Gov. Signs ‘Kathy's Law,' Greater Protection for Victims Granted

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

A law known as “Kathy’s Law” was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday.

The law was 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 and 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.

Supporters of “Kathy’s Law” say it will strengthen restraining orders by allowing judges to order GPS monitoring devices for domestic violence suspects found to pose a threat to an alleged victim.

Assemblymember Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) authored the law.

Follow NBCSanDiego for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts

Contact Us