New Indiana law aimed at helping victims, families find closure in court

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WTHI) — A new Indiana law requires defendants to be present in the courtroom when victim impact statements are read.

Senate Bill 9 went into effect July 1.

It's inspired by a 2021 double murder case where the defendant refused to attend his sentencing hearing, and the victims' parents read their statements to an empty chair.

Officials said the law could help victims and their families get closure.

"I think it helps with closure on the case because this is the person who committed the crime against them and usually it is a serious crime," Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said. "It gives them a chance to say how they feel to the defendant to say how this affected their life."

Modesitt said he's happy the law exists, and believes it will be beneficial to victims and their families.

According to advocates, court can be part of the grieving process for many victims or their families.

"A lot of families say that they can't get through the grief process until the court case is done," said Brittany Quance, director of Victim Assistance for the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office.