Domestic violence/parental custody bill inspired by Lake Worth tragedy headed to governor
by Dara Kam | May 1st, 2009Judges would be allowed to consider domestic violence issues when determining child custody and visitation arrangements under a bill on its way to Gov. Charlie Crist.
Sen. Ted Deutch, a Boca Raton Democrat, sponsored the measure (SB 904) in response to the horrific deaths of two Lake Worth youngsters at the hand of their father.
Ten-year-old Nelson and 8-year-old Crystal Camacho died after their father, Tony, set his suburban Lake Worth home ablaze days before Christmas in 2006. Camacho died of smoke inhalation after stabbing Crystal in the back, severing her spine and leaving her paralyzed as flames engulfed their home.
Camacho’s ex-wife Jennie Carter had requested a restraining order and supervised visitation for the children. That was never granted.
Deutch read an e-mail from Jennie Carter before the Senate unanimously voted in favor of the bill.
“I thank Sen. Deutch and the other senators for taking time to listen to my heart,” Deutch read. “I haven’t had tears of joy since my kids were taken away from me and I owe it all to you guys.”
Tags: Charlie Crist, State House, State Senate
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May 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
[...] Judges would be allowed to consider domestic violence issues when determining child custody and visi… [...]
June 18th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
[...] Raton Democratic Sen. Ted Deutch sponsored the bill (SB 904) at the behest of Jennie Carter, the mother of 10-year-old Nelson and 8-year-old Crystal Camacho who [...]