The trial of Rebecca Ruud captured the attention of many, as it delved into the complicated story of Savannah Leckie, a young girl whose life was tragically cut short. The State of Missouri vs. Rebecca Ruud | The Death of Savannah Leckie, is a case full of twists, emotional testimonies, and disturbing revelations about the circumstances of Savannah's untimely death. In this episode of Crimeatorium, we present the trial in a condensed format, edited for clarity, so listeners can understand the unfolding events and hear from the voices at the center of this tragic story.
Savannah Leckie was just sixteen years old when her life was taken under circumstances. Adopted at birth by Rebecca Ruud, Savannah's life was far from easy. The events leading up to her death reveal a pattern of abuse, neglect, and betrayal by the person who was supposed to protect her. Savannah was homeschooled, isolated, and reportedly subjected to severe punishment, including being forced to crawl through brambles as a form of discipline.
On July 18, 2017, Savannah was reported missing. Not long after, authorities found burned human remains on Rebecca Ruud's property, which were later confirmed to be Savannah's. The trial brought to light disturbing details of Savannah's final days and left many grappling with the extent of the abuse she endured. The charges against Rebecca Ruud included first-degree murder, child abuse, and tampering with physical evidence, making this one of Missouri's most unsettling cases in recent years.
Rebecca Ruud’s defense argued that Savannah's death was a tragic accident, claiming that Savannah took her own life and that Ruud had only attempted to dispose of the remains to protect herself. The prosecution, however, painted a different picture, one of ongoing abuse and neglect by her caregiver.
Through this episode and blog post, we hope to keep Savannah's memory alive and bring awareness to the issue of child abuse. It’s important that her story is told, not just to understand what happened, but also to advocate for better systems and support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Please join us as we walk through the trial of Rebecca Ruud, hear the voices that spoke for Savannah, and reflect on what justice means in a case like this.
