Kari’s Law Petition Gets New Symbol, More Supporters

MARSHALL � A movement to honor a Marshall woman’s memory has now taken on worldwide significance. According to KETK, Friday marked one month since the petition for Kari’s Law started. Now, the cause has a new symbol for those backing the petition to show their support. It’s a story that’s captured worldwide attention. According to police, Kari Hunt Dunn was murdered at the Baymont Suites in Marshall in December. Police say Kari’s children were in the room as their father stabbed their mother to death. Kari’s 9-year-old daughter hopelessly tried to dial 911, but as her grandfather, Hank Hunt, explains, she didn’t get through.

It wouldn’t work because as at many hotels and businesses across the country, an additional 9 was needed to place an outgoing call. Kari’s dad Hank started an online petition so hotels and motels would upgrade to enhanced 911 systems that would allow guests to dial 911 by just dialing 911 with no additional numbers needed. Now the petition has over 420,000 signatures and is being supported by U.S Representative Louie Gohmert, Dog The Bounty Hunter and his wife, and “Pretty Little Liars” actress Lindsey Shaw. Hunt says he was only hoping for 100 signatures. “This has touched the world,” says Hunt. “We’re getting signatures from across the globe.”

Earlier this week, the FCC joined the cause by sending letters to the nation’s 10 largest hotel chains asking them why guests can’t dial 911 directly. The petition to end the fatal 9-1-1 flaw now has a symbol so those behind it can show support. Through the heartbreak of losing Kari, Hunt says the family is finding comfort in knowing Kari’s Law could save lives. Hunt says he remembers his daughter’s laughter and smile. “The last two weeks were the happiest I’d seen her in many, many years.”

Friday afternoon a task force was launched by the American Hotel &Lodging Association to respond to the 9-1-1 system flaws. You can visit: https://www.change.org/petitions/let-hotel-phones-dial-911-easily-help-enact-kari-s-law to sign the Kari’s Law petition