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Detroit man sentenced to death for McLauchlin kidnapping murder
A Detroit native, Joseph Gardner, was sentenced to death by electric chair or lethal injection for kidnapping and murdering Melissa McLauchlin near Dorchester County on December 30, 1992. The jury, after about two hours of deliberation, found him guilty of murder and kidnapping, amid testimony detailing alleged revenge against whites and Gardner’s troubled upbringing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
ST. George
Detroit
Melissa “Missi” McLauchlin
Joseph Gardner
Gardner
Gardiner
McLauchlin
Dorchester County
Patricia McLauchlin
Clair
Tony del Rio