Stolen Condoms Help Catch Killer Behind Law School Grad's Gruesome Murder

Murder Files Unsealed

Lauren Giddings, a recent law graduate, vanished after a night out with friends. Her torso was found in a trash bin near her apartment, and investigators began searching for her killer. Stephen McDaniel, Giddings’ neighbor and fellow law student, became a suspect due to suspicious behavior and evidence found in his apartment, including items belonging to Giddings and a hacksaw believed to have been used in her dismemberment. After McDaniel confessed to the murder and was sentenced to life in prison, investigators learned that he had a disturbing fascination with violence and had secretly filmed Giddings without her knowledge. Though Giddings’ remains were never fully recovered, the investigation revealed a tragic story of obsession and murder.