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Susan Haynie Law: How Warrick Co. plans to notify victims when violent offenders are released

WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. (WFIE) - More than ten months after Susan Haynie was murdered in her home, legislation passed in her honor is now in effect.

House Enrolled Act 1250 strengthens notification requirements when violent felons are released. The law requires the Indiana Department of Correction to give advance notice to local law enforcement, prosecutors, chiefs of police, and registered victims when a serious violent felon is set to be released one week before.

Authorities say Haynie’s accused killer, Jamerus Parkman, had been released from prison after serving only 12 years of a 35-year sentence for similar violent offenses. Evansville Police say their department was never notified of Parkman’s release.

Now, Warrick County officials are working to establish a process for notifying the public and victims when violent offenders are released.

Warrick County Prosecutor’s Office Director of Victim Assistance, Cheryl Chodkiewicz, contacts victims as part of the investigation into each case. She said her office does not always know when a violent offender is released, even when they are connected to a victim she works with.

“I have received calls in the past from victims when inmates are released even from the county jail and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, his sister let me know he’s been released,’ and they’re terrified — and that’s not how we want them to feel,” Chodkiewicz said.

She said the new law is an opportunity for the Warrick County Prosecutor’s Office to keep the community informed, particularly victims, when a violent felon is released.

“We are excited to start working with the Department of Corrections, the sheriff’s office, the other law enforcement agencies in Warrick County and find the best plan to inform people, because it is very important information for them to have as they move forward with their life,” Chodkiewicz said.

Since the law took effect this month, Chodkiewicz said her office has not yet been notified of a violent felons’ release. She said they will rely on their relationship with the Department of Corrections to receive that information.

“We’re going to have to rely heavily on their notification, because we do not keep track of who was where, what inmate we sent away ten to twelve years ago, where they are, what they are doing, did they get time cuts, did they get in trouble, and when that out date is going to be,” she said.

Chodkiewicz said her office plans to notify victims by phone and answer any questions they have. She said the goal is to prepare victims before a release occurs.

“Try and let them know, ‘Hey, this is going to happen. They’re going to be released. Are you ready? If not, let’s work on getting you ready for that change in your life,’” she said.

Chodkiewicz says she encourages crime victims to register through Indiana Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN).

SAVIN is a free, automated program that provides crime victims with information and notification. The service will allow crime victims to obtain offender information and to register for notification of a change in offender status, such as offender release.

Crime victims can visit indianasavin.in.gov or call (866) 891-0330 to register.

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