A promise, that became a mission, will soon be knocking on Washington’s door. It stems from one of the most disturbing cases Central New York has ever seen.
"I'd rather not be talking to you, because the only reason I’m talking to you today is that Lori Bresnahan was murdered," said Bill Cregg as he was speaking to David Renz.
Bresnahan was killed back in March 2013, but it's what happened in the months leading up to her death that has these leaders looking for action.
"This was the ultimate preventable crime," said Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick.
Renz was being held on child pornography charges. He was supposed to be monitored by an ankle bracelet.
Instead, he tampered with it 46 times.
"It was held together by duct tape, if they would have done that once out of all those times, Lori Bresnahan would be alive today," said Cregg.
Renz broke the bracelet, attacked Bresnahan, and assaulted a young girl. Cregg was at the tragic scene on Verplank Road six years ago.
"Knowing that literally in the last seconds of her life, Bill was comforting her, and letting her know that her girl was okay," said Fitzpatrick.
Cregg has now made it his mission to protect others. He's advocating for Bill's Promise Act in Washington. It would ask for a full review of pre-trial release programs from coast to coast.
"I think we're going to see a lot of problems that are uncovered,” said Congressman John Katko. “We already know the problems exist. So, we've got to get a handle on how bad it is and what we need to do to make it better."
The legislation would authorize the government accountability office to look at electronic monitoring devices, and how violations are handled. Recommendations from the research could lead to changes down the road.
As all of the discussion is going on, the young girl is overcoming all odds and succeeding to this day.
"High honor rolls, very sharp young lady, a lot of friends, is doing great," said Cregg, referring to the girl. "If I had gone through what that young girl had gone through, I would've been a complete mess. She is amazing. She is one of the heroes along with Lori in this whole thing."