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Due to the nature of this crime, Caseball has elected to change the names of several

individuals featured in this episode. In April of 2004, teenager Laura Fletcher had

recently celebrated her 18th birthday. She was in the final months of her senior year

of high school and was set to graduate as one of the top 10 students in her class. An

avid painter and photographer, Laura took advanced art lessons to further her creative skills.

But her main ambition was to study pre-med at the University of Louisville in her home state

of Kentucky, so she could later attend a medical school.

Laura's reputation for being responsible and well-behaved extended outside of school hours.

She attended church regularly and had previously been a girl scout.

When her mother's health issues led to her losing her job, Laura offered to help support

her family. In January 2004, she got a part-time job at a local McDonald's fast food restaurant

near her home in Mount Washington. Earning $6.35 an hour, Laura was a reliable employee

who was always willing to help out by taking on extra shifts.

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