Kara Borden

Kara Beth Borden (born 1991) is an American from Lititz, Pennsylvania whose parents were murdered by her boyfriend, David Ludwig, on 13 November 2005.

Overview

Borden was missing for 24 hours after her parents, Michael F. and Cathryn Borden were killed, seemingly abducted by her boyfriend. Ludwig was arrested on 14 November, 2005, after a high speed chase ended in a crash. He was charged with murdering Borden's parents following an argument over Borden lying about attending a sleepover, when instead she spent the night with Ludwig. On 16 November, Ludwig was sent back to Pennsylvania after waiving extradition. Shortly after, he confessed to the murders.

According to Ludwig, Borden had spent the night at his house, after which he had dropped her off at home around 5:30 am. Ludwig waited for a text message from Borden, letting him know that she had successfully made it back without incident, presumably by sneaking into the house undetected. However, the text message never came. After several attempts to reach Borden, Ludwig finally contacted her at around 6:15 am. Borden informed him that she had gotten caught and asked him to come over so her parents could talk to him. At this point, Ludwig grabbed two guns and a hunting knife and traveled to the Bordens' house, arriving around 7 am. Ludwig and Michael Borden argued for about 45 minutes, at which time Michael Borden allegedly stated that Ludwig was no longer allowed to see his daughter. Ludwig then allegedly shot Michael Borden in the back and proceeded to shoot Cathryn Borden who was sitting in the living room. Ludwig left the scene and then returned in hopes to find Kara, who had run out of the house after the first shooting. It was not long before Kara ran towards his vehicle and according to Ludwig, asked him to drive as far west as possible so they could marry and start a new life together. Surveillance videos, from the teens' three-state run, appear to show that Kara accompanied Ludwig willingly and a subsequent investigation confirmed this. [1] Kidnapping charges against Ludwig were withdrawn.

Aftermath

As of 2006, a guardian has been appointed for Borden, and she is represented by legal counsel. A court affidavit released on November 22, 2005, negated a charge of kidnapping against David G. Ludwig, and concluded that Borden fled with Ludwig of her "own free will". Ludwig's lawyer has reportedly stated that Borden willingly accompanied Ludwig in their three-state flight, and surveillance tapes indicate Borden had ample opportunity to escape. Borden has admitted she ran after Ludwig as he left her home; Borden claims she wanted to marry Ludwig. Borden's situation is similar to that of Caril Ann Fugate, the 14-year-old girlfriend of Charles Starkweather.

Kara Beth is regarded as a victim,[2] [3] and no charges have been brought against her by the Lancaster County District Attorney, based on statements made by her and Ludwig during the investigation,[4] and also based on the evidence collected, including e-mails, blogs and text messages.[5]

In June 2006, in a plea deal with District Attorney Donald R. Totaro (who had been asking for the death penalty), Ludwig pled guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and other charges and was immediately sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison.[6]

References and external links

• Kathleen Brady Shea and Benjamin Y. Lowe. "Girl, 14, not involved in parents' killings, attorney says.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, 2005-01-25. Retrieved on 2007-01-25. 
• "Report: Girl left willingly with slaying suspect", San Diego Union-Tribune / Associated Press, 2005-11-22. Retrieved on 2007-02-07. 
• "Teen Gave Detailed Account of Parent Killings.", Fox News / Associated Press, 2005-11-23. Retrieved on 2007-01-25. 
• Crime Library
• Kara Borden's Xanga (Mirror)
• Kara Borden blog mirrors and photodump
• Ludwig Sentenced to Life with no parole
• Borden Family Trust