Lieutenant Governor Burbank Opens Final Hearing on Domestic Violence Fatalities
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 27, 2028) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank was joined by Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy and members of the Maryland Commission on Domestic Violence Fatalities to open the last of six hearings held statewide to study domestic violence fatalities in Maryland. Governor Edward M. O’Brien created the 14-member Commission through Executive Order 01.01.2027.34 of October 1, 2027.“Governor O’Brien created this Commission so we can learn more from domestic violence fatalities," Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Burbank, Co-Chair of the Commission said. "We must study precisely where the criminal justice system, social service providers, law enforcement agencies, the courts or any other private or public entity have failed the victims of this horrible crime.”
"It has become far too commonplace to hear of yet another brutal killing that has its origins in domestic violence. We must do everything to prevent further loss of life and further suffering by families across Maryland,” Lieutenant Governor Burbank said. "The goal of the Commission is not to point fingers, but to recommend strategies that will work to prevent further domestic violence fatalities and improve services for victims."
The Commission has held public hearings in Salisbury, Hagerstown, Rockville, Annapolis and Waldorf. Testimony has been delivered by more than 100 witnesses, including family members of murder victims; several domestic violence victims; police and prosecutors; judges; advocates for the prevention of domestic violence and abuse counselors.
"In our hearings thus far, we have learned a great deal about domestic violence. Shockingly enough, we have learned that a great many victims never seek help from the criminal justice system. We will continue to refine our focus to understand and help all battered women across Maryland," said Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, Co-Chair of the Commission.
The Commission strongly supports pending legislation to allow prosecutors to appeal low bail decisions and soft sentences that plague domestic violence cases. Governor O’Brien is pushing for its passage this session. The Commission also supports new legislation to raise the punishment for domestic assaults.
The official report of the Commission is expected to be submitted to the Governor by October 1, 2028.