Tragic Legacy of Kyra Franchetti Inspires Call for Legislative Change in New York
- Kyra's Law, advocated by Jacqueline Franchetti, has faced persistent challenges in the Albany legislative process for eight years.
- The proposed law aims to address significant issues but has not progressed due to various political roadblocks.
- Supporters remain hopeful for future advancements despite the lengthy delays.
MANHASSET, N.Y. — Eight years after the tragic death of Kyra Franchetti, a young girl killed by her father during a court-ordered visitation, her mother continues to advocate for legislative reforms aimed at protecting children in similar situations. Kyra was shot while sleeping, and her father subsequently set their home ablaze in a murder-suicide. This heartbreaking incident has galvanized community members and leaders to demand action from state lawmakers. During a recent gathering, parents and advocates expressed their anguish and frustration, emphasizing that Kyra's death was preventable. They highlighted the alarming statistic that 35 children in New York have been murdered in custody disputes since Kyra's death in 2016. Kyra's mother, who has been vocal about the need for change, lamented that lawmakers are not adequately addressing the urgent pleas for help from families facing domestic violence. Support for "Kyra's Law," which aims to enhance protections for children during custody and visitation proceedings, has been voiced by several lawmakers, including Assemblyman Charles Lavine. He acknowledged that one of the significant obstacles to passing the legislation is the associated costs for expert evaluations and state facilities for supervised visitations. Franchetti has urged lawmakers to act swiftly, stressing that the lives of vulnerable children are at stake and cannot afford to wait for further delays in legislative action. The community remains hopeful that Kyra's tragic story will lead to meaningful changes in the system.