At a ceremonial signing of "Judy's Law" at the Ohio Statehouse Thursday afternoon, Judy Malinowski's 13-year old daughter told a room full of reporters, "our mommy didn't suffer in vain."
“Judy’s Law” is named after the New Albany mother who was hospitalized for two years after she was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager in August 2015.
From her hospital bed, she joined forces with Ohio Senator Jim Hughes to draft the legislation that mandates an additional six years in prison for any assailant who uses an accelerant to permanently and seriously disfigure their victim.
Malinowski died on June 27. She was 33 years old.
More than two months after her passing, Governor John Kasich sat with Malinowski's daughters, 13-year old Kaylyn and 10-year old Madison, and together they signed Judy's Law.
The girls told 10TV they intend to carry on their mother's legacy.
"She was really brave, and that no one should have to suffer like she did," said Madison.
"And her legacy will never die," added Kaylyn.
In December 2016, Slager was convicted of felonious assault and aggravated arson. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison, the maximum penalty at the time.
Following Malinowski’s death, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said he plans to move forward with murder charges against Slager.
State Rep. Bill Hughes and Gov. John Kasich, who signed the bill into law back in July, also spoke at the event.
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