Monroeville council recognized the memory of teen slaying victim Demi Cuccia during last night's meeting by supporting an anti-violence bill named in her honor.

Council unanimously approved a resolution to support House Bill 2026, or the Demi Brae Cuccia Law, that would require public schools to teach about teen dating violence for students in grades seven and higher.

Demi Cuccia, a 16-year old Gateway High School cheerleader, was stabbed to death by her then 18-year old boyfriend, John Mullarkey Jr., in 2007. Mr. Mullarkey was sentenced in June to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. H. Scott Conklin, D-Centre County, made its way to the House mostly because of the efforts of Demi's parents Gary and Jodi Cuccia over the past year. The Cuccias also have created the Demi Brae Cuccia Awareness Organzation and the website DemiBrae.com to educate parents and young people about the warning signs of teen dating violence.

Mr. Cuccia thanked Monroeville council for the resolution, saying he believes the bill has the potential to save lives.

"I honestly believe if my daughter would have known at least a little bit of what I know now she would have made different choices and she would probably be still alive today," he said. "So if it saves just one girl's life it will definitely be worth it because that one girl could have been my daughter."

The House is expected to vote on the bill sometime today.

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