True crime is educational for safety purposes

By Kaitlin Sides | LTVN Reporter

Popular true crime shows like “Criminal Minds,” “Law and Order” and “NCIS” are educating young adults on ways to stay safe.

In these shows, there is a new case every episode, and the case challenges the investigative team to solve it. The cases range from kidnapping to planned first-degree murder.

Many kidnapping cases involve a woman who was running at night or in the dark before being abducted. A current example is the ongoing Eliza Fletcher case. Fletcher was running early in the morning in the dark and was abducted in plain sight. She was found dead less than five days after the kidnapping.

There is no true way to prevent situations like this, but there are ways to help ensure your safety. Keeping yourself safe starts with self-awareness.

Always keep an eye open in unsafe situations, and travel in pairs. Taking extra precautions helps ensure your safety, even though you can never predict the unpredictable.

Fletcher had always gone on her 4 a.m. run — until she didn’t.

No one can determine what might happen to them, but knowing important court cases can be educational. Some famous true crime cases include the JonBenét Ramsey case, the Elizabeth Smart case and the Lisa McVay case. These not only are interesting cases but also are beneficial to know for safety purposes.

Knowing these cases could save the next victim or prevent a crime.

Kaitlin Sides is a Junior journalism major with a corporate communications minor. She is excited to be a part of the Lariat TV News staff as a broadcast reporter. In the future she hopes to work as a full time video editor in Charleston, South Carolina, or work for a fashion magazine. When not working, she enjoys spending time at Pinewood Coffee shop or time with her friends!