As part of our ongoing effort to elevate voices calling for equal rights for crime victims, we’re pleased to share this letter to the editor from Jamie Kirchoff, originally published by the Hudson Star Observer.
I am writing as the sister of a murdered victim within the Eau Claire community to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing delays in State v. Shane Helmbrecht, currently proceeding through the Eau Claire County court system. I respectfully ask that our family’s rights, as outlined in the constitutional amendment for crime victims, also known as Marsy’s Law, be upheld and protected throughout the remaining proceedings.
For families in Eau Claire County who are directly impacted by violent crime, delay is not a procedural inconvenience. It carries real and lasting consequences. It means living month after month in uncertainty, waiting for resolution while trying to grieve and rebuild.
Marsy’s Law guarantees victims and their families the right to proceedings that are timely and protected from unreasonable delay. It also guarantees fairness, dignity and respect for privacy throughout the life of a case. Families are entitled to clear, timely information about case status and anticipated next steps. No family in this community should be left guessing about when justice will move forward.
Protecting a defendant’s constitutional rights and honoring victims’ constitutional rights are not opposing principles. Our justice system is fully capable of doing both. When victims’ rights are respected, public confidence in our local courts is strengthened.
This case does not impact only one family. It reflects how our community upholds the protections written into Wisconsin’s Constitution. Marsy’s Law is not symbolic language; it is a binding law. It must be applied consistently, even when cases become complex or prolonged.
Our community deserves a justice process that is fair, timely and transparent for everyone involved.
Jamie Kirchoff
Hudson