ABC 20/20 “Running Out of Time” August 29 2025
On Friday, August 29, 2025, from 9:01–11:00 p.m. EDT, 20/20 presents Running Out of Time, a powerful two-hour collaboration with ESPN that revisits the heartbreaking story of Lauren McCluskey, a University of Utah student-athlete who was murdered after repeatedly seeking help from authorities. Anchored by David Muir, the episode features reporting by ESPN journalists T.J. Quinn and Nicole Noren and examines the systemic failures that contributed to her tragic death.
Lauren McCluskey was a standout track athlete and honors student who believed she had met someone special when she began dating a man she thought was a bouncer. But her world turned upside down when she discovered his real identity—Melvin Rowland, a 37-year-old convicted sex offender. After breaking off the relationship, Lauren began receiving threatening messages and faced escalating harassment.
Despite reaching out multiple times to campus police, local law enforcement, and university officials, her pleas went largely unanswered. Just over a week after her first report, Lauren was abducted and murdered.
Running Out of Time takes viewers deep into the timeline of Lauren’s final days, highlighting the missed warning signs, ignored protocols, and communication breakdowns that left her vulnerable. The episode explores how red tape and complacency contributed to one of the most tragic campus safety failures in recent history.
The report includes emotional and revealing interviews with:
- Jill and Matt McCluskey, Lauren’s parents, who have since become vocal advocates for campus safety reform
- Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General
- Miguel Deras, former campus police officer
- Paul Amann, former Utah Assistant Attorney General who had previously prosecuted Rowland
- Megan Thomson, Rowland’s parole agent
- Journalists and close friends who knew Lauren or worked to uncover what went wrong
This joint investigation doesn’t just recount a tragic loss—it also exposes systemic flaws that affect student safety nationwide. The episode examines ongoing efforts to pass Lauren’s Law, aimed at improving how campuses respond to threats involving students.
Catch 20/20: Running Out of Time on Friday, August 29, at 9/8c on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu.
