Episode 534: The Story of Laurie Bembenek and the Tragic Murder of Christine Schultz (With Special Guest Holly Madison)
Step into the chilling narrative of a high-profile crime drama as "Morbid" hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart join forces with special guest Holly Madison to peel back the layers of the Laurie Bembenek story, dissecting the intertwined lives and untimely death that caught the public's eye. This episode dives into the complexities surrounding the bitter divorce of detective Fred Schultz and the subsequent murder of his ex-wife, Christine Schultz, drawing on both firsthand statements and a cobweb of circumstantial evidence.
The exploration of the case brings listeners along dark twists and turns, from the emergence of suspicious details implicating Lori Bembenek, Fred's girlfriend, to her daring prison escape that led her across international borders. Unpack the legal quandaries and personal tribulations that defined Lori's life post-conviction and consider the indelible mark left by untested DNA and contested forensic evidence, as the "Morbid" team scrutinizes one of the most enigmatic criminal cases from the outskirts of certainty.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 1, 2024 episode of the Morbid
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Affair with married detective Fred Schultz
Fred Schultz, a detective, resented the financial burden of alimony and child support after his divorce from Christine Schultz. He expressed negative feelings about his ex-wife, particularly over the money he was obligated to pay. These interactions were consistently marred with discussions of monetary disputes, and Fred's possession of Christine's wedding ring indicated an unresolved emotional entanglement. Lori, who was having an affair with Fred at the time, recognized his bitterness and perceived it as a sign of unresolved issues with Christine.
Murder of Christine Schultz
Christine Schultz's murder was a harrowing scene, with her two sons in the home witnessing parts of the ordeal. The murder occurred at close range, with the assailant binding Christine's wrists and gagging her. Discrepancies in the sons' descriptions of the intruder and untested male DNA at the scene contributed to the complexity of the case. Despite these uncertainties, the eldest son remembered key features of the attacker, including a long red ponytail. The events of that night showed no forced entry, suggesting the murderer was someone Christine might have known.
Circumstantial evidence against Lori
Lori's potential involvement in Christine's death was supported by various pieces of circumstantial evidence. Judy, a former friend, claimed Lori had once spoken about wanting Christine "dusted," implying a desire to have her killed. A red wig found in the pipes of Lori's building matched hairs found on Christine, and ballistics evidence initially pointed to Fred's off-duty gun, which was kept at Lori's apartment, as the weapon used in the murder. Although Fred had an alibi, suspicions fell on Lori because she had no alibi. Nevertheless, new doubts have been raised about the ballistics evidence.
Prison escape to Canada
Lori, along with her new husband Dominic, escaped from prison and fled to Canada using falsified identities. They utilized birth certificates from deceased infants to create their new IDs, enabling them to cross into Canada undetected. Claiming political asylum due to alleged unjust treatment by the U.S. justice system, Lori was temporarily shielded by Canadian authorities. However, her asylum was short-lived, as she was returned to Wisconsin upon the promise of a fair review of her case in the United States.
Lori's release and death
Lori's legal battles concluded with her release from prison after more than a decade, though the specific details of her retrial and plea deal are not detailed. Tragically, at 52 years old, Lori succumbed to liver and kidney failure. Her health had been compromised by PTSD, hepatitis C, and alcoholism, all of which contributed to her early death.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Fred Schultz's financial burden of alimony and child support stemmed from his legal obligations to provide financial support to his ex-wife, Christine Schultz, and their children following their divorce. Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce, typically to ensure the recipient spouse can maintain a similar standard of living as during the marriage. Child support is a regular payment made by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to assist with the financial costs of raising the children. Resentment over these financial obligations can sometimes lead to strained relationships and emotional conflicts between divorced couples.
- Lori was involved in a romantic relationship with Fred Schultz, a detective who was previously married to Christine Schultz. Fred's bitterness towards his ex-wife due to financial obligations after their divorce was noted by Lori, indicating unresolved emotional issues. This affair between Lori and Fred became a significant aspect of the complex dynamics surrounding Christine Schultz's murder investigation.
- Lori's potential involvement in Christine's death stemmed from circumstantial evidence linking her to the crime, such as conversations implying a desire for harm towards Christine, the discovery of a red wig matching hairs found on the victim, and initial ballistics evidence pointing to a gun associated with Fred, which was kept at Lori's apartment. Despite these suspicions, doubts have been raised about the reliability of the ballistics evidence.
- Judy's claim about Lori wanting Christine "dusted" implies that Judy believed Lori desired harm to come to Christine, possibly suggesting a sinister intent or motive behind Lori's actions. The term "dusted" is a slang expression that can be interpreted as a euphemism for causing harm or even death to someone. Judy's statement adds a layer of suspicion regarding Lori's involvement in Christine's murder, indicating a potential premeditated plan or desire to harm Christine.
- Lori and Dominic escaped to Canada by creating new identities using birth certificates from deceased infants. These falsified IDs allowed them to cross the border without detection. Once in Canada, they sought political asylum, claiming unfair treatment by the U.S. justice system. This move temporarily shielded Lori from extradition back to the United States.
- Lori claimed political asylum in Canada due to alleged unjust treatment by the U.S. justice system. This claim was made to seek protection from potential harm or persecution if she were to be returned to the United States. Canadian authorities initially granted her asylum but later agreed to return her to the U.S. for a fair review of her case.
- Lori's health issues leading to her death were a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hepatitis C, and alcoholism. These conditions compromised her liver and kidneys, ultimately contributing to her early demise at the age of 52.
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Affair with married detective Fred Schultz
The article delves into the dynamics of Fred Schultz's relationship with his ex-wife Christine Schultz, detailing financial and emotional complexities that hint at deeper issues.
Fred resented paying alimony and child support to ex-wife Christine
Fred Schultz, a recently divorced detective, showed signs of resentment towards his ex-wife Christine, primarily regarding the financial responsibilities that followed their separation. After their divorce, Fred was obligated to pay a substantial amount in child support and alimony. Adding to this point of contention, Christine and their children lived in a house that Fred had constructed, which appeared to exacerbate the dissatisfaction and resentment he felt.
Lori, Fred's affair partner, noticed that Fred often spoke unfavorably about Christine, indicating his negative feelings towards her. These feelings, Lori perceived, stemmed not only from the fiscal strain but also from a complex blend of emotions that suggested Fred might not have entirely moved on from Christine. Lori's discovery of Christine's wedding ring in Fred's possession further implied a strange attachment or obsession he might have harbored.
The discussions between Lori and Fred often ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Affair with married detective Fred Schultz
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Fred Schultz and his ex-wife Christine had a strained relationship post-divorce, primarily due to financial obligations like alimony and child support. Fred's resentment towards Christine was evident, exacerbated by the fact that she and their children lived in a house he had built. This financial strain and emotional complexity hinted at unresolved feelings Fred may have had towards Christine, impacting their interactions and potentially contributing to the tragic events that unfolded.
- Fred Schultz faced financial obligations post-divorce, including child support and alimony payments to his ex-wife Christine. These payments were a source of tension and resentment in their relationship. Fred's dissatisfaction was compounded by the fact that Christine and their children lived in a house he had built. This financial strain and emotional complexity contributed to the strained dynamics between Fred and Christine.
- Lori was Fred Schultz's affair partner who observed his behavior and emotions towards his ex-wife, Christine. She noticed Fred's negative feelings towards Christine, particularly related to financial matters and emotional attachments. Lori discovered Christine's wedding ring in Fred's possession, suggesting a possible lingering attachment. Her observations provided insight into Fred's mindset and potential motivations in the unfolding events.
- Fred's possession of Christine's wedding ring suggests a lingering emotional attachment or obsession towards his ex-wife, indicating unresolved feelings despite their div ...
Counterarguments
- Resentment over financial obligations does not necessarily imply guilt in a crime; it could be a common sentiment following a divorce.
- Negative feelings towards an ex-spouse can be a normal part of the emotional process after a separation and do not always indicate unresolved emotions or attachment.
- Possession of an ex-spouse's wedding ring could be explained by reasons other than a strange attachment or obsession, such as oversight or a lack of closure.
- Arguments about money are not uncommon among ex-spouses and do not inherently suggest deep-seated resentment.
- The match between Fred's gun and the murder weapon is circumstantial evidence and does not pr ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Murder of Christine Schultz
The murder of Christine Schultz is a chilling incident that remains discussed due to the presence of her two sons during the tragedy and conflicting descriptions of the perpetrator compounded by untested DNA evidence.
Christine was found shot dead in her home while her two sons were present
Christine Schultz was found shot dead in her home in the presence of her two sons. Christine's eldest son awoke in the night to find a man standing behind his younger brother. After the younger boy was freed, the man ran into Christine's room, followed by screams and a sound akin to a firecracker. Christine had been shot at close range in the back, the bullet piercing her heart. She was discovered with her wrist bound with clothesline and a bandana tied around her face as a gag.
Conflicting descriptions of the perpetrator
Initial reports from the eldest son described the intruder as wearing a green tracksuit. However, he later clarified that the assailant wore a green army jacket, not a tracksuit. He was confident in recalling the perpetrator's straight, masculine build, in contrast to an hourglass female figure. Fred's oldest son gave a further description, portraying the intruder as approximately five feet eight inches tall with a long red ponytail—a figure that had allegedly been spotted in the neighborhood in the weeks leading up to the incident. Despite the traumatic event, the son insisted on recalling the details with confidence, although a green tracksuit was not discovered at the scene.
Male DNA found on Christine's body was never tested
A critical revelation in the case is the existence of male DNA on ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Murder of Christine Schultz
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The crime scene showed no signs of forced entry, suggesting the killer might have been familiar with the house. Christine's sons found her shot dead in her home, with the eldest son waking up to a man standing behind his younger brother. The presence of male DNA on Christine's body was a crucial detail that was never tested, potentially holding key ev ...
Counterarguments
...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Circumstantial evidence against Lori
The case against Lori in the death of Christine consists of a combination of testimonies and physical evidence, painting a conflicting picture of her involvement.
Testimony from former friend Judy falsely claiming Lori wanted Christine "dusted" (killed)
While sharing a joint, Fred and Lori's former roommate Judy claims to have heard Lori express a desire to have Christine "dusted." This testimony has been used to suggest a potential motive and intent on Lori’s part to have Christine killed.
Plumber found a red wig in Lori's apartment building pipes matching hairs found on Christine
Adding to the circumstantial evidence, a plumber discovered a red wig in the pipes of Lori's apartment building. Notably, this wig contained hairs that matched those found on Christine, implying that Lori might have attempted to disguise herself during the commission of the alleged crime.
Ballistics matched Fred's off-duty gun kept in Lori's apartment
The ballistics evidence pointed to Fred’s off-duty gun as the murder weapon—this ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Circumstantial evidence against Lori
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Dusted" is a slang term that can mean to kill or harm someone. In this context, when Judy claimed Lori wanted Christine "dusted," she was suggesting that Lori expressed a desire to have Christine killed. The term is colloquial and not commonly used in formal settings.
- The red wig found in Lori's apartment building pipes is significant because it contained hairs matching those found on Christine, suggesting a potential link between Lori and the victim. This discovery implies that Lori may have used the wig to disguise herself during the alleged crime, raising suspicions about her involvement in Christine's death. The presence of the wig adds a layer of circumstantial evidence against Lori, contributing to the overall case being built against her.
- The ballistics evidence linked Fred's off-duty gun to the murder by matching the bullets or cartridge cases found at the crime scene to the gun. This type of analysis helps establish a connection between the firearm and the shooting incident. It is a crucial forensic technique used to identify the specific weapon used in a crime based on the unique markings left on the bullets or cas ...
Counterarguments
- Judy's testimony may be unreliable due to the informal and potentially impaired context (sharing a joint) in which the statement was allegedly made, and it could be influenced by personal biases or motivations against Lori.
- The discovery of the red wig in the apartment building pipes does not conclusively link Lori to the crime, as it could have been placed there by anyone with access to the building, and the match of hairs could be coincidental or the result of contamination.
- The fact that Fred's gun was kept in the apartment he shared with Lori does not necessarily implicate Lori in the crime, especially if others had access to the apartment or ...
Related Shortform Content
Mommy Dearest Frames Her Daughter for Murder?! Ew. Stacey Castor | Mystery & Makeup | Bailey Sarian
Bailey Sarian
His Waterbed Secrets - Life Sentence At 14?! Joshua Phillips | Mystery & Makeup | Bailey Sarian
Bailey Sarian
The “Family Man” Grim Sleeper - Kept Photos Of ALL His Victims? | Mystery & Makeup | Bailey Sarian
Bailey Sarian
Get access to the context and additional materials
Prison escape to Canada
Lori and her new husband Dominic orchestrated an elaborate prison escape that led them all the way to Canada using fake identities sourced from deceased infants.
Lori and new husband Dominic obtained fake IDs using dead babies' birth certificates
Lori and Dominic devised a covert plan to escape to Canada, opting to create fake identities to avoid detection. Dominic had the solemn task of going to a cemetery where he identified gravestones of deceased babies. Using the dates from the gravestones to match their ages, Dominic wrote to the Office of Records and successfully obtained legitimate birth certificates, which they used to craft fake IDs for their escape.
They were granted asylum in Canada until Lori's case was reviewed in the U.S.
Their escape plan to Canada included a ruse about being newlyweds on their honeymoon to cross the Canadian border without suspicion. The couple managed to live in Canada for three months until they were recognized and apprehended ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Prison escape to Canada
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Lori and Dominic used birth certificates from deceased infants to create fake identities by matching the infants' ages with their own. Dominic obtained legitimate birth certificates from the Office of Records by using the dates from gravestones to correspond with the ages they needed. This allowed them to fabricate new identities and evade detection during their escape to Canada.
- Lori and Dominic pretended to be newlyweds on their honeymoon as a cover story to make their border crossing seem like a regular vacation trip. This ruse aimed to deflect suspicion from border authorities and facilitate their entry into Canada without arousing any concerns about their true intentions. By posing as a honeymooning couple, they hoped to appear as harmless tourists rather than fugitives on the run from the law. This strategy was part of their elaborate plan to evade detection and successfully r ...
Counterarguments
- The use of deceased infants' birth certificates to obtain fake IDs is illegal and unethical, regardless of the reasons for escaping.
- Taking advantage of the identities of deceased babies can cause additional pain and distress to the families of those infants if they were to find out.
- Escaping to another country using fake identities undermines the legal process and can be seen as an admission of guilt or an attempt to evade justice.
- Pretending to be newlyweds to deceive border officials is a form of fraud and could have legal repercussions beyond the original charges.
- While political asylum can be a legitimate avenue for those facing persecution, it may not be intended for individuals escaping from lawful incarceration.
- Granting temporary asylum could be criticized if it's perceived that Canada is harboring a fugitive or interfering with another country's ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Lori's release and death
Lori’s journey through the legal system ended with her release after over a decade behind bars, followed by her untimely death due to health complications.
After retrial, Lori took a plea deal for second-degree murder with time served
Unfortunately, there is no information provided in the outline regarding the specifics of Lori's retrial, plea deal, or the circumstances of her release, including the length of her imprisonment beyond "over 10 years".
She was released after serving over 10 years, then died at 52 from liver and kidney failure
After her release from prison, Lori ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Lori's release and death
Additional Materials
Clarifications
...
Counterarguments
...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
