Heather Messenger’s Family, Legislators Highlight Flaw in Victims’ Rights Policy

L to R: Dan Williamson, Heather Messenger’s brother (in front), Attorney John Klar, family attorney (behind), Hannah Williamson, Heather Messenger’s sister (Center), Sen. Guglielmo, 35th district includes Chaplin (front), Sen. Kissel, Chair Program Review and Investigations Committee (behind)

Hartford, CT – State Senator Tony Guglielmo (R-Stafford) joined by State Senator John Kissel (R-Enfield) and the Williamson family at a press conference in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to discuss a flaw in Victims’ Rights Policy. The Williamson family has filed suit in federal court versus the state Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). Plaintiffs allege that the State of Connecticut’s statutes, do not protect the fundamental rights of victims such as Plaintiffs under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution. Heather Messenger, a Chaplin resident was murdered on January 3, 1998, by her husband. Their 5-year-old son, Dane was at home at the time and witnessed the murder. David Messenger was acquitted in 2001 by reason of mental disease or defect. Messenger was ordered to be confined at the Whiting Forensic Division of Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown for 20 years. CVH psychiatrists have recently asked the PSRB to allow Messenger to enter into an overnight residential program in Hartford, where Messenger would live. Both the federal court case and the PSRB hearing decisions are pending.