On a day that I wish I could erase from my memory, my beloved daughter, Catherine Emily Shepard, was taken from me in the most heartbreaking of ways. She was poisoned to death by Fentanyl - an invisible killer that is claiming lives at an alarming rate. The loss of Catherine is a devastating reality that no parent should have to face, and it has ignited a relentless drive within me to ensure that her death is not in vain.

Every year, thousands of families endure the tragedy of losing a loved one to drug-induced deaths, with Fentanyl being a notorious culprit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 93,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2020 in the United States, with opioids like Fentanyl involved in a significant number of these deaths. The pain of these statistics is real and palpable for those who are left behind.

Currently, the judicial system allows many individuals who sell or distribute drugs leading to fatal overdoses to walk away without facing appropriate consequences. This loophole not only undermines justice for victims but also diminishes the severity of the opioid crisis, failing to deter future offenses.

Our nation is in dire needs of stronger legislative measures that act as both a deterrent and a method of justice for victims. I am calling on lawmakers to introduce and pass a "Drug Induced Homicide Law" in Maine, that appropriately prosecutes individuals who distribute drugs resulting in death. Such a law would serve as a powerful tool in seeking justice for victims like Catherine and act as a deterrent against future loss.

While this law won't bring Catherine back, it will ensure that her story does not repeat itself in countless other homes. Families affected by this crisis deserve closure and justice, and potential offenders need a clear message that their actions have grave consequences.

I urge you to stand with me and support the implementation of a Drug Induced Homicide Law. Together, we can demand change and hold accountable those who perpetuate this tragic cycle. Let us honor the memories of all the loved ones lost by taking action today. Please, sign this petition to voice your support for justice and prevention.

Sincerely,  

Candy Marquardo 

Catherine Emily's Brokenhearted Mom 💔

Catherine Shepard

Sunrise 2-25-93 

Sunset 2-28-19 

Forever26 

Fentanyl Poisoning 

Portland, Maine

#NoJusticeForCatherineEmilyYet