URGENT UPDATE: On the final day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the family of Amanda Thompson is pushing for legislative reform that could protect domestic violence survivors after her tragic murder. Thompson, a Buffalo woman, was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, Rickey Crouch, on July 17, 2025.
Today, Thompson’s mother, Muril Hadden, joined Senator Rob Ortt and mayoral candidate James Gardner to advocate for Senate Bill S8554. This critical bill aims to repeal a law that allows parole boards to discharge parolees from community supervision after just three years, a regulation Hadden believes directly contributed to her daughter’s death.
“For the first three years, Amanda’s killer was the most upstanding citizen you would’ve met,” Hadden stated. “We thought he was a great guy, but as soon as he got off parole, the old him came back.” Hadden argues that had Crouch remained under supervision, he would not have had the opportunity to allegedly murder Thompson.
Senate Bill S8554 seeks to reverse the current policy that allows early termination of monitoring for serious offenders. According to the legislation, early discharges prevent effective oversight, posing a significant risk to victims like Thompson.
“When he abused her son, when he abused her, they would have put him back,” Hadden added. “He never would’ve been on the streets to kill her.”
Senator Ortt emphasized the need for change, stating, “The parole board has changed, and while this law has been in place for a while, they only recently began utilizing it.” His comments highlight a disturbing trend in which dangerous individuals are prematurely released, endangering the lives of survivors.
Advocates stress that the moment a victim decides to leave an abusive relationship is often the most perilous. Tiffany Pavone, director of victim services at Haven House, explained, “That is the most dangerous time… when a survivor takes a stand.” This stark reality underscores the urgency for legislative reform to protect those at risk.
Tragically, Amanda Thompson’s case is not isolated. Numerous domestic violence-related homicides occur each year across Western New York, with advocates noting that many have taken place in recent months. “We’ve had more than one domestic violence homicide in our community, unfortunately,” Pavone remarked.
Senator Ortt’s bill is currently awaiting review by the Senate Rules Committee, and its progression could be pivotal in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from violence. The stakes are high, and the community is rallying for immediate action.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, immediate assistance is available through the Erie County Domestic Violence Victim Program by calling (716) 858-4630 or visiting erie.gov/besafe.
Stay tuned for further developments as this essential legislation moves forward.
