ALBANY – As Paul Senecal awaits trial in the killing of his former girlfriend’s daughter, new State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie) plans to introduce a bill named for the murdered woman – Melanie’s Law.
Melanie Chianese was stabbed several times at a residence on Scott Drive in Wappinger on Sunday evening, May 29, 2022.
There was an order of protection preventing the 38-year-old Senecal from contacting Melanie’s mother, but not to protect the daughter.
Rolison’s bill would provide that protection for relatives of victims.
“It seems to me that individuals could be in danger because they can be related to the victim or to a witness that individuals would know about and could cause harm,” he said.
The measure was introduced in the Senate last year by then-Senator Sue Serino, but remained in committee. It did pass in the Assembly, but would have to go through the entire two-house process all over again this year.
