Katie chose Western Kentucky University because it was closer to her biological family, allowing her to visit them on weekends.
Initially, the fire alarm was thought to be a routine prank, as fire alarms were frequently pulled as pranks.
The police initially struggled to find answers, as the case involved a complex crime scene spread across the campus.
Danica Jackson, Katie's roommate, provided crucial details about Katie's movements and interactions on the night of the incident, including hearing a second male voice in the room.
The police focused on Maurice Perkins because he was Katie's on-again, off-again boyfriend and had been involved in a fight with her at a party earlier that night.
Stephen Soules' confession implicated Lucas Goodrum in the crime, leading to Goodrum's arrest and trial.
The trial was moved to Owensboro to avoid media saturation and potential bias in Bowling Green, where the crime took place.
Lucas Goodrum was acquitted due to lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime and inconsistencies in Stephen Soules' testimony.
Katie's family felt the verdict was wrong and continued to seek answers, believing they would never fully know what happened to her.
Katie's family wants her to be remembered for her strength, determination, fun-loving nature, and genuine care for others, rather than just the tragic circumstances of her death.
**Police struggle for answers in the violent assault and death of WKU freshman Katie Autry. **
Originally Aired 01/05/23
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