Man charged in Burk case
Special to the News
Courtney Lockhart, 23, of Smiths Station has been charged with capital murder in the Lauren Burk case.
A 23-year-old Smiths Station man is behind bars today, accused in the murder of 18-year-old Auburn University freshman Lauren Burk.
Auburn Police Assistant Chief Tommy Dawson confirmed Saturday morning that Courtney L. Lockhart had been apprehended Friday by the Phenix City Police Department and that he is being charged with capital murder during a kidnapping, capital murder during a robbery and capital murder during an attempted rape.
The news came just four days after Burk died from a single gunshot wound. Dawson wouldn’t offer any details about what happened Tuesday night except that authorities found Burk, lying on the roadway of North College Street between Farmville Baptist Church and U.S. Highway 280 after a 9:08 p.m. 911 call. Another call at 9:27 p.m. led police to campus, where they found Burk’s 2001 Honda Civic fully engulfed in flames.
Dawson credited the task force dedicated to this case for the work that led to Lockhart’s arrest. He said it was photographic evidence, obtained early in the investigation, that led them to believe Lockhart was Burk’s killer. Dawson would not say where the picture came from, but said that NASA experts helped to enhance it to make a clear identification.
Chief Frank deGraffenried said there was nothing to indicate that Lockhart was connected to any previous crimes in Lee County or Auburn, specifically the unsolved murder of local businessman Dick Salmon or the unsolved disappearance of AU graduate Lori Ann Slesinski.
Lee County District Attorney Nick Abbett said the next step is a preliminary hearing, probably on Monday. He said he plans to present the case to the grand jury on May 5. A trial probably would start a year from now.
“Capital cases do not move speedily through the system,” he said.
Dawson said he was confident Lockhart was Burk’s murderer, but he talked little about details linking Lockhart to the case.
“Again, I apologize for having to say this so much in this case, but I can not try this case in the media,” he said.
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SOME ADVICE TO ALL STUDENTS:
This comes from an 45 year (young) old lady who has been the victim of a crime:
1. When preparing to go outside, study your entire surroundings before you leave your house/apartment! This means, around cars, in cars, under cars, who’s parked next to your car, who is standing at the bus stop, who is parked across the street, and so forth.
2. Always pay attention to your neighbors, if something appears abnormal, find out their name and then go online and do a search of their name on ZabaSearch.net (If you think this is an invasion of their privacy, think again!) Some might say, that is so wrong to think that way, but NO it is NOT! What do you call it when you are being raped or beaten, robbed or car-jacked? A MAJOR INVASION OF YOUR PRIVACY!
3. If you see anything or anyone out of the way, suspicious looking, unfamiliar, etc, call a friend and have them come over and walk to your car with you (preferably a male), and make notes of the person’s physical appearance by making voice notes on your cell phone—at the same time, you can call someone and let them remain on the phone as you are walking back to your car. Better yet, appear to be making a call while taking their picture with your cell phone camera.
4. I strongly suggest to anyone who thinks they are not strong enough to fight a large man to work out their legs, bowflex or gym, and get them built up good and strong. When the b*d takes you hostage, wait unti he/she is in a well traveled area (cars, businesses or people) and then kick them in the head as they are driving! What’s worse? A fender-bender with a driver who will be seen or a funeral for you ? You choose!
5. FEMALES, ESPECIALLY! Never, EVER go to a club alone at night! Never walk to your car by yourself! Never, EVER let anyone buy you a drink unless you are standing there to watch everything that goes on.
6. Your car keys are a good weapon, great for eye-gouging.
7. If you are ever taken hostage and the person makes you drive, try to get in a area where there are other cars, look for an opportunity to crash the car on the side the offender is riding - without hurting others or yourself. Wear a seatbelt, this will keep you safe. More times than not, the perpetrator is not going to be thinking ‘safety’. Once you collide with something, jump out and run but make sure you crash in a safe area where you can run. Usually, if there is an air bag in their face, they won’t be going anywhere any time soon - after you have crashed.
These are tips from a person who knows what it is like to be a victim. Don’t allow yourself to be one! Take these tips to heart.
And remember, usually, the second place a kidnapper takes you is often times the place he plans to kill you! NEVER, EVER get in the car and drive anywhere with them - unless you feel comfortable enough to do the car-crash thing I mentioned above.
Don’t ever think they won’t hurt you, they WILL and they do! Every DAY! You are not too cute or too smart to be next! Nobody is safe or free from crime! We are all moving targets for a thug or a criminal, so you might as well start thinking like one—as paranoid as it may cause you to appear, at least you will be alive to tell about it!
I too use the shuttle it takes for ever for them to arrive!!! you have to stand and wait outside for them to get you. If you ahve a car its better to try and find a good parking space if at all possible!!!.....something needs to be done!!!
As a resident of the hill and a frequent user of the “FREE SECURITY SHUTTLE,“ I suggest those who speak of it actually ride the service. The shuttle is convenient for moving people across campus but in order to ride the shuttle, you must be outside and waiting to ride. The last time I rode the shuttle, I stood outside waiting on the side of Samford for 8 minutes before the shuttle was able to pick me up. Auburn is making strides to enhance their security but I would be hesitant to point fingers at those who do not ride the free shuttle service.
All week I have mourned for this young lady’s family. It was almost a celebration this morning when we got the news on CNN that the low-life scumb had been captured… My deepest sympathy goes out to dear child’s family. Now finally I can say “WAR EAGLE” to the fine detective work from Auburn’s task force, the city police and the Phenix City police dept. I feel that now my boys and their friends are safe again. God Bless Auburn and friends…........
there is a night security van that offers FREE transportation to students and faculty on campus. Why didn’t Lauren use this FREE SERVICE? Perhaps if she did, she would still be here with us today. Everyone needs to be cautious and ALWAYS aware of their surrondings, even in Auburn. People today are too comfortable and eem to think that it can’t happen in Auburn, or that it can’t happen to them. Well it can and it does, even in Auburn.
Police are responders after the fact. Take control of your own life with good tips at securefromcrime.blogspot.com
It was reported Ms Burk was at the library - on campus, it was reported the car was burning at the lem morris parking for students area-on campus.
Hard to say a/the crime was not committed on campus.
I’m glad to see they finally found him for the family’s sake. I would like to see this much effort from the authorities in all the past murder cases in auburn. Notably Mr. Salmon.
Condolences to the victim’s family, as well as to all victims and their families. Neither security nor police presence will deter or stop such random acts. Citizens must learn to protect themselves. Good ideas at www.securefromcrime.blogspot.com
Give us all a break, Truth. The killer was responsible for Burk’s death, not anyone else. Did the crime even occur on campus?
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