Maryland Mother Calls Out Lawmaker for Insensitive Remarks on Daughter’s Murder

The mother of Kayla Hamilton, a Maryland woman who was murdered, is criticizing Rep. Jasmine Crockett for referring to her daughter as “a random dead person” during a discussion about legislation named after Hamilton.

“When you call a victim like this just a random dead person, it’s deeply disrespectful,” said Tammy Nobles. “It’s like you’re stripping away their identity.”

Nobles expressed frustration with Crockett’s comments, describing them as not only annoying but also racially insensitive.

During a House Judiciary Committee meeting earlier this month about the Kayla Hamilton Act, Crockett argued that the victims of other crimes were often overlooked, particularly in relation to high-profile cases like those involving Jeffrey Epstein. She emphasized that families shouldn’t be used for political gain, stating, “Stop throwing random dead person names at something for your own political convenience.”

Kayla Hamilton was just 20 when she was tragically assaulted and strangled by a young man from El Salvador in 2022. Nobles recalled feeling furious when she heard Crockett’s remarks, as she remembered Kayla as “a happy and energetic child.”

Harford County Sheriff Jeff Garler, who handled the case, also condemned Crockett’s remarks during a segment on a news program, calling them insensitive to victims of crime.

“Kayla mattered. Her life has significance, and the way MP Crockett dismissed her speaks volumes about the character of those elected to represent us,” Garler stated. “The word ‘pathetic’ comes to mind.”

The Kayla Hamilton Act aims to close “dangerous loopholes” in the federal handling of unaccompanied immigrant children, according to Republican Rep. Russell Frye, who introduced the legislation. It proposes imposing stricter screenings by the Department of Health and Human Services for unaccompanied minors, including background checks and assessments of potential sponsors.

Nobles supports the bill, believing it could help prevent further tragedies. She highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable children, saying, “It’s crucial to ensure the safety of both American citizens and immigrant children from gang activities or inappropriate placements.”