Amanda Thompson’s Family Urges Support for Urgent Parole Bill

UPDATE: On the final day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the family of Amanda Thompson is urgently advocating for a new parole bill they believe will protect domestic violence survivors. The bill seeks to repeal a law that allowed Thompson’s alleged killer, Rickey Crouch, to be released from parole early, a decision they say led to her tragic death.

In a powerful display of support, Thompson’s mother, Muril Hadden, joined Senator Rob Ortt and Republican mayoral candidate James Gardner on Friday in Buffalo, New York. They emphasized the critical need for Senate Bill S8554, which aims to prevent the early discharge of parolees who have not completed their sentences, especially those convicted of serious offenses.

Crouch, 49, allegedly shot and killed Thompson in her home on July 17, 2025. “For the first three years, Amanda’s killer was the most upstanding citizen you would’ve met,” Hadden stated, reflecting on the shocking transformation that occurred once Crouch’s parole was lifted. “As soon as he got off parole, the old him came back.” Hadden believes that if Crouch had not been prematurely released, her daughter would still be alive.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by statistics showing that many domestic violence victims are at their greatest risk when they attempt to leave their abuser. Advocates like Tiffany Pavone, director of victim services with Child & Family Services’ Haven House, highlight that “the moment that a survivor takes a stand” is often the most dangerous time. “That’s when the idea of ‘If I can’t control you anymore, then no one will’ comes into play,” Pavone added.

The proposed legislation responds to alarming trends in domestic violence-related homicides, with many occurring in the Western New York region. Pavone noted that Amanda’s case is not isolated, with multiple domestic violence homicides reported recently. “We’ve had more than one domestic violence homicide in our community, unfortunately,” she said.

Senator Ortt expressed concern about the recent changes in the parole board’s decision-making, stating, “This law was there, and you didn’t see this, but the parole board… has changed significantly.” He emphasized that the early discharge law has not been effectively monitored, allowing dangerous individuals back into communities prematurely.

As this critical legislation awaits consideration in the Senate Rules Committee, advocates are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of domestic violence survivors. Hadden’s heartfelt plea for justice resonates deeply: “Had Crouch not had his parole discharged early, he would not have had the opportunity to murder Thompson.”

If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, immediate help is available. Erie County’s Domestic Violence Victim Program can be reached at (716) 858-4630 or by visiting erie.gov/besafe.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the urgency for legislative action continues to grow.