Tragedy Fuels Push for Public Safety Changes in Indiana

Prosecutor Moers Returns to Indianapolis to Push for Stronger Victim Notification

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers was back at the Statehouse this week, continuing her advocacy for legislation rooted in real cases and real heartbreak from Evansville. Appearing before a Senate committee, Moers testified in support of House Bill 1250, a proposal aimed at strengthening notification procedures when serious violent felons are released from state prison.

For Moers, the issue is deeply personal to the community she serves. The legislation follows the August 2025 murder of longtime Evansville realtor Susan Haynie, who was allegedly killed by a convicted violent offender released from prison just six months earlier. Supporters of the bill say that tragedy exposed gaps in communication between the Department of Correction, local law enforcement, and crime victims—gaps HB 1250 is designed to close.

Closing the Communication Gap Before Release

Authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville), House Bill 1250 requires the Indiana Department of Correction to electronically notify, at least seven days in advance, the prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, and chief of police in both the community where the offender will be relocating and the community where the original crime occurred.

The bill also strengthens the role of Indiana’s Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification program, known as SAVIN. Under the proposal, courts and prosecutors would notify victims through the automated system when a serious violent felon is scheduled for release. SAVIN is a free, confidential service that allows victims to receive updates about changes in an offender’s status, including release from custody.

Supporters say the intent is simple: ensure that no one is left in the dark when a dangerous offender is returning to a community, and that victims have access to timely information and available resources.

Community Response Shapes State Policy

Rep. O’Brien said the response from the Evansville community has been swift and overwhelming. A petition supporting HB 1250 gathered more than 2,000 signatures in just over a week, underscoring the depth of concern following Haynie’s death.

“Our community continues to feel heartbreak from Susan Haynie’s tragic death,” O’Brien said, noting that he worked closely with Haynie’s family while crafting the bill. He also pointed to the formation of the Susan Haynie Committee, created by Haynie’s family and other victims to advocate for stronger public safety measures and improved notification across Indiana.

“This was a tragic situation where perhaps a simple notification could have made a difference,” O’Brien added, framing the bill as a practical response to a painful loss.

Bipartisan Support and Legislative Momentum

HB 1250 passed unanimously through the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee by a 13-0 vote, reflecting bipartisan agreement on the need for improved communication and coordination. The full House later approved the bill 94-0, sending it to the Senate for consideration.

Moers’ testimony this week marked another step in the bill’s path through the General Assembly, as supporters continue pressing for final passage. If enacted, the law would formally link state corrections officials, local law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and victim notification systems into a clearer, more coordinated process ahead of an offender’s release.

A Broader Push for Accountability

In addition to HB 1250, Moers briefly addressed House Bill 1165, a separate proposal dealing with stronger penalties for serious crimes against pets. While that measure has already been highlighted in previous coverage, Moers reiterated her support as part of a broader effort to ensure Indiana law better reflects the seriousness of certain offenses.

Together, the bills represent what Moers and lawmakers describe as practical, victim-centered reforms shaped by real cases from Vanderburgh County. As the Senate weighs HB 1250, supporters say the outcome could influence how Indiana handles offender release notifications statewide—transforming a local tragedy into lasting policy change.