Family of slain beloved community member hope new law ‘creates accountability and awareness’

WNIN | By Tim Jagielo

Published May 11, 2026 at 8:17 PM CDT

Lloyd Winnecke and wife Carol McClintock listen to the presentation about House Enrolled Act 1250 at the ceremonial bill signing in Evansville on Monday, May 11. The couple are close family friends of victim Susan Haynie. Winnecke testified before the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee in support of the bill in January. The law was passed in March.

House Enrolled Act 1250 was prompted specifically by the murder of Evansville Realtor Susan Haynie, 74, allegedly at the hands of a prior violent offender recently released from prison

Sons of Susan Haynie, Ken Haynie III (right) and Matt Haynie, stand before the gathered crowd at the Monday May 11 event, to sigh the bill into law. "Our family has been overwhelmed by the support and prayers and kindness and encouragement we've received from this community," Ken said. Family and friends gathered to watch a ceremonial bill signing of House Enrolled Act 1250, which improved communication between the prison system and local lawn enforcement and victims of violent crime, about when offenders are being released. — Sons of Susan Haynie, Ken Haynie III (right) and Matt Haynie, stand before the gathered crowd at the Monday May 11 event, to ceremonially sign the bill into law. "Our family has been overwhelmed by the support and prayers and kindness and encouragement we've received from this community," Ken said.

Starting July, House Enrolled Act 1250 compels the department of Corrections to inform the community, victims and law enforcement when a serious violent offender is about to be released.

Beloved community figure Susan Haynie was murdered in her home last August, allegedly by a violent offender who was released early from prison.

The tragedy and the new Indiana law it prompted, are real, but the signing of the law on Monday was ceremonial. It was also emotional. Friends and family of Susan Haynie were present for the ceremonial signing by Gov. Mike Braun.

Haynie’s sons Matt and Ken Haynie III stood before the gathered crowd before the signing. Ken spoke, his voice breaking.

“Every call, text and note has helped immensely,” he said. “We are incredibly grateful. While no law can ever bring somebody back, legislation like this can help create accountability and awareness, it's meaningful to know that our mother's name and story can help protect others and make a difference moving forward, my family and I are proud to honor our mother's memory today.”

Bill author, Rep. Tim O’Brien, said there was no existing legislation on which to base the law.

“We crafted our very own response to what happened in our community, a tragic and preventable loss of a community leader, a constituent, neighbor and a dear friend of so many as you can tell, got together and crafted implemented, and got to a point where we passed unanimously every step of the way, House enrolled act 1250.”

A system already exists to warn victims that violent offenders are about to be released — but this law closes the gaps with law enforcement at the county and city levels.

“At its core, this simply improves communication, accountability and awareness, all tools that can save lives,” O’Brien said.

The bill was signed into law on March 3rd.

According to a US Sentencing Commission — historically — violent offenders recidivated at a higher rate than non-violent offenders.

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Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-78) leads the May 11 event, held at the Crescent Room of the Easterseals Early Learning Center in Evansville.