A former beauty queen from Ohio, Judy Malinowski, was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager, in August 2015. She had to go through 56 painful surgeries because of the severe burn she obtained. After a long fight, Malinowski passed away on Tuesday. The 33-year-old mother leaves behind two daughters who are aged 13 and 9.
Senate passes bill, inspired by Judy Malinowski, to strengthen penalties for violent offenders. Names bill in her honor. @Glenn10TV pic.twitter.com/MJiWiVo7HC
— Ohio Senate GOP (@OhioSenateGOP) June 28, 2017
Ohio Senate passed a bill named Judy's Law a day after she passed away. This bill will add an extra six years to a sentence to cases when an offender used an accelerant and disfigures and/or disables a victim permanently. A week before the final decision, Malinowski's oldest daughter Kaylyn testified before the Ohio Senate committee members. She said in her statement, "While he got 11 years, my mom, my sister, and I all got a life sentence", and added, "while we stand here today, my mom lays in a hospital bed where she has been for 689 days."
After breaking up, Michael Slager poured gasoline over Judy Malinowski in a Speedway gas station in Gahanna, Ohio in August 2015. She suffered fourth-and-fifth-degree burns to 80% of her body. Malinowski's ears and parts of her fingers melted off in the fire. She obtained unrepairable damages to her trachea and muscles that she could no longer speak normally or walk. Malinowski could only breathe with the help of a ventilator.
Slager initially claimed that it was a "horrible accident", and he didn't mean to actually set her on fire. However, an eyewitness who called 911 counterclaimed in court. Slager was sentenced to 11 years in prison with charges: felonious assault, aggravated arson, and possession of criminal tools.
In an interview with the local TV station, WBNS-10TV, Malinowski said, "No human being should ever have to go through that. Nothing that breathes should ever have to endure the pain of being set on fire."
Following her death, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said his office is now building a murder case against Michael Slager. The major social media platforms have been covered with many celebrities, politicians, and major bloggers expressing their condolences.
Kwak, Min Jung = abiel@ajunews.com