Fallen officers' widows pushing for bail-denial measure
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Widows of two slain Lakewood police officers are working in hopes of preventing another tragedy.
The two women are now part of "Remember Lakewood," a campaign urging voters to support a constitutional amendment allowing judges to keep violent suspects locked in jail without bail.
Kim Renninger and Kelly Richards say they're speaking out publicly in memory of their husbands.
"This is totally out of my comfort zone, but if it helps to tell my story and Kelly's... and well, Mark, Greg, Tina and Ronnie's story," said Renninger.
Renninger is not used to speaking in front a crowd, but she says she's going to do more of this in order to convince voters to support the constitutional amendment in honor of her husband, Mark Renninger, and the officers killed with him: Ronald Owens, Tina Griswald and Greg Richards.
"I mean this just isn't a law enforcement constitutional amendment. It's for everybody," Renninger said. "That's why I'm here. For my family, for my neighbors, for my friends, for the people of the state."
The Lakewood officers' killer, Maurice Clemmons had just been released from jail on bail, even though he'd committed other crimes and was facing a life sentence if convicted on the latest charge.
The proposed change to the constitution would allow judges to keep suspects with a propensity for violence to be denied bail while they await trial.
"The judge didn't have the ability to deny bail. This fixes that and the voters of the state of WA have the opportunity to pass some common sense," said Lakewood Police Officer Brian Wurts.
The measure was nearly derailed in the Legislature in a fight between the House and the Senate. But Gov. Chris Gregoire stepped in and helped negotiate a compromise. She knew how important it was to the families of the fallen officers.
"(The families) who courageously came before our committees and testified, who brought home a very clear message that out of a terrible tragedy comes some good. That good is to make sure this never happens again," said Gregoire.
The widows realize there are sure to be opponents to the initiative, which is why they're speaking out.
"I just know that I need to make a change for future families and for ourselves," said Renninger.
The sponsors of the campaign believe it will receive overwhelming support.
The two women are now part of "Remember Lakewood," a campaign urging voters to support a constitutional amendment allowing judges to keep violent suspects locked in jail without bail.
Kim Renninger and Kelly Richards say they're speaking out publicly in memory of their husbands.
"This is totally out of my comfort zone, but if it helps to tell my story and Kelly's... and well, Mark, Greg, Tina and Ronnie's story," said Renninger.
Renninger is not used to speaking in front a crowd, but she says she's going to do more of this in order to convince voters to support the constitutional amendment in honor of her husband, Mark Renninger, and the officers killed with him: Ronald Owens, Tina Griswald and Greg Richards.
"I mean this just isn't a law enforcement constitutional amendment. It's for everybody," Renninger said. "That's why I'm here. For my family, for my neighbors, for my friends, for the people of the state."
The Lakewood officers' killer, Maurice Clemmons had just been released from jail on bail, even though he'd committed other crimes and was facing a life sentence if convicted on the latest charge.
The proposed change to the constitution would allow judges to keep suspects with a propensity for violence to be denied bail while they await trial.
"The judge didn't have the ability to deny bail. This fixes that and the voters of the state of WA have the opportunity to pass some common sense," said Lakewood Police Officer Brian Wurts.
The measure was nearly derailed in the Legislature in a fight between the House and the Senate. But Gov. Chris Gregoire stepped in and helped negotiate a compromise. She knew how important it was to the families of the fallen officers.
"(The families) who courageously came before our committees and testified, who brought home a very clear message that out of a terrible tragedy comes some good. That good is to make sure this never happens again," said Gregoire.
The widows realize there are sure to be opponents to the initiative, which is why they're speaking out.
"I just know that I need to make a change for future families and for ourselves," said Renninger.
The sponsors of the campaign believe it will receive overwhelming support.