Arkansas Mom on Mission to See Bill Through Legislature
By: Channing Barker, KNWA-TV, Fayetteville
Updated: March 21, 2013
POLK COUNTY, AR - Rebecca DeMauro's daughter Andria "Andi" Brewer disappeared in Polk County in May 1999. On May 17th, after days of searching, police arrested Andi's uncle by marriage after he confessed to raping and killing the 12-year-old girl.
"She was just the most amazing kid. She loved everybody. How can you really get started in life when you're twelve?" said DeMauro.
After being charged with capital murder, Karl Roberts was sentenced to death. And so, Rebecca and her family went to watch the death of the man who killed their little girl. But, it wasn't anything like she expected.
"The prosecutor said 'you're going to watch this execution via live feed. I said what do you mean? Everyone else is going to be behind the glass and I was like that just doesn't sound right.'" she said.
She wanted to be on the other side of the glass, to witness Roberts' death, instead of a room away. That's not an option in The Natural State.
In the hours before his death, Roberts appealed and was granted a stay of execution date. Since then, Rebecca has been on a mission to change the current Arkansas law and stand up for other families.
"I'm not only fighting for myself. I'm fighting for victims that are going to come behind me. They should have the right to choose," said DeMauro.
Rebecca joined forces with State Senator Bart Hester from Northwest Arkansas in putting together Senate Bill 52. This piece of legislation would allow families to view the death through the glass, instead of another room on a TV. Rebecca will testify Tuesday before the state House committee.
"She was just the most amazing kid. She loved everybody. How can you really get started in life when you're twelve?" said DeMauro.
After being charged with capital murder, Karl Roberts was sentenced to death. And so, Rebecca and her family went to watch the death of the man who killed their little girl. But, it wasn't anything like she expected.
"The prosecutor said 'you're going to watch this execution via live feed. I said what do you mean? Everyone else is going to be behind the glass and I was like that just doesn't sound right.'" she said.
She wanted to be on the other side of the glass, to witness Roberts' death, instead of a room away. That's not an option in The Natural State.
In the hours before his death, Roberts appealed and was granted a stay of execution date. Since then, Rebecca has been on a mission to change the current Arkansas law and stand up for other families.
"I'm not only fighting for myself. I'm fighting for victims that are going to come behind me. They should have the right to choose," said DeMauro.
Rebecca joined forces with State Senator Bart Hester from Northwest Arkansas in putting together Senate Bill 52. This piece of legislation would allow families to view the death through the glass, instead of another room on a TV. Rebecca will testify Tuesday before the state House committee.
