Law to require GPS monitors for domestic violence offenders named after Lebanon victims
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A law will soon go into effect requiring domestic violence offenders who use a weapon or strangle their victims during an assault to wear a GPS monitor while out on bail.
The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act is named after mother, Debbie Sisco, and daughter, Marie Varsos, who were killed by Varsos’ estranged husband, Shaun Varsos in Lebanon in April 2021. The legislation, which passed this past session, will require the GPS monitoring company to alert law enforcement and the domestic violence victim if the offender is close by.
“I’ve actually championed two other laws to address and close the loopholes in the state legislature two years ago, but this is by far the one I think could’ve actually saved [Debbie and Marie],” Alex Youn, Varsos’ brother and Sisco’s son said.
📧 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts →
Youn told News 2 Varsos’ estranged husband, Shaun, stalked Varsos and Sisco at their home before hunting and killing them on April 12, 2021. At the time of the tragedy, Shaun was out on bond for allegedly strangling Varsos and holding her at gunpoint a few weeks prior.
During the attack, Varsos was able to shoot Shaun multiple times, but he ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Court records show Varsos exhausted many resources designed to help domestic violence victims, including obtaining an order of protection, before she was killed.
The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act will provide an additional layer of protection for future victims during their most vulnerable time – when their offender is out on bond awaiting a court date. Youn believes that had the legislation been in effect in 2021, Shaun would have been required to wear a GPS monitoring device, and his sister and mother would likely still be alive.
Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom
“It would’ve given my mother and sister a heads up that my brother-in-law was sitting outside their residence waiting for them, it could’ve let law enforcement know that the offender was outside, and what’s very unique about this law is that it requires not only the GPS monitoring company give a notice to 911 and first responders to let them know the offender is out there, but it also notifies victims on their phones,” Youn said.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Clay Doggett, (R-Pulaski), knows the dangers of domestic violence firsthand as a former law enforcement officer.
“If that offender comes into that area where the victim is, they’re going to get immediate notification, real-time notification so they know exactly when that offender comes into their area,” Doggett said. “That’s going to give them time. Time is the most precious asset we have, especially if you’re a victim to have that time to say, ‘I’ve got to leave; I’ve got to take precautions or steps to help ensure my safety.'”
While Youn wishes his mother and sister were still here, he hopes the law will help save lives in the future.
⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com
“Just being able to have a few seconds could have an impactful difference in an outcome much like my mother’s and sister’s,” Youn said.
The bill soared through the House and Senate and was sent to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk April 29. Lee can either sign it or leave it sitting for 10 days for it to become law.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
