In 2010, Lanell Barsock’s life was tragically cut short in Palmdale, California by a crime that rocked the community. Fast forward to 2015 and justice was served when her convicted killer, Larene Austin, received two sentences of 25 years to life. This is a thrilling story about a crime that might have gone unsolved but for a twist involving a popular American true crime TV show.
A twisted story unfolds
After committing the heinous act, Larene Austin, the woman later convicted of Barsock’s murder, surprisingly became the first to report the incident to the police. Shockingly, she also tried to set up Barsocka’s boyfriend, creating a web of deception that nearly worked. Barsock, shot in her own home, was found in the garage with what were at first confusing injuries to her skull. The plot came to a boil when it was revealed that Barsock and Austin had a brief love history, further complicating the tragic event.
Craigslist Connection: Love Turned Deadly
The story takes a dark turn as we delve into the origins of the ill-fated relationship. Lanell Barsock met her killer, Larene Austin, on Craigslist, a section dedicated to women seeking romantic or intimate relationships with other women. Barsock, romantically involved with two men at the time, found herself involved in a fateful encounter with Austin. The complexities of their relationships, including Austin’s relationships with two other women, set the stage for a disturbing series of events that led to Barsock’s death.
Escape to Belize: A Desperate Escape
When suspicions turned on Austin, she fled California to Belize, leaving authorities scrambling for clues. In a surprising turn of events, the Barsock case became the subject of the cult true-crime television show “America’s Most Wanted” in 2011. This television exposure led to a crucial tip: Larene Austin sought refuge in Belize. With this newly discovered information, California authorities worked with the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force, which ultimately led to Austin’s arrest in Belize and her extradition to California via Houston, Texas.
Behind bars: Justice wins
After facing trial, Austin pleaded not guilty, weaving a web of deceit to deflect blame. However, evidence surfaced that revealed Austin’s attempts to set up Barsock’s boyfriend, Louis Bonheur, including a forged breakup letter allegedly written by Barsock. Shockingly, there were indications that Austin adopted elements of Barsocka’s life after her death. Austin is currently serving time in a state prison in California, bringing the tragic saga to an end.
Conclusion: A story of tragedy and justice
The Lanell Barsock case is a chilling reminder of how crime can develop and how long a perpetrator can escape justice. In this case, the spotlight on a true-crime television show became a key tool for the authorities, leading to the capture of the killer. The story serves as a testament to the tenacity of law enforcement and the role media exposure can play in ensuring justice is served.