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Family testimony prompts study of evidentiary hearings for homicide investigations
Summary
After emotionally charged family testimony about investigatory shortcomings in a homicide case, sponsors converted SB625 into a study committee to examine other states' laws and constitutional issues before recommending next steps.
Senate Bill 625, originally drafted to allow family members of homicide victims to seek evidentiary hearings when prosecutors decline charges, drew intense testimony from the family of Michael Carney alleging investigative flaws and obstruction. Sponsor Senator Regina Bartzell said she converted the measure to a study committee to review models used in other states, examine constitutional limits, and consider whether changes could improve communication and investigation oversight.
Family members described lengthy delays, disputed investigative choices, and evidence they said was not fully pursued; they urged legislative remedies and accountability. The Attorney General’s office, represented by a senior prosecutor, expressed sympathy but warned that court or legislative intervention into charging decisions raises separation‑of‑powers questions. The AG said a reopened review of the Carney case had been conducted and that available evidence made sustainable prosecution difficult.
Given those tensions, Bartzell said the study committee will review other states’ laws, examine statutory options for victims’ access to information and whether an evidentiary hearing model could pass constitutional muster, and consider improvements to victim notification and investigatory procedures. The committee did not vote on a statutory change that day and left the matter for further study.
