McHenry Times

State Senator Craig Wilcox of Illinois has introduced a bill aimed at enhancing police training to identify homicides disguised as suicides. The legislation, named Mary Ann’s Law, draws inspiration from a 1996 strangulation death in an Illinois north shore community.

“One of the easiest ways to mask a homicide is to stage the crime scene to look like a suicide,” said Wilcox. He cited the case of Mary Ann Hayes, whose death was initially considered suspicious and later classified as suicide. Wilcox highlighted questionable findings suggesting murder rather than suicide.

Wilcox explained that there was a history of domestic violence in Hayes's case, including coercive control. When found, she lay on the floor with a cord nearby. “Science tells us that suicide by strangulation is nearly impossible without a locking mechanism or leverage on the device used,” he stated. Without such mechanisms, pressure would be released when unconsciousness occurs, allowing oxygen flow and preventing death.

Mary Ann’s Law seeks to provide law enforcement officers with better tools for investigating complex cases. Senate Bill 1781 mandates enhanced police training to recognize staged suicides, especially where domestic violence is involved. Officers would need to examine crime scenes for signs of abuse or staging.

The bill specifies criteria prompting further investigation into apparent suicides:

- Premature or untimely death

- Surface appearance of suicide or accidental death

- Relationship issues between partners

- History of domestic violence or coercive control

- Victim found in residence or business location

- Body discovered by partner or family member

- Previous incidents involving strangulation or suffocation

- Last seen alive by partner, child, or family member

- Partner controlled the scene before police arrival

- Evidence alteration

If three criteria are met, law enforcement must interview acquaintances for context and may request an autopsy before concluding on the cause of death.

Wilcox emphasized that this initiative does not aim to undermine current investigative efforts but rather equip officers with additional skills for uncovering hidden homicides. “Our law enforcement officers are already doing a great job,” Wilcox remarked. “But this legislation will ensure they have the training to spot the signs that could reveal a hidden homicide, prevent abusers from getting away with murder, and bring justice to victims and their families.”