Family calls for change after Vancouver murders

Two years after the tragic murders of Meshay Melendez and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart, their family is still seeking justice. The bodies of the mother and daughter were found near Washougal, Washington, on March 22, 2023. Meshay's ex-boyfriend, Kirkland Warren, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty. Family members and advocates believe that the system failed to protect Meshay and Layla before their deaths. Warren was arrested shortly before they went missing for threatening Meshay but was released without an ankle monitor. He was also out on bail from a previous murder charge in Arkansas. Michelle Bart, president of the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation, emphasized the need for better protections for domestic violence victims. Advocates are urging for stronger enforcement of laws like the Tiffany Hill Act, which allows courts to mandate GPS monitoring for offenders. As the anniversary of the murders approaches, grief remains heavy. Nichole, Meshay's mother, faces heartache every day. Family friend Tara Verde-Trejo shared that the memories of that dark day still haunt everyone close to them. She recalls the pain when they received the news of the girls' deaths. Verde-Trejo and others want to remember Meshay and Layla for who they were—joyful individuals with vibrant personalities. As they remember the two-year mark, loved ones continue to push for meaningful changes in the legal system. They hope that no other family has to endure such a painful loss again.