Police chief retiring after criticism in slain student case

The University of Utah police chief is retiring months after his department came under fierce criticism for its handling of a student’s increasingly urgent reports about her ex-boyfriend before the man killed her on campus.

University officials said Tuesday Police Chief Dale Brophy will leave on Oct. 15 to “pursue other opportunities.”

Though an investigation showed university police missed multiple chances to prevent track athlete Lauren McCluskey’s October 2018 death, no one was disciplined in the case. President Ruth Watkins has said the failures were due to lack of training and staffing.

McCluskey’s parents, though, say the university has failed to take responsibility. They’re suing as they press for reforms.

Brophy served with West Valley City police before joining the university in 2013. The institution will conduct a national search for his replacement.