Hidden Homicides and the Fight for Justice | Boise News

Families across the U.S. are demanding new laws to stop domestic violence deaths from being wrongly labeled suicides or accidents — calling them “hidden homicides” — and prevent crucial evidence from vanishing before proper investigation. States like Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon have introduced bills, but they’ve stalled over cost and training concerns. California’s Joanna’s Law, passed last year, requires police to interview families and allows full autopsies if abuse indicators are present — sparked by the tragic case of Joanna Lewis, whose death was ruled a suicide despite prior restraining orders. Advocates like Oregon’s Kellee Harris, whose daughter died after reporting abuse, argue that current protocols treat suspected suicides too lightly, leaving grieving families without answers or justice. The movement seeks to force deeper, more transparent investigations when abuse is involved — ensuring no truth is buried. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c97a53c00a55f70c