This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
Sympathy for a convicted killer?
In 1982, I covered the murder trial of Lawrencia Bembenek for WUWM. The former Playboy hostess was accused of killing her husband’s ex-wife, Christine Schultz.
Near the end of the trial, some of the reporters discussed amongst themselves the possible verdict. I was the only one who thought Bembenek would be found guilty. The others scoffed claiming all the evidence was circumstantial. Maybe, but many, many accused in
The day the verdict was announced, I found myself in a Milwaukee County Courthouse elevator with Bembenek and her attorney heading up to the courtroom. When the elevator doors opened, a nervous Bembenek, dressed just as conservatively as she was when she took the witness stand said, and I’ll never forget, “Do I really want to go out that door?”
Hmmmm. Not very confident about her innocence, I thought.
Bembenek was found guilty, imprisoned, escaped, fled to
Reportedly near death, Bembenek now wants to be pardoned. There’s no indication outgoing Governor Jim Doyle or his pardon advisory board is going to grant her wish.
I’ve never understood the cult following Bembenek has enjoyed and the fascination that has surrounded her, A jury sat and listened to all the evidence and testimony. Yet people yell, “Run, Bambi, Run,” without an ounce of compassion for the Bembenek’s victim or the victim’s family.
The prison system is filled with people like Bembenek, convicted muleteers who are sick and dying. The difference is they’re behind bars. Bembenek should consider herself blessed.
I have been sick and tired of hearing this story for close to 30 years. And now I see
Bembenek should not be granted a last minute pardon. That would be a mockery of our justice system.
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