In 2006, the New York State Senate passed "Nixzmary's Law."  A parent, guardian or other person in a position of trust, who tortures and abuses a child under the age of 14, causing the death of that child shall receive a sentence of life without parole.

In 2009, former Governor David Paterson signed "Nixzmary's Law" into effect to deter child abuse by charging parents who cause the death of their children with first degree murder.

This bill was named for Nixzmary Brown.  She was a seven year old girl who lived in Brooklyn with her mother and step-father.  On January 11, 2006, after suffering years of abuse she was brutally beaten and killed by her step-father.  Just like 8 year old Thomas Valva, she was starved, beaten, bound and NOT allowed to use the bathroom.

Michael Valva and his fiancé Angela Pollina caused the death of 8 year old Thomas Valva.  They knew what hypothermia was and what it could do to their boys.  Thomas and his older brother,  Anthony both suffered years of abuse.  Thomas and Anthony were subjected to beatings, starved and locked in their bedroom without a bathroom.  When they soiled themselves, they were forced to sleep in their fathers unheated garage as a form of punishment.  They had nothing more than pajamas, on a concrete slab without blankets.  Temperatures outside were in the teens the last few nights before Thomas's death.  Surveillance video showed little Thomas shivering and shaking and holding himself because he needed to use the bathroom.  Michael Valva and Angela Pollina watched and poked fun at Thomas as he was suffering from hypothermia and his little body began to shut down. They literally watched him die.   Audio from the morning of Thomas's death demonstrates further evil from both Michael and Angela.  A child could be heard asking why Thomas cant walk.  "Because he's hypothermic." Pollina replied. "When you wash with cold water and its freezing out you become hypothermic." 

Michael Valva and his fiancé Angela Pollina have only been charged with second degree murder.  These charges must be upgraded to 1st degree murder under Nixzmary"s Law.  Please sign and share this petition.

Justice for Thomas must be done and we as a community can do that.