for
Victim Education, Legislation &
Justice
| We are now, as maybe you, members of a very bad club. No one ever wanted to join this club. It has a no quit, lifetime membership and the dues are extremely, painfully high. Dale M. Sutton |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
sign our
victims of crime.
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Connie and Dale M. Sutton, this site provides assistance information, educational resources,
legislation updates and provisions to help victims of violent crimes.
In 1997, their daughter, Kelly Nicole Eckart was abducted and murdered.
They became very active in the areas of assisting victims of crime.
During the trial of the monster convicted of murdering Kelly, the Suttons' found out they could not give an impact statement
to tell the court the full effects of the crime against their family. At the time, Indiana State Law prevented such. The Sutton's
with help from Representatives Cleo Duncan and Ron Harrell changed the State Law, when Governor Frank O'Bannon
signed "Kelly's Law" after a 100% approval vote in both the Indiana House and the Indiana Senate. Indiana surviving victims
may now have a voice at sentencing by giving an impact statement.
The Suttons' actively support SB0160, which Governor Daniels just signed into law May 1st.
They have helped many crime victim families by going to court and sharing their experience.
In 2003, Connie received an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Franklin College for her efforts helping others.
There is a scholarship at Franklin College in memory of their daughter . Each September, hundreds of runners and walkers
join the Suttons' for the Kelly N. Eckart 5K Memorial Scholarship Walk / Run.
It is in Kelly's memory, the Sutton's continue to fight for victims rights. We love you and miss you, Kelly!
| In Loving Memory of Kelly Nicole Eckart 5/3/79 ~ 9/27/97 |
