Shooting death of 18-month-old prompts calls for chance in domestic violence policies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KMOX) -- Illinois lawmakers are pushing for changes in domestic violence laws following the shooting death of an 18 month old boy in Joliet.State Rep. David Welter says the proposed domestic violence task force would look at current domestic violence laws and see where changes need to be made."[The task force would] establish a framework for specialized protective networks for victims because folks, we need it. In all areas of this state we need it," Welter told fellow lawmakers. "Treatment options for victims and offenders, and review the need for special considerations of bail in cases involving domestic violence."Colton Michael Miller was shot nine times in his crib by his father in September before turning the gun on himself -- he'd also beaten Colton's mother and sister. His mother, Cassandra Tanner Miller, had tried to get law enforcement and the courts to address her husband's violent behavior and drug abuse, but didn't get the protection she and her family needed."I'm sharing this story with you today in hopes that it will serve as a catalyst for members of this General Assembly to take action to improve our laws to better protect the victims of domestic violence, and most importantly, to save lives."© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved.