A mother woke to her daughter's screams coming from a room barricaded from the inside. By the time she got through the door, it was already too late.
Who Was Lauren
Lauren Belius was born September 16, 2004, to John and Allison Belius, with a twin sister, Erica, and older brother, Nolan. She played soccer, took ballet and Tae Kwon Do, and was known among family for her sense of humor and love of animals.
The Morning of the Attack
On the morning of July 19, 2011, in the family's Sherrill, New York, home, Allison's boyfriend, David Trebilcock, became fixated on the belief that six-year-old Lauren was, in his words, "the anti-Christ," and that she could read his mind. While alone with Lauren and her twin sister, he fatally attacked Lauren and then attempted to take his own life.
Allison Belius woke to her daughter's screams and found the bedroom door barricaded. After forcing her way in, she attempted to intervene while Lauren's siblings ran to a neighbor for help. Another neighbor arrived and performed CPR, but Lauren could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Arrest and Admissions
Trebilcock was taken into police custody and told officers he believed Lauren was evil and that he had planned to die that day as well. He said he understood what he had done was wrong and expected to be punished for it.
Trial and Verdict
Trebilcock was charged with second-degree murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years, but because he was determined to be mentally ill, he was committed to a secure psychiatric facility for treatment, with periodic reevaluation.
Where the Case Stands
Trebilcock has remained at the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, New York. No significant public updates on his status have been reported in recent years.
FAQ
Who killed Lauren Belius?
David Trebilcock, her mother's boyfriend at the time, who was later found guilty but mentally ill.
What was David Trebilcock's stated motive?
He claimed he believed six-year-old Lauren was "the anti-Christ" and could read his mind.
Where is David Trebilcock now?
He has remained committed to the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, New York.