TODAY'S TMJ4 Exclusive

Father of murder victim wants tougher enforcement of restraining orders

CREATED Oct. 25, 2012 - UPDATED: Oct. 25, 2012

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  • Annie Scholz reports Video by tmj4.com

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BROOKFIELD- The Brookfield killing spree at the spa has a father frustrated and looking for change.

Becky Manske was murdered in a case that has similarities to the spa shooting.  The killing spree prompted Becky's father to speak on camera for the very first time with TODAY'S TMJ4's Annie Scholz.

Gary Marquardt's daughter was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, in front of her children.  When he heard about what happened Sunday, he is making it his mission to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"This happens a lot, this is not an isolated event," says Marquardt.  "I received a call from my ex-wife at 1:30 on Wednesday and she said 'are you sitting down, the worst thing in the world has happened, you're daughter's been murdered' (crying)."

Gary's daughter Becky was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend at her home last summer, while her two children were inside.  When the Brookfield shooting happened, Gary was shocked that Zina Haughton had a restraining order out against her husband, that didn't do a thing.

That's why Gary wants you to join his effort.  He's contacted attorneys and lawmakers to make restraining orders matter.

"There's no teeth there, it's not enforced, it's not, nothing's happening," argues Gary Marquardt.

Victims advocacy groups say some restraining orders do work, even if Zina's didn't.

"Thousands of women like her are doing all they can to keep themselves safe and sometimes the person still ends up hurting them," says Carmen Pitre of the Sojourner Family Peace Center.

Gary Marquardt says something needs to be done now, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

"We react to everything really well, we can fix things, but we have to be proactive because you cannot fix the death of your child or loved one."

Becky's killer is in prison, serving a 37-year sentence.  Gary says Becky's kids are coping as well as they can, and they're just trying to move on without their mother.