This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.
HARTFORD – At a public hearing on Monday, the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee heard input on a proposal introduced by State Rep. Doug Dubitsky (R-47).
Senate Bill 213 would prevent an individual who is found not guilty of murder or manslaughter by reason of mental disease or defect from inheriting from the estate or life insurance policy of the dead victim.
Rep. Dubitsky introduced the proposal at the request of Heather Messenger’s family. Ms. Messenger was brutally killed by her husband, David, in Chaplin in 1998. David Messenger was found not guilty of the murder by reason of metal defect, yet he inherited his victim’s entire estate.
“The existing law allowed a killer to become a millionaire at the expense of his victim’s child and family,” said Rep. Dubitsky. “Connecticut law should not allow such a killer to inherit from the estate of the person he killed. My bill, SB 213, would end this loophole and protect future victims’ families from suffering such injustices.”
The bill is now expected to be voted on by the Judiciary Committee. If voted favorably out of committee, Rep. Dubitsky’s bill will be sent to the House and Senate for a vote. If passed by a majority of each house, the bill will go to the governor for signature.
