Lawrencia Bambenek, better known to the world as Bambi, passed away at the age of 52.
Bembenek rose to national attention two decades ago, when, as a convicted murderer she made a daring escape from a Wisconsin prison.
The former Milwaukee police officer ultimately made her way across the Pigeon River Border Crossing – no passports needed in those free-and-easy days – and found herself in Thunder Bay.
She lived here peacefully for several months, before John Walsh profiled her on the long-running show America’s Most Wanted.
Within days, following a slew of tips, Thunder Bay Police closed in, arresting her at a Banning Street apartment.
Bembenek had worked as a waitress at the Columbia Grill, a May Street eatery that has long since passed into the history books.
The media circus that followed is unlike anything the city saw before or since.
Questions about her guilt or innocence in the murder of her then husband’s ex-girlfriend, followed Bembenek the rest of her life.
In the end, after her conviction was set aside, she was forced to follow the advice of the Run, Bambi, Run bumper stickers, running from her celebrity status.
Rest in peace, Bambi.
