COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Wednesday, the law named after Judy Malinowski, the Gahanna mom doused with gasoline and set on fire by her ex, passed the Senate with a unanimous vote. Judy’s Law will increase the sentence for cases like Judy’s where an accelerant is used by six years. It now awaits Governor John Kasich’s signature.
Judy died Tuesday morning after a nearly two-year fight. Her mom, Bonnie Bowes, was by her side when she passed; just like she had been for nearly 700 days.
“I said Judy, I’m going to hold your hand until God takes the other hand and that’s just what we’ll do,” said Bowes.
Bonnie said she got up to hug a nurse and Judy took her last breath.
“She was really my rock,” she said. “I wasn’t hers, she was mine.”
With Governor Kasich’s signature, Judy’s Law will become law in Ohio in 90 days.
“It feels good that we got some justice for Judy,” said Representative Jim Hughes who introduced the bill. “I think the system wronged her.”
Bowes said Judy fought to stay alive for this very day.
“I’m just amazed because Judy just said I just want to help one or two people mom and this suffering will be worth it. I’ll suffer as long as it takes if it will just help one person,” said Bowes.
With the governor’s signature, the law takes effect in 90 days.
The Franklin County Prosecutor says his office is now taking necessary steps to pursue aggravated murder charges against Judy’s attacker.
Funeral arrangements for Judy were announced Wednesday.
A viewing will take place on Sunday, July 2 from 2pm until 5pm at the Church of the Resurrection at 6300 East Dublin-Granville Road in New Albany.
The funeral service will take place July 3 at 11am at the Church of the Resurrection, followed by burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens at 5600 East Broad Street.