Rep. Hamzy: We Must Learn from State Victim Advocate’s Investigative Report

Hartford- Today state Representative William Hamzy (R- Plymouth) reacted to the State Victim Advocate’s investigative report regarding the murder of Jennifer Magnano which details what could have been done differently and what steps can be taken to ensure a similar tragedy does not happen in the future.

“This report raises some troubling issues,” Rep. Hamzy stated. “Some of these problems need to be dealt with legislatively while others need to lead to changes in the policies and protocols of our state agencies. Last year we passed Jen’s Law which I believe would have saved Jennifer’s life if it was in place two years ago.  But, there is still plenty more we can do to fix the system.”

The report investigates the August 2007 murder of Jennifer Magnano of Terryville, who fled the town on April 14, 2007 with her son and two daughters to escape an abusive relationship with her husband, Scott Magnano. Forced by a court order to return to Connecticut to testify in person in her divorce and child custody battle with her husband, she was slain by Mr. Magnano in the front yard of their Terryville home on August 23, 2007.

In 2008 Representative Hamzy helped usher Jen’s Law through the legislature. Named for Jennifer Magnano, the law makes it possible for the court, under special circumstances, to allow victims to testify via satellite.

“I am grateful that Michelle Cruz, our State Victim Advocate, took the time and effort to put this thorough report together,” Rep. Hamzy said. “I want her and the Magnano family to know this is one report that will not sit on my desk and gather dust. We must honor Jennifer’s memory by learning from the mistakes of the past and doing what we can to make sure this sort of tragedy can be prevented in the future.”