FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) — A new Indiana law now requires convicted criminals to be present in the courtroom when victim impact statements are read. It took effect on July 1.
The law stems from the June 2, 2021, murders of Sarah Zent and her children: Carter, Ashton and Aubree in Fort Wayne.
Their killer, Cohen Hancz-Barron, refused to attend his own sentencing, leaving families to deliver their statements to an empty chair.
BACKGROUND: Jury finds man guilty on all counts in Zent family murders, recommends life without parole | Man sentenced to life without parole in Zent family murders
A father’s journey from rehab to the statehouse
Justin More, Aubree Zent’s father, spoke with 21Alive’s Tom Powell about the road that led him to advocate for the legislation. He testified at the Indiana Statehouse to help push the victim impact bill forward…