January 9, 2018

Hon. Eric R. Nelson

101 Ehalt Street
Suite 105
The Train Station
Greensburg, PA 15601

Dear Hon. Eric R. Nelson:

I am writing to you to inform you of a bill that just recently passed our Pennsylvania
Senate that is on its way to the House of Representatives. This bill is called Alina’s
Law; it will be used in correlation with a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA). This
bill will require those whom have a PFA against them to wear a monitoring device to
ensure their distance from the petitioner. The girl that the bill was named after,
Alina Sheykhet, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Mathew Darby; he broke into
her apartment on October 8th and killed her. Alina had filed a PFA against him and
had this law been in effect, this could have prevented her death. In order to save
more lives or simply to provide petitioners more safety this law must be passed. A
piece of paper can only protect a victim so much however using a monitoring device
will ensure the defendant will either not approach the victim or when they do the
authorities will be notified immediately. This monitoring device will also give the
feeling of security to the victims since this is a more beneficial way to supervise the
defendants.

Being apart of a catholic university has instilled components of catholic social

teaching which shows us how our community should treat each other. Two of the
main aspects that this bill would protect are “community and the common good” as
well as “rights and responsibilities.” Being a part of a community means we must
realize our dignity and rights in relationship with others. We should look out for
each other and keep in mind what’s best for others surrounding us. That way we can
help others reach their full potential to maximize the potential of our society. Part of
this is to keep those within our community safe. Also while being apart of and taking
care of each other in a community we must realize our rights and responsibilities
within it. Every human has a fundamental right to life and right to those things
essential to survive. Everyone requires a right to life and protection from others that
may be endangering it. In order to maintain a strong and safe community, we must
practice serving justice. Without justice, terrible things will continue to happen to
people who do not deserve it. This bill will provide the opportunity to lessen PFA’s
from being violated as well as lessening the chance of bringing dangerous situations
to the victims.

Both Alina Sheykhet and Mathew Darby attended the University of Pitt Greensburg;
this is why I’m writing to you as the representative of Greensburg to support this
bill. I ask that you defend the bill and inform the other representatives of its
importance to ensuring the safety of our community members. You and your
colleagues have the power to put the bill one step closer to it becoming effective.

Sincerely,

Jessica Beal