The Lead Off
- Two Ohio House bills inspired by homicide cases involving concealment of victims’ remains have passed the chamber unanimously.
- “Amanda Dean’s Law” and “Katelyn’s Law” both aim to increase penalties and expand prosecution options in corpse-related offenses.
- The measures now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) Two Ohio bills named after homicide victims and focused on the handling and concealment of human remains have advanced out of the Ohio House and are now pending in the Senate.
House Bill 654, known as “Amanda Dean’s Law,” passed unanimously on June 9. House Bill 459, called “Katelyn’s Law,” was approved unanimously the following day according to WCMH.
Amanda Dean’s Law increases penalties for abuse of a corpse
House Bill 654 would increase penalties for abuse of a corpse and create a tiered system of felony charges depending on the severity of the conduct.
Currently, abuse of a corpse is a fifth-degree felony in Ohio. Under the proposal, the offense would be elevated in certain circumstances and allow for harsher penalties based on specific actions.
The bill would establish increased penalties if an offender dismembers, mutilates, or intentionally disfigures a body, and further enhancements if the conduct is intended to conceal a crime.
Rep. Gayle Manning (R-Avon), a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement:
“Abuse of a human corpse is a profound violation of dignity and deeply traumatizing for families, and Amanda Dean’s Law ensures that Ohio law treats these offenses with the seriousness they deserve and holds offenders fully accountable.”
The legislation is named for Amanda Dean, a 36-year-old mother killed in 2017. Authorities believe her remains were dismembered and never recovered.
Katelyn’s Law creates new offense for concealment of remains
House Bill 459 would establish a new third-degree felony offense for moving or concealing human remains with intent to obstruct justice or prevent the discovery of a crime or death.
The bill also includes a provision allowing prosecutors to pursue charges regardless of how much time has passed, as it would have no statute of limitations.
Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), a sponsor of the bill, said:
“Katelyn’s Law honors Katelyn’s memory, stands with her loved ones, and ensures that those who conceal human remains cannot simply wait out the clock to escape accountability.”
If enacted, the bill would also require an additional five-year prison term when a conviction for concealment of remains occurs alongside another felony offense.
The legislation is named for Katelyn Markham, a 21-year-old whose remains were discovered years after she disappeared in 2011.
Victim families and testimony
Family members of both victims supported the legislation during committee hearings, arguing that concealment of remains complicated prosecution and sentencing in their cases.
Amanda Dean’s mother, Caroline Tokar, submitted written testimony describing challenges in securing a murder conviction without recovered remains.
Katelyn Markham’s family also testified in support, citing delays in prosecution due to legal limitations tied to existing statutes of limitations.
No opposition testimony was recorded during committee hearings for either bill.
Next steps
Both House Bill 654 and House Bill 459 now move to the Ohio Senate, where they will undergo committee review and potential amendments before any final vote. If approved by the Senate, the bills would proceed to the governor for consideration.
The Takeaway
- The Ohio House has unanimously approved two bills aimed at strengthening penalties for the abuse and concealment of human remains in homicide-related cases. The legislation was developed in response to two separate cases in which the handling of victims’ remains affected prosecution outcomes.
- “Amanda Dean’s Law” would expand felony penalties for abuse of a corpse through a tiered system that increases punishment based on the severity and intent of the conduct, including actions intended to conceal a crime.
- “Katelyn’s Law” would create a new felony offense for concealing human remains with no statute of limitations and add additional prison time when tied to other felony convictions. Both measures now await consideration in the Ohio Senate.
