Our community in Massena, NY is grieving. We recently lost a precious 3-year-old boy to the unspeakable actions of two individuals who should never see daylight again. Taken from a wwnytv article,”

“I’m in my 20th year of law enforcement and this was the worst case I’ve ever seen,” said Massena Police Chief Jason Olson.

 Village police said the child was beaten Tuesday morning at the home Cyrus and Vega shared at 16 Francis Street, Lot 44. When asked about the court papers which said Cyrus failed to seek medical attention for her son for 48 hours, police declined to comment further.

Cyrus and Vega have been held without bail in the St. Lawrence County Jail since their arrest on Tuesday.”

This tragedy has shaken us to our core and highlighted the need for stricter punishment for child abusers and rapists. 

We believe that justice must be served, an eye for an eye. The current penalties are not enough; they do not deter these heinous crimes nor do they provide sufficient retribution for victims and their families.

According to data from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 9 minutes, a child is sexually assaulted in the U.S., with only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators ending up in prison. This is unacceptable.

We propose reinstating the death penalty specifically for those guilty of child abuse or rape within our jurisdiction - Massena, NY. We understand this is a controversial measure but we firmly believe that it will serve as both a strong deterrent against such horrifying acts and as just punishment fitting these monstrous crimes.

Our children deserve safety; our community deserves peace; victims deserve justice. Rest in peace Kayden Lee. Let's make sure no other family or community has to endure what we have gone through.

Please sign this petition if you stand with us on this matter - let's bring about change together!