Lauren Spierer, a 20-year-old college student from Greenburgh, New York, was attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, when she mysteriously disappeared on June 3, 2011. 

A vivacious and well-loved student Lauren was majoring in fashion merchandising and was known for her outgoing personality. Her disappearance captured national attention and continues to baffle investigators. It is one of the most well-known unsolved missing person cases in recent history.

Timeline of Events

June 2, 2011

– Evening activities: Lauren attended a pre-party at her apartment in Smallwood Plaza with friends. Alcohol was consumed during this gathering.

Early Morning Hours of June 3, 2011

– 12:30 a.m.: Lauren and her friend David Rohn left her apartment and headed to Kilroy’s Sports Bar a popular college hangout.

– 1:46 a.m.: Surveillance footage captured Lauren leaving Kilroy’s without her shoes or phone. Witnesses reported that she left with Corey Rossman, a friend.

– 1:52 a.m.: Lauren and Corey were seen entering her apartment building. They did not go to her apartment but instead left shortly after.

– 2:09 a.m.: Surveillance footage showed Lauren and Corey entering the apartment complex where Corey lived.

– 2:30 a.m.: According to Corey Rossman he was punched by an unidentified man in a confrontation after returning to his apartment complex. Rossman claimed memory loss due to the blow.

– 2:48 a.m.: Lauren reportedly left Corey’s apartment with another friend, Michael Beth. They went to Michael’s apartment.

– 4:30 a.m.: Michael Beth stated that Lauren wanted to return home and he last saw her walking south on 11th Street, near the intersection of College Avenue and 11th Street.

– This was the last confirmed sighting of Lauren Spierer.

Investigation and Evidence

Search Efforts

– Extensive searches were conducted by law enforcement, volunteers, and private investigators. Drones, K-9 units, and dive teams were used to search the Bloomington area, including nearby woods and lakes.

– Despite exhaustive efforts no physical evidence linked to Lauren’s disappearance was found.

Key Witnesses

1. Corey Rossman: Claimed to have no memory of the night due to being punched.

Suspicious. 

2. Michael Beth: Reportedly the last person to see Lauren.

Also suspicious. 

3. Jason Rosenbaum: Another friend involved in the events of that night.

Surveillance Footage

– Surveillance cameras captured Lauren’s movements up until she left Michael Beth’s apartment. No footage exists of her after 4:30 a.m.

– Witnesses described Lauren as highly intoxicated and barefoot.

– Her vulnerability and physical state likely made her an easy target for foul play.

Theories?

1. Abduction by a Stranger

– One theory is that Lauren was abducted by a stranger after leaving Michael Beth’s apartment.

– The area around 11th Street and College Avenue is not heavily trafficked at night, making it possible for an abductor to take her without being noticed.

2. Overdose and Concealment

– Some speculate that Lauren may have overdosed on drugs or alcohol while with friends and that her body was hidden to avoid legal consequences.

– Her parents, Robert and Charlene Spierer, have suggested this theory, emphasizing the possibility of a cover-up.

3. Foul Play by her “friends”

– Questions remain about the roles of Corey Rossman, Michael Beth, and Jason Rosenbaum.

– Despite being cooperative initially, some of Lauren’s friends later refused to take polygraph tests administered by law enforcement.

4. Serial Killer Connection (Least likely IMO)

– Speculation has linked Lauren’s case to other unsolved disappearances and murders in the region.

– However no definitive evidence supports this theory.

Legal Developments

– In 2013 the Spierer family filed a civil lawsuit against Corey Rossman and Michael Beth, alleging negligence and responsibility for Lauren’s disappearance.

– The lawsuit was dismissed in 2014 due to insufficient evidence.

– Lauren’s case has had a huge impact on Bloomington and Indiana University.

– Awareness campaigns and safety initiatives were launched in response to her disappearance.

– The Spierer family established the “Lauren’s Legacy Fund” to support efforts related to missing persons.

– What happened after Lauren was last seen at 4:30 a.m.?

– Were her friends truthful about the events of that night?

– Why was no trace of Lauren ever found?

– Despite more than a decade passing Lauren Spierer’s disappearance remains unsolved.

– The Bloomington Police Department and the FBI continue to receive tips and investigate leads.

– The Spierer family has never given up hope of finding answers.