Keep Bailing

Reportedly, Oxnard Prosecutor Bill Haney says he intends to file both murder and firearms charges against Jane Laut, 52, the widow and accused killer of 1984 Olympic shot put medalist, David Laut.  Mrs. Lout fatally shot her husband on August 27 in the couple’s Southern California back yard. She was taken into custody on Saturday, February 13, by Oxnard police.

She was arrested without incidence about 9:30 a.m. during a traffic stop near Third and F streets in Oxnard.

Dave Laut, 52, died from multiple gunshots to the head.  At first, his wife told police the family heard noises and that her husband went out into the back yard to investigate. Oxnard police chose not to comment on any details for fear of compromising the case, but they have been working closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office since the shooting.

Some neighbors weren’t surprised by Jane Laut’s arrest; others were shocked.  In the quiet suburban neighborhood where the Lauts lived, everyone said they were friendly and outgoing.  Their next door neighbor, Eileen Laurie, described Jane Laut as “the nicest person you’d ever meet.” Laurie said she knew Dave Laut drank yet she never heard any stories of abuse. 

Jane Laut faces 50 years to life in prison if she is found guilty on all counts.  Jane Laut is scheduled to appear on Tuesday in Ventura County Superior Court and is now being held on $3 million bail at the Ventura County Jail. Jane Laut intends to plead not guilty and request a lower bail.