Hudson Valley Mom’s Murder Could Change Laws Nationwide

A Hudson Valley mom was killed by her mother's abuser. Her death could soon protect others across the entire country.

A Hudson Valley law named after a Wappingers Falls murder victim could soon protect domestic violence victims' families across the entire country.

Pat Ryan Introduces Melanie's Law at the Federal Level

Congressman Pat Ryan, the former Ulster County Executive, introduced Melanie's Law at the federal level. The law is named after Melanie Chianese, who was killed by her mother's abuser in 2022 after being denied an order of protection because she was 29 years old.

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“More than one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime – and for too long, an oversight in the law has left their families vulnerable,” Ryan stated. “It is because of Melanie’s story, her mother Cheryl’s bravery, and exceptional leadership at the state level that New York corrected that oversight and passed Melanie’s law. But this isn’t just a New York issue – it’s a national one."

Melanie's Law Named After Dutchess County Murder Victim

Paul Senecal fatally stabbed Melanie Chianese to death in her Town of Wappinger home in May 2022.

Police responded to a home in the Town of Wappinger for a report of a woman who was injured with undisclosed injuries. Arriving officers quickly discovered that the woman was stabbed multiple times and was seriously injured.

She was taken to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital, where she later passed away from her stab wounds. She was later identified as 29-year-old Melanie Chianese.

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Senecal's minivan was found deserted several miles away from the crime scene. His minivan was located at the Dutchess Rail Trail parking lot in East Fishkill.

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New York closed that loophole in 2024. Ryan's bill would create a federal grant program to incentivize every state to do the same.

Melanie's mother, Cheryl, has been the driving force behind the legislation since her daughter's death.

“This legislation is essential to make sure no family is left vulnerable and unprotected. Melanie’s Law will close the gap by extending orders of protection to immediate family members of domestic violence victims, regardless of age. Stronger domestic violence laws are essential to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure safety is recognized as a fundamental right,” Cheryl Chianese said.

Cheryl was able to get orders of protection for herself and Melanie's four-year-old son, but Melanie herself was denied one because she was 29 years old.

In 2022, orders of protection for family members only extended to children under 18. That loophole cost Melanie her life.