Melissa's Bill

Hearing slated Tuesday on 'Melissa's Bill'
March 2, 2008
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary is scheduled to hear testimony on An Act Relative to the Punishment of Habitual Offenders, better known as "Melissa's Bill," Tuesday at the State House.
The legislation was filed by Representative Brad Hill, a Republican from Ipswich, and would create a "three strikes" form of punishment for habitual violent felons.
Schoolteacher Melissa Gosule, 27, of Jamaica Plain, was murdered in 1999 by a man who had been convicted of at least 20 previous violent crimes.
Jody Tozier, a Hill aide, formerly worked with Leslie Gosule, Melissa's father, who lives in Milton.
The Gosules have started a foundation in their daughter's memory for the families of homicide victims, themelissagosulefoundation.org, and have asked Hill to help their cause.
For further information, contact Hill at 617-722-248 or jody.tozier@hou.state.ma.us.
DAVID RATTIGAN