Jackson’s bill stiffening punishment for domestic-violence murder becomes law

A bill sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, mandating stiffer penalties for murder involving domestic violence, was signed into law by Governor Paul LePage last week.

LD 449, “An Act Regarding Imposition of an Automatic Life Sentence in the Case of Domestic Abuse Resulting in Murder” improves Maine’s criminal code in responding to homicides related to domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is unacceptable but happens all too often in Maine, sometimes resulting in death. After tragic events in St. Francis, it is clear our criminal code needed updating to adequately respond domestic violence deaths,” said Sen. Jackson “I am grateful that lawmakers in the Legislature and the governor could come together and make this change to recognize domestic violence as an aggravating factor in the sentencing for murder.”

The minimum sentence for murder is 25 years in prison. Additionally, the judge is instructed to give “special weight” in sentencing to murderers convicted of killing a child under 6 years old or a pregnant woman. The new law adds domestic violence to this list of aggravating factors in the sentencing for murder, effectively mandating a life sentence without parole.

Jackson submitted the bill on behalf of a constituent, Barbara Theriault of St. Francis, whose daughter, Amy Theriault, was brutally murdered by her longtime boyfriend in 2014.

“No family should have to experience such a horrible and tragic loss,” said Sen. Jackson. “While no bill or legislation will bring Amy back, the least we can do is make changes to our criminal code to do right by victims of domestic violence and their loved ones.”

LD 449, the bill signed by the governor, was called “Amy’s bill.”