Sentence Uncertain in Auburn Murder Case

Although a jury last month voted unanimously to sentence an Iraq veteran to life without parole for the kidnapping and murder of an Auburn University freshman, the death penalty could still be imposed, under Alabama law. Courtney Lockhart, 26, was convicted in November of the shooting death of 18-year-old Lauren Burk of Marietta, Georgia.

Lockhart's attorneys attempted to argue that he was mentally disturbed following his deployment to Iraq, but his own defense expert testified that it was not clear if he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The jury deliberated less than seven hours before convicting Lockhart, after watching a videotape of him confessing to the crime. The same jury then deliberated about one hour before recommending a sentence of life with no parole on a 12-0 vote.

However, under Alabama law, the judge does not have to follow the recommendation of the jury when he imposes his sentence, scheduled for January 28.

But prosecutors don't expect the death penalty will be imposed because it would be unusual for a judge not to follow an unanimous jury vote. "That was a pretty strong statement from the jury," District Attorney Nick Abbett told reporters.

Shot in the Back

On March 4, 2008, Lauren Burk's nude body was found along side a rural road about four miles from Auburn University. She had been shot in the back. Her car was found burning in a parking lot back on campus. A $10,000 reward was issued in the case.

Three days later, Lockhart was captured during a car chase in Phenix City following an attempted robbery in Newnan, Georgia. During later interviews with investigators, Lockhart confessed to Burk's abduction.

Lockhart told police that he pulled a gun on Burk as she returned to the Auburn parking lot after visiting her boyfriend. His intent was to rob her. He forced the screaming teenager into her own car and drove away.

Offered to Help Him

He forced her to take off her clothes, not to have sex with her, but to prevent her from escaping. During the ordeal, he told her of his troubles and she offered to help him get a job.

When she opened the door and tried to run away, Lockhart shot her at close range in the back. He then used her debit card to buy gas so that he could burn her car on the Auburn campus to cover up evidence.

Lockhart claimed the gun just went off, he did not intend to shot Burk. But prosecutors said he had the gun cocked and ready to shoot.

"Someone who has been in combat knows how to handle a weapon," Abbett told jurors. "He pointed the gun at her, with the hammer cocked back."

See Also:
Iraq Vet Convicted in Slaying of College Student

Earlier Articles:
Suspect Charged in Auburn Student's Death
Auburn Student Shot, Car Torched

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