“Kathy's Law” Goes to State Senate

A bill that would strengthen restraining orders is one step closer to becoming law

A bill known as “Kathy’s Law” is one step closer to becoming law.

A state Assembly unanimously approved the bill Wednesday named in honor of Kathleen "Kathy" Scharbarth, a 34-year-old Carlsbad mother who was strangled to death last November.

Scharbarth went missing on Thanksgiving Day. Detectives found her body the following day.

Her ex-boyfriend, Michael Robles, was charged with the murder.

In the days before her death, Scharbarth had filed a restraining order against Robles, citing episodes of disturbing, abusive behavior by Robles toward her.

Robles later hanged himself in a Vista jail.

Today, “Kathy’s Law” would strengthen restraining orders by allowing judges to order GPS monitoring devices for domestic violence suspects found to pose a threat to an alleged victim.

The bill now goes to the state Senate.

Check back for updates on this story.

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