In the News

U.S. Congress will once again consider a proposed law named after a slain correctional officer from Nanticoke that could change the rules in the sentencing phase of federal death penalty cases.

Eric’s Law, named in honor of murdered correctional officer Eric Williams, would allow federal prosecutors the opportunity to impanel second jury for sentencing purposes if the first jury could not reach a unanimous verdict

Williams’ killer, a gang assassin already serving life in prison for murder, was given another life sentence for Williams’ murder despite 11 out of 12 jurors voting for the death penalty.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, and a Republican congressman from Central Pennsylvania on Wednesday introduced Eric’s Law, which has been proposed in the U.S. Senate several times since 2019.

“Our corrections officers face tremendous risk to their safety each and every day,” Cartwright said. “Sadly, we have lost too many good officers and the loss of Eric Williams still weighs heavy on our hearts. We must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from recurring, and that is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. Eric’s Law will ensure justice is served in those horrible incidents where a correctional officer’s life is taken by an inmate.”

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U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, and a Republican congressman from Central Pennsylvania on Wednesday introduced Eric’s Law, which has been proposed in the U.S. Senate several times since 2019.

“Our corrections officers face tremendous risk to their safety each and every day,” Cartwright said. “Sadly, we have lost too many good officers and the loss of Eric Williams still weighs