From State Senato Craig wilcox:
Mary Ann’s Law Would Require Extensive Investigation for Suicides That May Have Been Murders
Last week I filed legislation designed to improve police training on identifying homicides that may have been staged to look like suicides.
The bill, known as Mary Ann’s Law, is based on a strangulation death that occurred in an Illinois north shore community in 1996.
While initially classified as a suspicious death then later changed to suicide, the Mary Ann Hayes crime scene included several questionable findings that would suggest she did not take her own life; she was murdered.
Sadly, in the Hayes case there was a history of domestic violence, including coercive control.
When she died, she was found on the floor with a cord near the body.
Science tells us that suicide by strangulation is nearly impossible without a locking mechanism or leverage on the device used, because when a person falls unconscious during a strangulation attempt, unless a locking mechanism or leverage holds the tension in place, all pressure is removed and oxygen begins flowing to the brain, preventing death.
Mary Ann’s Law aims to equip law enforcement officers with the knowledge and tools to better investigate such complex cases.
Specifically, Senate Bill 1781 will mandate enhanced training for police to recognize staged suicides, particularly in instances involving a history of domestic violence.
This new standard would require officers to closely scrutinize crime scenes for signs of domestic abuse, manipulation, or intentional staging.
The bill outlines a set of specific criteria that, when met, would require a deeper investigation into a death that appears to be a suicide. The criteria include:
- The victim died prematurely or in an untimely manner
- The scene appears on the surface to be a death by suicide or accidental death
- One partner ended or wanted to end their relationship
- A history of domestic violence and/or coercive control exists
- The victim is found in a home or place of residence or business
- The body is found by a current or former partner or family member
- A history of domestic violence that includes strangulation or suffocation exists
- A current or previous partner or child of the victim or family member was the last person to see the victim alive
- A partner had control of the crime scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement
- The victim’s body has been moved or evidence has been altered in some way
If three or more of these warning signs are present, law enforcement would be required to interview family and friends for context and could request a full autopsy before drawing any conclusions about the cause of death.
The goal here is not to undermine the work of first responders and investigators but to provide additional tools for solving cases where abusers attempt to cover up their crimes.
This bill would ensure they have the training to spot the signs that could reveal a hidden homicide, prevent abusers from getting away with murder, and bring justice to victims and their families.
