As Nikki’s family and friends struggled to move forward after her murder, they went on to push for an important change in Washington state law. They advocated for what became known as “
Nikki’s Law,” which eliminated the so-called ‘panic’ defense in Washington. The ‘panic’ defense is a legal strategy where a defendant blames a violent act, such as murder, on a victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation. In essence, they claim that the discovery excuses their loss of self-control and rage. Therefore, they argue they can’t be held responsible for their violent reaction.
The panic defense is rarely used but can be effective for defendants in criminal trials. For context, Bogdanov didn’t use this strategy, as he claimed self-defense. Still, Nikki’s loved ones wanted to prevent any defendant from being able to use the ‘panic’ defense in the future.
In the spring of 2020, lawmakers in the Washington Legislature debated the bill. It overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate and went on to Governor Jay Inslee for signing. On March 5, 2020, ‘Nikki’s Law’ became official in the state of Washington. The ‘panic’ defense has been banned in 16 states plus the District of Columbia. Legislation to ban the defense has been introduced, but not passed, in 12 other states.
In episode six of KGW's podcast 'Should Be Alive,' the jury reaches a verdict in David Bogdanov's murder trial.
www.kgw.com
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Vancouver transgender teen Nikki Kuhnhausen went missing in June 2019. Snapchat records showed David Bogdanov messaged Nikki the morning of June 6 saying that he was in a white van, when he likely picked her up at her apartment
- Photos of the white van | Should Be Alive
In 2020, I certainly wish for more safety for trans people (trans women / girls seem to be targeted even more) especially. At least the likely perpetrator was charged.
