Amanda Thompson’s Family Urges Support for Parole Bill NOW

UPDATE: On the final day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the family of Amanda Thompson, tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend, is urgently advocating for a new parole bill designed to protect domestic violence survivors. This plea comes in response to the shocking circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death on July 17, 2025, allegedly at the hands of Rickey Crouch.

Thompson’s mother, Muril Hadden, joined Senator Rob Ortt and Buffalo’s Republican mayoral hopeful James Gardner on Friday to push for Senate Bill S8554. This critical legislation aims to repeal a controversial law that allowed the parole board to discharge individuals from parole after just three consecutive years of community supervision.

“Rickey Crouch’s early release ultimately led to my daughter’s death,” stated Hadden. “For the first three years, he was a model citizen, but as soon as he got off parole, his true nature returned.” Hadden’s emotional testimony underscores the dangers posed when violent offenders are prematurely released.

“Had Crouch’s parole not been discharged early, Amanda would still be alive. He would have faced consequences for his actions,” Hadden added.

The proposed legislation comes in the wake of rising concerns about the effectiveness of parole supervision. Senator Ortt explained that the current law, which has recently been utilized more frequently, poses significant risks to victims. “The parole board today is significantly different from the past. This law was seldom applied until now, leading to dangerous releases,” Ortt said.

Experts in domestic violence, including Tiffany Pavone, director of victim services at Child & Family Services’ Haven House, emphasize that the most perilous time for survivors often occurs when they decide to leave an abusive relationship. “That moment of claiming independence is when many victims face the greatest danger,” Pavone warned, highlighting the urgent need for legislative changes to protect those at risk.

The heart-wrenching reality is that Amanda Thompson’s case is just one of many domestic violence-related homicides in Western New York. Advocates report a troubling trend of escalating violence against individuals leaving abusive partnerships. “When a survivor asserts control, it can provoke dangerous responses from abusers,” Pavone noted, stressing the critical need for protective measures.

Senate Bill S8554 is now awaiting consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. As the discussion unfolds, the community is urged to rally behind this vital legislation to safeguard vulnerable individuals from violent offenders.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, immediate help is available through the Erie County Domestic Violence Victim Program at (716) 858-4630 or visit erie.gov/besafe for more resources.

The stakes are high, and as advocates push for change, the call for justice and protection for domestic violence survivors has never been more urgent.