Found Deceased NC - Lauren Jenkins, 17, Wake County, 18 March 2017

[Sevilla]

JMO, but I'm thinking apathy by sheriff's office. Drinking partying kids, fled the scene, probably hiding out somewhere until sober. It doesn't seem as if law enforcement took it seriously until Sunday. There was a lot of local chatter starting Saturday evening, attempting to get up a search party for Sunday morning. What I read on the local sites was 'parents asking people to please come and help search.' Cops set a time of 8:30 Sunday morning for searchers to meet. I read the dog found her around 7:00 a.m., before the searchers went out. Guessing they wanted to get the dog in first, before other searchers scents. So why didn't they get that dog out Saturday afternoon/evening? No word yet on cause of death or time of death.

The first person to search for Lauren was the state trooper who first came to the scene. He was looking to arrest her for the crime she committed of fleeing the scene. After 45 minutes of fruitless searching, he went to her parents' house at around midnight.

When he attempted to contact them, no one came to the door, so he resumed his investigation.

Within minutes of the accident neighbors were already at the scene trying to help the people who had not fled.

Lauren's parents did not get involved in any of it until someone texted them a photo of the car after the crash, and then the sheriff's department assisted them as soon as they requested it.

Both dog and helicopter searches were conducted Saturday as well as the dog search on Sunday.

I could hear the helicopters from my house, and by 10 o'clock Saturday morning, all houses in the area (mine included) had received a call from the Sheriff to be on the look out for her along with a description of what she was last known to have been wearing.

It is disheartening to know that there were people doing their jobs and out looking for her, and all they get is criticized. These were people who have had to live for many months with her driving them off the road, cussing at them, and flipping them off, yet they have expressed nothing but love and concern for her despite the fact she rendered the neighborhood unsafe for simple pleasures like riding a bike or walking a dog.

I really don't know what you expect people should have done. In the months before the accident Lauren's driving was the subject of much discussion and some neighbors even talked to her parents about the behavior they were witnessing and offered suggestions on steps they might try to take to keep her safe. Then when her real hour of need came, they looked for her until she was found.

One last note, her body was located at around 7 am on Sunday, so by 8:30 am that day, they were busy recovering her body, not lollygagging around.

Part of what makes this story so tragic is not just the loss of life, but that there were dozens of people in the neighborhood who could see that an ending like this was more likely than not, and they were not able to save her from herself.

 

[DeDee]

I agree about the shock possible concussion. My son and I saw what appeared to be a minor accident(no airbags deployed, cars still somwhat in line right after it happened during bumper to bumper traffic.
The one guy got out of his car and started picking up pieces of his car and THEN he just laid down in the hot summer road. Possibly Shock?

There was the sad case of two young women inside of a moving motor vehicle. The driver ran off the road and hit an object which tossed her passenger into the field. She lived. She was attempting to make it back to the road when she walked into a live wire that had fallen during the car accident. Sadly enough, some tragedies are tragic accidents.

 

[ElementalLaura]

Welcome! I'm sorry that your first post is under such tragic circumstances. It sounds like a close community. I'm perplexed as to how she avoided any repercussions for such bad driving until her death. Were her parents unwilling -- or unable for some reason -- to intervene?

The first person to search for Lauren was the state trooper who first came to the scene. He was looking to arrest her for the crime she committed of fleeing the scene. After 45 minutes of fruitless searching, he went to her parents' house at around midnight.

When he attempted to contact them, no one came to the door, so he resumed his investigation.

Within minutes of the accident neighbors were already at the scene trying to help the people who had not fled.

Lauren's parents did not get involved in any of it until someone texted them a photo of the car after the crash, and then the sheriff's department assisted them as soon as they requested it.

Both dog and helicopter searches were conducted Saturday as well as the dog search on Sunday.

I could hear the helicopters from my house, and by 10 o'clock Saturday morning, all houses in the area (mine included) had received a call from the Sheriff to be on the look out for her along with a description of what she was last known to have been wearing.

It is disheartening to know that there were people doing their jobs and out looking for her, and all they get is criticized. These were people who have had to live for many months with her driving them off the road, cussing at them, and flipping them off, yet they have expressed nothing but love and concern for her despite the fact she rendered the neighborhood unsafe for simple pleasures like riding a bike or walking a dog.

I really don't know what you expect people should have done. In the months before the accident Lauren's driving was the subject of much discussion and some neighbors even talked to her parents about the behavior they were witnessing and offered suggestions on steps they might try to take to keep her safe. Then when her real hour of need came, they looked for her until she was found.

One last note, her body was located at around 7 am on Sunday, so by 8:30 am that day, they were busy recovering her body, not lollygagging around.

Part of what makes this story so tragic is not just the loss of life, but that there were dozens of people in the neighborhood who could see that an ending like this was more likely than not, and they were not able to save her from herself.

 

[BunnyHop]

The first person to search for Lauren was the state trooper who first came to the scene. He was looking to arrest her for the crime she committed of fleeing the scene. After 45 minutes of fruitless searching, he went to her parents' house at around midnight.

When he attempted to contact them, no one came to the door, so he resumed his investigation.

Within minutes of the accident neighbors were already at the scene trying to help the people who had not fled.

Lauren's parents did not get involved in any of it until someone texted them a photo of the car after the crash, and then the sheriff's department assisted them as soon as they requested it.

Both dog and helicopter searches were conducted Saturday as well as the dog search on Sunday.

I could hear the helicopters from my house, and by 10 o'clock Saturday morning, all houses in the area (mine included) had received a call from the Sheriff to be on the look out for her along with a description of what she was last known to have been wearing.

It is disheartening to know that there were people doing their jobs and out looking for her, and all they get is criticized. These were people who have had to live for many months with her driving them off the road, cussing at them, and flipping them off, yet they have expressed nothing but love and concern for her despite the fact she rendered the neighborhood unsafe for simple pleasures like riding a bike or walking a dog.

I really don't know what you expect people should have done. In the months before the accident Lauren's driving was the subject of much discussion and some neighbors even talked to her parents about the behavior they were witnessing and offered suggestions on steps they might try to take to keep her safe. Then when her real hour of need came, they looked for her until she was found.

One last note, her body was located at around 7 am on Sunday, so by 8:30 am that day, they were busy recovering her body, not lollygagging around.

Part of what makes this story so tragic is not just the loss of life, but that there were dozens of people in the neighborhood who could see that an ending like this was more likely than not, and they were not able to save her from herself.

Wow, how horrible. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BunnyHop]

I was just reading about it here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4334692/Mystery-teenage-girl-dead-woodland.html

I wanted to see what WS had to post.
Whenever I see stories like this, I pray it becomes a wake up call for behavior like this. So sad.

My condolences to all.

 

[rpgman]

The first person to search for Lauren was the state trooper who first came to the scene. He was looking to arrest her for the crime she committed of fleeing the scene. After 45 minutes of fruitless searching, he went to her parents' house at around midnight.

When he attempted to contact them, no one came to the door, so he resumed his investigation.

Within minutes of the accident neighbors were already at the scene trying to help the people who had not fled.

Lauren's parents did not get involved in any of it until someone texted them a photo of the car after the crash, and then the sheriff's department assisted them as soon as they requested it.

Both dog and helicopter searches were conducted Saturday as well as the dog search on Sunday.

I could hear the helicopters from my house, and by 10 o'clock Saturday morning, all houses in the area (mine included) had received a call from the Sheriff to be on the look out for her along with a description of what she was last known to have been wearing.

It is disheartening to know that there were people doing their jobs and out looking for her, and all they get is criticized. These were people who have had to live for many months with her driving them off the road, cussing at them, and flipping them off, yet they have expressed nothing but love and concern for her despite the fact she rendered the neighborhood unsafe for simple pleasures like riding a bike or walking a dog.

I really don't know what you expect people should have done. In the months before the accident Lauren's driving was the subject of much discussion and some neighbors even talked to her parents about the behavior they were witnessing and offered suggestions on steps they might try to take to keep her safe. Then when her real hour of need came, they looked for her until she was found.

One last note, her body was located at around 7 am on Sunday, so by 8:30 am that day, they were busy recovering her body, not lollygagging around.

Part of what makes this story so tragic is not just the loss of life, but that there were dozens of people in the neighborhood who could see that an ending like this was more likely than not, and they were not able to save her from herself.

thanks for sharing.

 

[Prancy]

I really do not have patience for reckless and/or drunk drivers. They are a huge issue for me and I understand their danger and need to get them off the road. I also believe that young people, especially those under 18 act foolishly at times, make poor decisions and place themselves in peril despite our attempts to help them.

I just think that that the young person, even if in the wrong if that turns out to be the case, should not lose their life, due to their own indiscretions, if it can be saved. People can learn, change and be redeemed. Regardless, of any misdeeds, that life is still valuable to me. That's why I just wish that a more urgent search could have gone out immediately after the wreck. I offer no blame for LE. The investigating trooper, likely didn't see the potential risk for her disappearance becoming a fatality. I think that if he had, he would have requested more help with a search. And, knowing our Sheriff, if he knew the details that night, he would have launched a search sooner. Just my feeling on it. It has been brutally cold around here lately.

I suspect that new policies will be implemented by the State HWP. Did they have a legal duty to do more? Probably not, but, I bet in retrospect, they wish they had.

 

[luckeeesmom]

I live in the area nearby but not in the neighborhood. The local news has reported that the driver was headed south on Leesville road and turning left into the neighborhood but failed to yield, thus the head-on collision. The news also reported that open alcohol container was inside the car.

In weeks leading up to this incident, there was a lot of talk on nextdoor regarding the reckless driving of a female teen driver in Springdale Estates. So many neighbors voiced concerns about their safety while walking in the neighborhood and also about the safety of the driver. The mother actually responded on the posting to apologize for daughter's driving and saying they had spoke with her about it but were unable to take away the car because the girl's biological father had provided the car and would not uphold the restriction.

I was very shocked to hear about the accident on Friday night and wondered if it was the same driver and then soon saw at least one instance where neighbors were organizing to search the neighborhood. I am glad to hear the previous posting that search with dogs and helicopter also occurred on Saturday morning. I had been feeling very bad about the fact that LE would have waited until Sunday morning which I had understood from the limited info in the news. In my opinion, there would have been a huge risk of hypothermia to anyone unsheltered overnight on Friday or Saturday night with the cold temperatures, especially if already injured.

This is a tragedy on so many levels.

 

[VanT1234]

She was found within the SAME neighborhood that she lived and had the accident. Within 1/2 mile on the edge of someone's property. She was seen headed on foot in the direction of her house. She was found on a shortcut through the woods in the direction of her home. I do not know how she could not be found if a serious search for her was undertaken early on. Funny how the dog picked up her scent within a hour 30 hrs later on Sunday morning. Why her steps were not retraced I probably will never know. I think LE dropped the ball Friday night in this case.

 

[kelsie]

This case just makes me so sad. I was a dumbass when I was 17 too. Thought I was invincible. She never had time to grow up any and know any better.

 

[VanT1234]

I don't think she was dumb. She was just being a teen and was a victim of poor parenting and ****** LE. She didn't stand a chance. I just hope she did not suffer laying in those woods all alone and injured. It was cold, dark and raining that night.

 

[leep]

At 17 years old she should at that age be able to put her hands and say yeah I f***** up and knock on the nearest door and then she wouldn't of died.
It's alright blaming LE and her parents but she must've been warned numerous times this is what's going to happen if you don't go take your head for a shake and grow up.
RIP Lauren so tragically avoidable though.


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[CoverMeCagney]

At 17 years old she should at that age be able to put her hands and say yeah I f***** up and knock on the nearest door and then she wouldn't of died.
It's alright blaming LE and her parents but she must've been warned numerous times this is what's going to happen if you don't go take your head for a shake and grow up.
RIP Lauren so tragically avoidable though.

I agree, totally avoidable, she didn't listen.

Most of us know of young people who died in car accidents in high school (we lost 2 very popular boys at the hands of a silly girl who thought she could handle daddy's big car - flipped it, killed the boyfriends instantly and put her bestie in a wheelchair, no injuries to herself) and if there's any "silver lining" to be taken from this tragic case it is a whole town of teenagers who now just might think twice.

Thankfully nobody else died that night.

 

[Sevilla]

Kind of hoping she died quickly. So there is no guilt over not searching that evening.

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and all day Saturday.

In as much as her parents were not immediately available to give them something that definitely smelled like her, I don't know how the dog would have known what to track as there were two other passengers in her car. (I also know almost nothing about how these sorts of dogs do their work).

And I am guessing she died soon after the accident, because she did not get much farther than the house that she was last seen running past. Of course, they might just have to wait for the toxicology tests in order to know definitely.

 

[trenchmouth]

and all day Saturday.

In as much as her parents were not immediately available to give them something that definitely smelled like her, I don't know how the dog would have known what to track as there were two other passengers in her car. (I also know almost nothing about how these sorts of dogs do their work).

And I am guessing she died soon after the accident, because she did not get much farther than the house that she was last seen running past. Of course, they might just have to wait for the toxicology tests in order to know definitely.

I'm not a dog aficionado myself but think they can track blood or corspes without article of clothing? I'm sure clothing would help though.

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[MaryG12]

How tragic - and after reading all these posts - what exactly are NC's state laws regarding repeat offenders (driving)?

I have lost a handful of high school friends due to careless drivers, some who were DUI, it never is worth it to get behind the wheel when under the influence or just looking for "thrills."

 

[VanT1234]

I don't think Lauren was a repeat offender as far as alcohol goes. She was an offender of poor driving which I would have burned those car keys if it were my daughter. I wouldn't have needed permission from an out of state dad that bought her the car. He wasn't there to see her awful driving habits. As far as the dog goes, the driver seat of HER car is all they needed for the dogs to get a good scent of her. And also there's cadaver dogs that don't need anything to pick up the scent of a human. I hope we hear soon to know if the BAC was high. Wake Co. parents need to wake up and stop turning a blind eye to their teens poor behavior. And LE needs to do their job. They had two reasons to find her THAT night, in case she was seriously injured and/or to arrest her for hit and run. She was found on the way to her home on foot within the neighborhood hood. On a short cut through a short wooded area. For all of us that live in Raleigh and have children I hope pressure is being put on LE and news media in order to get answers. Maybe lives will be saved from this tragic incident. Kids in this area are privileged and think they are invincible because parents turn a blind eye.

 

[ninij9]

I'm actually surprised at the number of people here that are blaming ANYONE besides the drunk driver. I get it, she was young, made a mistake, and paid with her life. Thank God she didn't kill others with her thoughtlessness. These kids KNOW NIT TO DRINK AND DRIVE. So many innocent people are killed every year by drunk drivers. Nope, sorry, not blaming LE for this one. But I will mention again how lucky it is she didn't hit a family head on that night and kill them all.

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[VanT1234]

Lauren Jenkins has paid for her mistake. Will LE pay for the role they played by not continuing to seach for her that night? I think not. Even though I believe the parents did a poor job at parenting their kids I hope they sue the Wake Co. Sherrifs Department. They SHOULD NOT have stopped searching for her THAT night, no matter what. It was their job to find her. Shame on them!

 

[monkeypants]

I think that unless you are LE then you have no idea what went into the decision for the search. LE does a job you wouldn't, couldn't and most likely do not do. It's very easy to arm chair QB.
The only person to blame is the kid who created this situation. And, I.m.o. The parents who didn't take the keys. I don't care who gave it to her, she lived under their roof and their rules. She was a known problem driver in the neighborhood and yet she remained on the road. There are a lot of fingers to point and I don't think LE is the number one jmo