Featured – Lauren Turner Dunn

August 23, 2024 lturnerdunn Featured, Work

From Newsroom to Courtroom: A Journalist’s Tale

The Human Side of True Crime: A reflection on my humble beginnings covering murder trials as a Network News Page in New York City

As I reflect on my individual growth with the 48 Hours team, I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn and contribute to impactful storytelling.

I don’t have many photos from my court coverage, only approved cameras are allowed inside the courtroom, so here are some work photos from over the years.

My role has allowed me to delve into a variety of stories, expanding my skills as both a producer and reporter. One particularly memorable experience was covering the tragic case of Jennifer Dulos during my time in NYC. I took the train up to Connecticut (for the first time) to one of the pre-trial hearings.

A little background on the story: Jennifer disappeared and her community knew her as a dedicated mother who would never leave her boys. It was a huge deal and all eyes in the tri-state area were focused on her husband, Fotis Dulos. Jennifer was eventually found after Fotis Dulos was seen on surveillance video dumping big black trash bags all around the city with his new girlfriend Michelle Troconis. Eventually, Fotis committed suicide.

Fotis Dulos wasn’t present in court this day back in 2019, only his attorney. After the hearing ended, the producer I accompanied ran up to Fotis’s attorney, she introduced herself then asked him a question.

I want you to picture little me trailing behind her in the crowded hallway and just observing. She had such a confident approach because she had researched him. It happened so fast and quickly but whatever she said related to him. I remember he laughed and took her card when she handed it to him and he walked out of the courthouse to go on about his day.

The whole train ride back to the city I was thinking what would I have said if I was by myself. I was nervous about when my time would come. The attorney could easily just say, “No comment” or “Not interested” and walk away. There’s only one shot, one first impression.

Attending the pre-trial hearing for Fotis Dulos was a pivotal moment in my career. I was able to witness firsthand the intensity and competition surrounding such a high-profile story. Observing a seasoned producer’s confident approach and effective communication with the defense attorney was inspiring. It reinforced the importance of preparation, research, and building rapport in high-pressure situations.

While I may have been nervous to approach the attorney myself, this experience taught me valuable lessons about seizing opportunities and making a lasting impression. It’s a reminder that even the smallest interactions can have a significant impact.

Looking back, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. From being a Page/ Broadcast Associate to covering multiple trials, each experience has been unique and has shaped my growth as a storyteller. I’m excited to share more about these experiences in my next post.

P.S. because only approved cameras are allowed in the courtroom.

The Conspiracy to Murder Jennifer Dulos | Full Episode

Michelle Troconis, convicted of conspiracy in Jennifer Dulos murder, was “fooled” by boyfriend, says sister

Michelle Troconis sentenced to 20 years in Jennifer Dulos murder conspiracy

July 11, 2024August 23, 2024 lturnerdunn Featured, MBA Journey

Believe in Change: Becoming an MBA student

My headshot taken at the QS MBA Event, Los Angeles

When COVID-19 hit, I was lonely and felt like I wasn’t doing enough educationally and professionally. For years I contemplated about going back to school, I didn’t want to receive my Master’s degree in Journalism, since I was already gaining first hand experience, in the field.

I applied to Pepperdine on the fly in 2021, and didn’t get in. I remember talking with my work bestie about going back to school that summer. We vowed to make it happen and try to change the world in our own ways. Looking back, I don’t think I was fully ready to commit to school at that time, especially mentally.

I started working out faithfully in 2022 and not only did working out make me physically stronger, it strengthened my mind. I learned new things about myself that I never realized, I was never really an athlete but I loved playing beach volleyball and softball in high school. After two years of being in the gym now I can proudly say I love working out. I met an awesome gym buddy who inspired me to invest in myself, I told her I wanted to go back to school. She was very honest and said, “Really? Why? Do whatever you think is best!” She couldn’t see herself going back to school but I dreamed of furthering my knowledge about investing, business management, and executive decisions… even if that meant reading and writing essays.

A couple of friends went back to school when COVID hit, they also inspired me to think about my passions. My coworker also went back to school for her MBA while working full-time. It was awesome seeing her work toward a goal and better herself while working, she was changing before our eyes. Talking to her about her classes made me excited. I talked to another coworker about when he got his MBA and he had went to Pepperdine. He explained how it probably wouldn’t be as useful for me to get the degree especially with the work we do. He also talked about how expensive it was when he went compared to now. He didn’t want me to go into debt, I was looking at a tuition of $103,740.

Still, I was drawn to apply and see what would happen. Especially since, I didn’t have any debt from undergrad. In 2023, I attended an MBA fair and still no university stuck out to me like Pepperdine. Even my dream school USC didn’t spark me the way the staff at Pepperdine did.

Later, I sat in on a marketing class. I liked the campus and the professor was awesome. It seemed perfect for me. It was 15 minutes away from my apartment and classes would be at night. I wanted to expand my world, and make a difference I started looking at the application and asked my boss to write my letter of recommendation.

After I applied, a month later I got the email that I had been accepted while working. I was officially ready to start my journey and get my MBA to make change in the entertainment industry.

No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis

Affording college as an adult

Jade Janks and the Secret Photos | Full Episode

November 2, 2020November 3, 2020 lturnerdunn Featured, Newsfeed

Long over due: COVID-Blogpost

Happy November, did you think the pandemic would last this long?

What a rough year 2020 has been but these next two months are the perfect time to reflect and plan for 2021 no matter how long the pandemic persists.

How many more times are you going to drop your mask on the ground, dust it off and still put it on?

The upsides of the pandemic are that I’ve been learning how to cook, I fell in love with Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m enjoying DIY crafts and interior design.

Coming back home, I looked forward to spending time with family and friends, saving money and clearing out my childhood bedroom. There’s been a lot of pain and sadness since June 2nd, the death of George Floyd and the long list of those who went down fighting for justice or simply doing their mundane tasks. It’s heartbreaking seeing how divided our country is mentally and physically. We’re far away in the sense that we cannot see eye to eye on basic human rights and we’re six feet apart/ working from home because of the pandemic. I commend all the protestors who stood up for change rain or shine.

August marked my second anniversary at CBS. And the end of my Harlem apartment lease, I officially moved back home to California because of COVID-19. The office has been closed since March.

In the beginning, I thought we’d be gone for two weeks max but then I realized how I would be working from home with some people for the very first time and I had to put my best foot forward.

So here’s the latest on what I’ve been doing WFH, I got my second associate producer credit on a look into the investigation of Israel Keyes. I helped with two specials one looking at the injustice throughout the years in America, titled Justice for All and one saluting the late Congressman John Lewis that included appearances with Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Brad Pitt and more celebrities.

The Ambush of Kevin Harris also aired, the story was very special to me since it was based in LA and I got to come home to help out with the shoot and connect with new people. So proud we got it on air and I really hope the family gets justice, Kevin as so young and he was on his way to stardom, very heartbreaking case.

I’ve learned more now than ever before during this time. It’s been a lot of fun at home exploring new places in LA and I even took a trip to Oregon but it’s very bittersweet. I miss New York City. I miss going into the office and seeing all my colleagues, walking those busy streets and (sometimes, hate to admit it but) being on those crowded subways.

Shoutout to my sister, Vetta for flying during a pandemic to help me pack up and move back home while I worked 12 hour days. I’ll never forget the flight back home to California I’d never want to lug six suitcases around with anyone but my sister. I carried my beautiful bamboo plant in a trash bag to protect the roots inside of my purse.

It’s nice to be home but I miss New York at times. Thankful for all my friends and family seeing everyone and creating new memories takes the cake every time. I only took one COVID test and thankfully if was negative. Can’t wait to see how the next two months of 2020 go. Best wishes to all and here’s to making the most of what we have while we have it.

My first web gallery for 48 Hours

Instagram takeover

Second web gallery

Photos from the past few months, enjoy.

Chipotle Malibu date
Manhattan Beach, CA
Venice with Kelcey
Kelcey’s birthday surprise
Starbucks date with Sophie and Chuck (not pictured here)
Cammeron’s birthday in Newport Beach
True beauty’s description
Rest in Peace Uncle Joe, I love you.
Finally made it to Butterfly beach
Oil spills suck
Santa Barbara trip with mom and sis
Mom’s surprise birthday gathering
Personality picture San Diego
Our last time in Times Square for a while
Hollywood, CA
Bags are packed and ready
Genesis
Kenya
LJ, Justice and London
Shrimp burrito bowl on a plate, yummy.
My favorite outfit, I love butterflies
Marilyn and me
Best friends since elementary and middle school
My birthday beach bash
Thanks sis for making my birthday cakes
Mask on Kobe Year, rest in peace
Before my birthday brunch
Birthday queenin with Tory
Nail date with auntie
Proud of Kelcey and Tory
Maggiano’s dinner after work
Lifesavers
Rock the boat
Marina Del Rey, CA
NABJxNAHJ virtual
Bell pepper spinach pasta, my new favorite to make.
Cuzzos in town, the waiter liked TJ and gave him free food
See you later dinner for Kelcey
Congrats Rachel and Tiff can’t wait to meet baby girl
Baby shower for Xiya Sage Buchanan
Happy birthday Shanik, love you!
Gaslamp District with Jyael and Cammeron
Shanik’s birthday lunch at Sugar Factory
Hello Gorgeous
French JaJuan and Holly Golighty

March 3, 2020March 4, 2020 lturnerdunn Blog post, Featured, Newsfeed

I Just Love My Friends

The past two weeks have been overwhelmingly amazing I’ve had the opportunity to grow, love and reflect on my life.

Two weeks ago I got my first Associate Producer credit. I was shocked and so excited I cried. I couldn’t believe how fast all of this opportunity came. I was beyond stressed since my friend, Ashley was in town for the week from Portland and I was going to be working 14 hour days. Meaning I wouldn’t be able to spend any time with her but she understood. Then my friend Amber came to town from D.C. for her first time and I was so excited to see her once I got off work. We found a Laker themed bar in the city and met another Cali girl it’s always so refreshing and amazing to see old friends but it reminded me how moving to New York City was never my plan just like college was never my plan.

My friend, Charlene encouraged me to go to college, if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have met Ashley or Amber.

My friends supported me and made moving to New York to start my career possible. I managed to graduate in four years and met some of my very best friends along the way. I struggled to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and looking back now I almost changed my major and minor every fall semester. I wanted to work in politics and make change I also wanted to learn more about my African American culture but in the end I realized I could report on politics, tell stories that affect the black community and more. I fell in love with journalism.

My professor always encouraged us to report on our passion and I struggled with mine because it often times made me so upset. I always wondered how the system could fail so many people, so many times. I’ve always wanted to make things fair ex. I played with every single one of my toys so none would feel left out, ask my mom about it. As a journalist I want all questions to be answered and I want to hold the right people accountable for their actions and the way their actions affect others.

So junior year of college my passion for social and racial justice was shining all the way through my acne was so severe my emotions all over the place. Getting the right people to talk on camera, working on my voice and editing was all challenging for me but with my friends by my side I made it through everything even the roughest and most difficult times in my personal life.

The stories I report on break my heart almost every time but the people I meet along the way keep me going. And my amazing friends are here rooting for me and still excited to see my finished pieces. From going to DTLA with me to shoot a stand-up, helping me figure out what to say in my stand-ups, hanging out with me in the newsrooms all night long, assisting me with my story ideas and meeting up to get a bite to eat after it all. I don’t know where I’d be without my friends. I appreciate you all.

Thank you Jyael for being my very best friend and dealing with all my craziness and sobbing phone calls. I love my customized cup and everyone in the office always comments on it. Thank you Beverly for being my soul sister and always listening to my crazy life stories you always calm me down in the midst of it all. I can’t wait to use my Starbucks gift card, still don’t know how you knew I’d need it, that was perfect timing! You both will come to the city soon, we all need to stay patient. I love you both so very much.

This past weekend in Miami is the reason for this post it just made my heart overflow with so much love and happiness. Kelcey, Cammeron, Tory, Mike and Amber the time we spent together was amazing. I hope this becomes a consistent tradition because it was very much needed to get out of the city and sit at the pool and beach. We did everything that you should do when you go to Florida and it was a blast. All our different personalities make the best group of friends ever. I miss you guys so much already.

Thank you God for blessing us all to have each other. I’m beyond thankful for all of you, even if your name wasn’t listed, this post is for you. I love you all and I just feel so full and excited for all of our futures. I’m glad we all have each other to push one another and keep striving for greatness.

Just want to remind you that being a 20-something is hard but you all make it a little easier. When we hang out and make jokes, think about them later it’s the absolute best thing. Just know time is on our side, we all are growing and making the best of every situation. I’m proud of all of us, YOLO.

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January 29, 2020January 29, 2020 lturnerdunn Featured, Newsfeed

Kobe Bryant. Basketball. LA. Legend. Husband. Father. Amazing. Mamba. Human.

No one understands the bond between a daughter and her father until the bond is broken.

“Mamba” definition: large, agile, highly venomous African snake.

Being from California- LA County, Kobe was symbolic to the African American culture and basketball. Watching his games made it look so easy to shoot and actually make a three pointer. So effortlessly…

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I was the tallest one in my class but not that athletic, I had asthma for most of my childhood. My mom put me in soccer, it didn’t last long since I was allergic to the grass. I managed to get into dance. I did hip hop, ballet and tap I loved it but as they say all good things come to an end. By fifth grade, I had a friend who was on the basketball team. I joined her since they needed more girls and I was tall. I was center but I never really understood the game.

I struggled to keep up but I always tried my hardest. I would dripple at home and shoot the ball up in the air but my team was no good. We might have won one game during the whole season. My school was low budget and probably the most diverse in the district. My third grade teacher, Mr. Volk was the coach, he had no assistance. I guess he was picked to be the coach because he was tall and slim but not really in shape.

We all did what we could with what we had.

Jerseys that were too big and in white and black, missing our main school color, yellow. We still had pride. Still hustled and sweated like crazy even though we were getting our butts kicked.

Little me didn’t have much going on so I continued to try to learn the game and played in middle school. It was rough, most of the girls from my elementary team were the same on my middle school team.

We still had pride at our games and hopes that we would win even though Kobe would’ve wanted us to player smarter and better, those of us who were on the team and played did our best. I believed in myself that I could do it because of players like Kobe.

Kobe had games when everyone in the stands was against him. He didn’t let it get him down. He knew who he was and what he stood for. He loved basketball and it opened so many doors for him. He met millions of people and inspired them to be a better version of themselves and try a little harder.

Not that it’s anyone’s business but when he and his wife had a hard time, they managed to tough it out and stay together because they loved each other. It’s hard being on a team. To stand side by side and stay strong while it feels like you’re drowning in turmoil is not just an easy dribble that ends with a successful layup. Being on a team can be messy, some struggle with it everyday and would rather isolate themselves but together, Vanessa and Kobe they created a family four beautiful girls. Rest in Peace Mambacita.

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I relate to Kobe’s daughters Bianka, Natalia and especially Capri. I was her at one point. I lost my dad when I was two years old. While my older sisters knew him I can’t even remember what his voice sounds like. I was a daddy’s girl I know for a fact from pictures but I always thought that maybe he wasn’t gone and that I’d run into him in the grocery store. These poor girls don’t have their dad or their sister. I can imagine that they feel like their family is broken, but as long as they have each other it’s still complete even though it hurts.

I wish I could go home and hug my mom just because this was so unexpected and not the way it was supposed to go for any of the families involved.

Being in New York is hard they don’t understand the culture of Los Angeles and how deep the Laker pride is because of Kobe Bryant. It’s difficult but I know we will heal and overcome this difficult time of loss. As Kobe would, do I’m pushing through and making the best of each and everyday. I love my family, friends and community.

Don’t remember the one bad thing someone did versus all the good they did, it’s not the way you would want to be remembered.

Rest in Peace
Kobe Bryant
Gianna Bryant
John Altobelli
Keri Altobelli
Alyssa Altobelli
Christina Mauser
Sarah Chester
Payton Chester
Ara Zobayan

“Girl Dad” Elle Duncan’s story

Kobe’s Oscar Winning Short “Dear Basketball”

July 18, 2019July 18, 2019 lturnerdunn Blog post, Featured, Newsfeed

Hot girl summer begins…

There’s a lot of work to do besides sitting around and being hot.

me yello 2 — The day of the NYC power outage, views from Brooklyn.

Last month didn’t really feel like summer but now it’s officially in full affect. This week it’s going to get up to 100 degrees and I’ve already gotten into fights with my roommate, best friend and even my boyfriend. With all the heat it only makes me more hot tempered and aggressive. Of course, I like my alone time in front of the fan at my apartment but I also love spending time with my friends outdoors.

My hot girl summer consists of being a nice girl, my spirit hasn’t been the nicest lately. I’m really homesick, my mom had to give my dog away, sad about the dynamic of my family and I’m trying to swim at work instead of doggy-paddling.

water — I felt like I was almost drowning in Miami, when Shayne wasn’t around. I can definitely doggy-paddle but not for long… I really need to take swimming lessons again.

My first packages in college were almost never a walk in the park. I would cry, I wouldn’t sleep and the stories would just eat me alive. I’m still battling with this today. Of course I knew my career in journalism would be challenging but this toll is almost never ending: children dying in ICE custody, seeing the officer who shot Eric Garner not get charged and watching President Trump tell congresswomen “to go back to where they came from”, WHILE studying cases of wrongful convictions and young missing women isn’t easy. How can anyone be nice in such a rough time in American society? I’m thankful for my coworkers who I can talk to about all of this because they understand and are also going through it. They are the ones who remind me to smile, say good morning and ask how someone else is doing. I know I am strong and I am working on not crying after every little thing. I am blessed and thankful I’m not missing, dead or behind bars. I’ve taken my life and the people I love for granted and mistreated them too many times. It ends now…

Last lunch in Miami before we headed baclk to NYC.

In Las Vegas in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino.

I want 2019 to be about loving more, growing and moving forward. This year started off rough but I’m going to keep learning to love and take care of myself. That means: getting the right amount of sleep, saying no to friends, taking off my chipped nail polish (quick), being on time to work, writing more, smiling more, drinking more tea, lighting candles to relax, paying to get my hair done, going to church more, not drinking as much, taking on more responsibility at work, keeping my room clean, and the list goes on…

hgs — #7 is a tough one since I’m already working on being on time, but I’ll try… Credit, Shaderoom

I’m proud of myself and happy with who I am becoming. I know when someone and something is wrong and I never want it to build and turn into something unnecessary. When nipping conflict in the bud my challenge is to learn how to speak to someone I’m upset with without offending them. This world has to change but it starts with me and I hope I can achieve it and leave others better than I found them. It gets tiresome always being the bigger person but I won’t be treated any other way than respectfully by anyone.

On a more positive note this year has been an amazing year so far. I’ve got to give 2019 and God some credit I’ve been blessed to go to Chicago, Miami and Connecticut for the first time. I’ve got my passport now and a family trip to Hawaii is planned for later this year. Hopefully I’ll also take another summer trip to Atlanta or Texas in the next few weeks.

In Las Vegas at Chinese restaurant Lala Noodle.

In Miami on Collins Avenue.

In Williamsburg, Kelcey pitched and produced this photoshoot.

At the Wynwood Walls in Miami. I love Spongebob, don’t mind my sweat spot.

June 13, 2019June 18, 2019 lturnerdunn Blog post, Featured, Newsfeed

Blow the Whistle Change the World

One PA, eight stories…

thumbnail_BC82CC1D-93BA-42F3-B63F-C72DAAFF6321-filtered — Out shooting b-roll of the whistleblower at the Chicago Lake Front. It was my first time there in the city.

I had no idea what the CBS Page Program had in store for me but I’m beyond grateful for every day that I get to report to the Broadcast Center.

In late October, I became a production associate (PA) for Whistleblower. I had watched the show before I interviewed for the program so I had an idea of the show but no idea how it was created.

This season featured many different industries: pharma, midwives and OBGYN doctors, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, SeaWorld, Chicago PD, spinal surgeries, a polygamous sect and so much more.

One of our whistleblowers from this season was Shannon Spalding. She blew the whistle on Chicago PD and immediately won my heart for her badass warrior persona. “It was like shock and awe,” she said about her experience going undercover in the Ida B. Wells projects. She wasn’t the only one thinking these thoughts. It was my first time being on a set and meeting a whole crew. Most of the days were cold, quiet and dark (until catering arrived).

The early mornings and late nights made it hard to have a life outside of work. I was working at Trader Joe’s less than part-time until I eventually had to quit. Shoots were seven days a week and when I wasn’t there, I was a graphics/ newsroom PA for Weekend News. I’ll never forget working everyday for a month straight and putting 80 hours on my timesheet for one week alone. This grind was and still is no joke but I didn’t come to NYC to play or sleep. I accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion. I was getting pushed by everyone around me and I appreciated the support. They wanted me there and I felt it.

I fell a couple times at this set house but I still managed to smile.

Hannah and I sitting in for Alex and the whistleblower.

My first field shoot was in December. I was excited because it was somewhere familiar and I got to help out in a different setting. Too bad I missed my train because I wasn’t early enough and got lost at Penn Station. Luckily the next one wasn’t hours away but 30 minutes later. I still felt terrible that I let my team down after they begged for me to go. I paid the fare difference out of my own pocket and apologized. They understood that you live and learn from mistakes so it made me feel at ease but I knew I couldn’t mess up again.

During these past few months, I’ve learned a lot about production, freelance, being a team player and also being happy about doing tasks that other people might not want to do. I got to help with the R. Kelly and Gayle King Interview, it was great working with such a large team and receiving my first credit with a network. I was juggling the special and my Whistleblower needs but it was really fun. Throughout this whole process I’ve always kept remembering why I wanted to be in this industry: to represent. On these sets and shoots there aren’t many African Americans.

thumbnail_IMG_1771 — Our Whistleblower party at the CBS Broadcast Center.

During most screenings I’m the only African American there. The Whistleblower team only has one African American and one Haitian producer both women. It’s not uncomfortable for me to be the only one. It makes me proud and want to stay so that I eventually can create change in the industry. I want more people of color to get inspired to edit, produce, shoot and overall get their foot in the door.

As Whistleblower wraps up I’m ready to work on more projects, grow with CBS News and possibly get back into reporting and editing. I really miss writing and working hard to get my own pieces up. I’m thankful for the amazing team that I got to work with and all their words of wisdom and great journalism and production skills. They’ve all inspired me and made me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to…. even to blow the whistle ;).

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October 9, 2017December 16, 2017 lturnerdunn Featured, Newsfeed

Life Update

The Need to Know with Lauren has been placed on hold for sometime now.

Since I initially made this blog for class it’s been on the back burner but I am still actively writing, shooting and reporting.

This summer I got to go to the east coast for the first time ever and I fell in love. I was interning with the House Majority PAC in D.C. and learned a plethora of information about congress and super PACs. Being in the office from 9-5 made me realize how much I love journalism, reporting and video editing.

As a young girl I always wanted to go to New York and I managed to do that along with Philly and of course Maryland and Virginia. From D.C. I flew to New Orleans for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention and had the time of my life. Attending the convention only connected me with journalists from everywhere and strengthened my networking skills.

New Orleans is very symbolic to me because my father and grandmother were born in Louisiana. I got to explore my roots and see the damages from Katrina and I met my grandfather for the first time ever.

Now that I am back in California I’m commuting to school which has been rough. I have five classes, two on-campus jobs, and I am vice president of CSUN’s NABJ chapter. I had to let go of the Valley Performing Arts Center sadly and now I am working at KCSN as a student assistant and at the Sundial as news editor. My goals this semester are to rebuild NABJ, find a broadcast internship and an apartment and finish strong in terms of my grades.

I miss D.C. tremendously and can’t wait to go back.

Here are some links to my most recent work:

Banned Books Week

OnPoint: Earthquake Prep and Readiness

President’s address

Multicultural Greeks

META+LAB and LinkedIn

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