Trigger warning: This article contains information about domestic assault and violence which may be distressing for some readers.
On August 2, 2015, Judy Malinowski, a mum of two, was doused in petrol by her ex-boyfriend and set alight after an argument in an Ohio parking lot.
She was so badly burnt—she had third and fourth degree burns to more than 90 percent of her body—that parts of her had “melted away.”
She was not expected to make it through the next two days—but defying all odds, Malinowski lived for two years, enduring more than 50 surgeries.
The attack left her unable to breathe on her own, walk or speak.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 33-year-old passed away from her injuries, after she was moved to a palliative care facility last month.
Her mother, Bonnie Bowes, confirmed the news to NBC4i, telling reporters: "That child suffered for two years to tell her own story. Who has the strength to do it?"
Her stepfather, Dan Bowes, told The Columbus Dispatch that his daughter "fought so hard."
"No one expected that she'd make it 48 hours," he said on the day of her passing. "And this is day 696."
A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend late last year to help with her ongoing medical expenses described Judy as "a beautiful, vibrant young woman."
While Judy never recovered enough to return home to her family, she did see her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager, 42, sentenced to 11 years in prison for the crime.
He was sentenced in December for felonious assault, aggravated arson and possession of criminal tools.
Judy also inspired new sentencing legislation, named Judy's Law, which is on the verge of passing in the Ohio Senate this week.
The law would add six years to sentenced in felonious-assault cases where victims suffer permanent disfigurement or are incapacitated due to the use of an accelerant.
Judy's oldest daughter, Kaylyn, 13, testified before an Ohio Senate committee just last week.
"While [Michael] got 11 years, my mum, my sister and I all got a life sentence," she said.
"While we stand here today, my mum lays in a hospital bed where she has been for 689 days."
County Prosecutors are now working with police to begin building a homicide case against Michael after Judy's death.
Money raised from Judy's GoFundMe page will now be used to cover her funeral expenses and to provide for Kaylyn and her sister, Madison.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT.
Top Comments
Such a tragedy. 11 years is a slap in the face to this family and beautiful woman's memory. Those poor little girls. What a fighter Judy was...RIP beautiful
11 years - so there is some women right now enjoying her life who will undoubtedly be his next victim when he comes out in 11 years (or less for good behaviour). So good luck to her she will get to enjoy 11 years until she gets dispatched by this monster.
Because that scenario above is exactly what is happening, these monsters get a few years, even the 20 year sentences mean they are out to commit another rape, murder, etc. Same with terrorists etc, I read that one of the reasons that it was so bad in Europe is that guys would go in for a few years and then come out of jail still young enough to plan an attack, whereas in the states they give them really long sentences, because also with terrorism it tends to be younger men (not always though) so if you can sentence a 20 year old to a 20 year sentence then there is less likelihood that they will commit terrorism as a 40 year old, whereas in Europe they were getting a few years and still were in their 20s when released and still full of testerone to plan the next attack. (oh yeah and radicalised even more in jail)
what on earth is going on with the sentencing? I do understand that sometimes to get people, in borderline provable cases, to confess the prosecutors have to hand them a carrot, such as a reduced sentence, but in other cases where they are clearly guilty they get these short sentences. and it seems like everyone across the political spectrum is outraged by these short sentences but nothing is done. I note that Derryn Hinch is trying to do something but then he is just one guy and not even in the lower house where he would have more influence.