Senator Fuschillo Supports Legislation Requiring Life Without Parole For Parents Who Murder Their Child

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) announced Senate passage of legislation that would require life without parole for parents or guardians who kill their child. The legislation, named "Nixzmary’s Law", was passed in the aftermath of the tragic death of Nixzmary Brown, a seven year old girl who was brutally beaten and left for dead earlier this month. Her mother and stepfather have been charged with her murder.

"We were all appalled and horrified to learn of the pain and suffering this child was forced to endure, allegedly at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect her. If these individuals are found guilty, the fact they may one day be allowed to walk the streets again because of a technicality in the current law is absolutely sickening," said Senator Fuschillo, who supported the bill. "We need to close the loopholes to make sure that anyone who commits this type of crime will spend the rest of their life in prison."

Under the current law, the only way an individual over the age of 18 can receive life without parole for killing a child under the age of 14 is if they also committed a felony sex crime against that child. In all other instances, no matter how horrific the crime, the offender can receive parole. Since there was no felony sex crime committed against Nixzmary Brown, her killers could be paroled from prison after serving their minimum prison term.

"Nixzmary’s Law" would close this loophole by creating the crime of aggravated murder of a child. The crime would mandate a sentence of life without parole for the parent, guardian or other person in a position of trust who abuses and tortures a child under the age of 14, causing the death of that child.

The legislation has been delivered to the Assembly.

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