Statement from Senator Jim Tedisco on Dennis Drue Being Denied Parole

“The families of the late Christopher Stewart and Deanna Rivers and all of us who have supported their fight for justice and to keep the public safe received some good news today with the announcement that Dennis Drue, the drunk, drugged and dangerous driver who took the lives of Christopher and Deanna in a horrific 2012 Northway crash, has been denied parole.”  

“Unfortunately, to achieve this desired outcome, the Stewart and Rivers families have had to endure the grueling and emotionally exhausting task of preparing for and repeatedly appearing before the state Parole Board.” 

“It’s now time to put crime victims first by passing my legislation ‘Christopher’s and Deanna’s Law’ (S.2046/A.5335) in their memory. ‘Christopher’s and Deanna’s Law requires all victim impact statements to be video recorded and mandates all Parole Board members who vote on parole for an offender, must watch the videos before making their decision.”

“My heartfelt thanks to the Stewart and Rivers families for their continued and impassioned advocacy to take their terrible tragedy and channel that energy into something positive to help others.”