Kentucky Lawmaker Champions Angela’s Law: The Tragic Story Behind the Bill

The Tragic Story Behind Angela’s Law

In Frankfort, Kentucky, Rep. Samara Heavrin continues to champion a cause close to her heart—Angela’s Law. This legislation, which she introduced, aims to expand the eligibility for the death penalty in specific cases, particularly those involving the murder of Angela Kerr.

On March 12, 2021, Doug Kerr received a devastating phone call that changed his life forever. His daughter, Angela, had been murdered. This tragic event led to the creation of Angela’s Law, which seeks to address the gaps in the current legal system when it comes to crimes against the deceased.

Angela was 27 years old when she was killed by a man from Radcliff who had a long history of criminal activity. He had spent only about one year out of prison before being convicted of her murder. During a meeting with the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary on July 24, Doug shared his painful experience and the emotional toll it has taken on his family.

The horror deepened when the Kerr family learned, through the news, that their daughter had been found nude. They later discovered that the perpetrator had filmed himself raping Angela after she had died. This act, which is punishable by a maximum of five years, highlights a critical issue in the current legal framework. Under KRS 525.120, abuse of a corpse is not considered an aggravating circumstance for pursuing harsher penalties post-conviction.

“This is something no parent should ever have to go through,” Doug said, reflecting on the pain of knowing his daughter was violated even after her death. “It’s a violation that leaves a lasting scar on our family.”

Angie Kerr, Angela's mother, also testified about the injustice of the situation. She believes that the crime should be treated as if Angela were still alive. “He committed sex with her after she died, and she’s not considered human. I don’t think that’s right. She’s still human to us even today,” she said.

Understanding the Legal Implications

If a victim is raped prior to a murder, prosecutors can use the act to pursue the death penalty, as rape is considered an aggravating circumstance under KRS 532.025. However, the current law does not extend this consideration to cases where the victim is already deceased.

Rep. Heavrin emphasized the need for change in the legal system. “The harshest penalties of the law are reserved for those who commit the worst crimes,” she stated. “Unfortunately, our current laws do not afford these penalties, such as life in prison or death, for murderers who sexually degrade the remains of their victims. Angela’s Law would allow prosecutors, in cases of murder and kidnapping eligible for the death penalty, to use the rape of a victim’s remains to pursue the harshest of penalties for the perpetrator.”

During the 2024 Regular Session, Rep. Heavrin filed House Bill 198, known as Angela’s Law. Her goal is to reintroduce the legislation in 2026, aiming to ensure that families of victims receive the justice they deserve.

A Call for Justice

“Angela’s Law will allow a victim’s family to receive the much-deserved justice when subjected to such heinous crimes,” Heavrin added. “Whether a person is living or recently deceased, they are a human being in the eyes of the community and their family and should be entitled to the justice they deserve regardless of the time of their rape.”

She also highlighted the importance of addressing the inhumane treatment of human remains. “Further, there is no place in civil society for individuals who act with such inhumane disregard for human life and abject indignity for human remains. Angela’s family deserved a better outcome, and families of future victims deserve more from our justice system.”

Rep. Heavrin concluded by emphasizing the need for the commonwealth to ensure that those who commit such crimes are held accountable. “Our commonwealth must ensure that those who murder and act with further inhumanity against their victim are unable to walk our streets in freedom. We must have Angela’s Law.”