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) due to a filing error in her friend’s arrest. As she consistently maintained her innocence, Bembenek and her lawyers highlighted seven significant errors during a subsequent trial in 1990. Despite these efforts, she eventually pleaded no-contest to a second-degree murder charge in 1992 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. However, this sentence was later changed, and Bembenek was released from prison on December 9, 1992.
Now, a new season 28 episode of the popular show Snapped titled Laurie Bembenek sheds light on the case and will be re-aired on November 20, 2023, at 7 pm EST. The episode’s synopsis teases the revelation of new evidence that could potentially change everything.
During Bembenek’s original trial, her then-husband Elfred testified falsely, claiming that he was on duty investigating a burglary at the time of the murder. However, it was later revealed that he had actually been out drinking at a local bar with his partner. This inconsistency raised suspicions about Laurie Bembenek’s involvement in the crime.
The circumstances surrounding the murder further fueled speculation. Bembenek was alone at home and allegedly had access to her husband’s off-duty .38 caliber revolver, as well as the keys to Christine’s apartment, which were obtained by Fred Schultz from his eldest son’s house key.
One aspect that brought significant attention to the case was Laurie Bembenek’s physical beauty and her various jobs before and after her time in the police department. Her association with the notorious Wisconsin Playboy Club and reports labeling her as a loose woman contributed to the sensationalism surrounding the case.
The media largely failed to address the malpractices within the MPD, as well as the discrimination and inequality faced by female officers, a topic Bembenek extensively covered in her autobiography, Woman on the Run. She also uncovered pictures of her husband and other MPD officers engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as dancing naked on picnic tables in Gordon Park.
During Bembenek’s trial, the evidence presented against her revolved around two hair strands found at the crime scene, allegedly matching the strands from her hairbrush. However, during her time in prison, the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy, Dr. Elaine Samuels, stated that there were no blonde or red hairs recovered from the body. In fact, she emphasized that all the hairs she found were consistent with Christine’s hair color.
Additionally, subsequent analysis by crime lab analyst Diane Hanson found that Laurie’s DNA did match the hair sample from her brush. These findings challenged the validity of the hair strand evidence presented during the trial.
Further investigation into the case revealed the presence of male DNA on Christine’s body, suggesting a possible sexual assault. A ballistics test also confirmed that the bullets used to kill Christine were fired from her ex-husband’s gun.
Following her release from prison, Laurie Bembenek was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and battled alcoholism. She channeled her time into painting and eventually held an exhibition featuring 30 of her artworks.
In 2002, Bembenek faced another harrowing experience when she had to undergo a leg amputation below the knee after injuring herself while jumping out of a second-story window. She claimed that she was being held indoors by Dr. Phil’s handlers, who defended their actions by stating they were protecting her from media attention. Bembenek drew parallels between her confinement and her time in prison, highlighting the lasting impact of her wrongful conviction.
Throughout the years, Christine Schultz’s eldest son, Sean, maintained that he saw a heavyset masked man with a green army jacket, black shoes, and a long red ponytail during the night of the murder. This contradicts the description of Laurie Bembenek, who had blonde hair.
As new evidence continues to emerge, Laurie Bembenek’s quest for innocence continues, shedding light on a case that has captivated public attention for decades. The pursuit of justice remains ongoing as those involved seek the truth and unravel the mysteries surrounding Christine Schultz’s tragic death.
