It is not a question of whether Utah failed Lauren McCluskey. The question is whether we can avoid that failure the next time.
Multiple investigations have been launched after the University of Utah student was shot in a car outside her dorm, but what is already known paints a devastating picture of missed opportunities — any of which may have been enough to keep her alive.
McCluskey’s killer, Melvin Rowland, was convicted 14 years ago of sexually assaulting a teen. In a state parole board hearing six years ago he admitted he raped her, as well as two other women.