Ohio Senate passes Judy’s Law, day after burn victim dies

The day after Judy Malinowski died, the Ohio Senate voted to toughen penalties for people who disfigure crime victims.

Malinowski was set on fire by her ex-boyfriend and had been hospitalized for nearly two years.

The bill, which would allow longer prison sentences for crimes that disfigure victims, now heads to Gov. John Kasich.

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Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says his office is working with Gahanna police and the original arson investigator to determine whether a homicide case can be pursued.

Michael Slager, the man accused of dousing Malinowski with gasoline in August 2015, pleaded no contest to charges including aggravated arson and felonious assault and was convicted in 2016. He was sentenced to the maximum 11 years in prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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