Governor Cuomo Signs "Amanda Lynn's Law"

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed "Amanda Lynn’s Law," which strengthens penalties against those who seek to unlawfully conceal or dispose of a body. 

The measure is named after Amanda Lynn Wienckowski, a Western New York woman who died under questionable circumstances in 2009. Although authorities were unable to prove the exact circumstances of her death, they did establish that individuals hid her body in an apparent attempt to avoid its discovery. That action had been only punishable by a misdemeanor.

“With this legislation, these vile and reprehensible acts will be treated under the law with the seriousness they deserve," Governor Cuomo said. “The heartache and uncertainty that Amanda Lynn's loved ones experienced is unacceptable and I thank the sponsors of this bill for working to help ensure this horrific situation is not repeated." 

Current law only regulates the manner in which cemeteries, funeral directors, and medical professionals can dispose of remains and fails to address situations where they are intentionally concealed, altered, or destroyed to prevent its discovery.

This bill (S.2957-A /A.4085-A) makes this offense an E felony punishable by up to four years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. 

Senator Robert Ortt said: “This legislation comes years after intense negotiations, and years after the Amanda Lynn Wienckowski tragedy, so I applaud Governor Cuomo for enacting this bill into law. Today is a small victory for the Wienckowski family, who has been vigorously pushing for Amanda Lynn’s Law day after day, and I hope they can finally breathe a small sigh of relief knowing that the crime now fits the punishment.”

Assemblyman Robin Schimminger said: "This new law will give prosecutors and law enforcement another tool to use against criminals who move or conceal a body to cover up a heinous act. Up until now, moving or concealing a body was a misdemeanor. By making it a felony, we are henceforth sending a message to those who engage in such criminal activity that they will be guilty of a serious crime."