A mother’s emotional testimony at the Florida State Capitol is putting a face on the devastating impact of domestic violence.
“Rachael wasn’t just a statistic. She was a real, live, beautiful person inside and out. She had real dreams like you and me,” Marjorie Morton said. “She was a giver. She was the first in line to help any of her friends or even mere strangers.”
Morton spoke Tuesday alongside lawmakers and other families affected by domestic violence one day after the Florida Senate unanimously passed legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims. The bill also passed the House with unanimous support.
“My daughter was just 43 years old when in the early hours of January 29, 2026, pure evil showed up at her door, a mere 39 days ago.”
The Bradford County sheriff says Rachael Kerr was shot outside her home in Starke, Florida after her estranged husband, Loyd Kerr, broke into the house.
“I want everyone to know and remember her name. Rachael Renee Kirk. I want them to know she was a loving mother to her three children,” Morton said.
The murder happened just days after he was released on bond despite a history of violating a protection order Kerr had against him. He then turned the gun on himself in front of their two young children.
“Not only did it take the life of my beautiful daughter. But it has left in its wake pure devastation and trauma,” Morton said. “Two minor children watched the first person they ever loved be taken from them. By the second person, they were taught to trust, their father. This is the ugly face of domestic violence.”
Lawmakers say stories like Rachael’s are exactly why stronger protections are needed.
State Rep. Debra Tendrich, who has spoken publicly about surviving domestic violence herself, helped push the legislation forward and thanked Rachael’s mother and the other families who have spoken out to push for change.
“These families have chosen to turn unimaginable pain into purpose,” Tendrich said. “By sharing their stories, they’re making sure that Abby, Nelson, Crystal, and Rachael will never be forgotten. And their lives will help protect others from experiencing the same tragedy.”
House Bill 277 now heads to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature. If signed into law, starting July 1, it will increase penalties for repeat offenders and create pilot programs for GPS monitoring. It will also streamline protective orders and provide more financial help for survivors to relocate.
Supporters say the bill is an important step toward protecting victims and holding abusers accountable, but they acknowledge more work remains. Tendrich says she is committed to doing three things.
“I’m going to close every gap in our Florida statutes. Second, we’re going to make sure we have every tool in our toolbox to protect victims. And third, we’re going to ensure survivor experiences continue to lead the way so that victims across Florida truly have the chance to become survivors. And we’ll keep going until Florida is a national gold standard for protecting victims and holding abusers accountable.”
For Rachael’s family, the legislation represents hope that tragedies like this can be prevented so that no other parent or child will ever have to face such an unimaginable loss.
“Rachael was a woman of deep-rooted and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family and friends take comfort in knowing. She is no longer in fear, and that we will one day be reunited.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.