Md. Bill Barring Killers As Victims' Heirs OK'd
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's General Assembly has approved a bill to prevent killers from benefiting from the victim's estate.
The Frederick News-Post reported Friday that the bill needs only the governor's signature to become law. It won final approval in the state Senate on Thursday, one day after the House vote.
Frederick County Republican Delegate Kelly Schulz sponsored the bill in memory of Ann Sue Metz, a Frederick woman who was fatally shot by her estranged husband Marshall in 2009.
Despite his first-degree murder conviction and life sentence, Marshall Metz inherited and sold the family home.
Maryland is among a handful of states without such a law. Instead, Maryland judges rely on prior court opinions. Critics say that leads to inconsistent rulings and costly legal battles.
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