Mike Reynolds, Fresno father who helped pass 3 strikes law, dies at 79
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Mike Reynolds, a Fresno father who helped pass California's three strikes sentencing law after the murder of his daughter in 1992, has passed away.
Reynolds' family has confirmed that the photographer turned activist died on Sunday at the age of 79.
"He was a terrific dad. You couldn't ask for a better dad," said Michael Reynolds, Mike's son.
"He was a role model of integrity but he also had this drive to preserve innocent life and make the state safer, make communities safer."
After his daughter, 18-year-old Kimber Reynolds, was shot and killed during a robbery in the Tower Distict, Reynolds dedicated his life to fighting for longer sentences for repeat offenders in the state.
The two men behind Kimber's murder were repeat offenders who had recently been released from jail.
In the summer of 1992, Reynolds met with law enforcement and legal representatives to figure out a way to keep repeat offenders locked up.
Two years later, the Three Strikes law was passed in California.
It imposed severe penalties on criminals who commit serious crimes and gave Three Strikes offenders a life prison sentence.
The law went on to be adopted by at least 28 other states and many foreign countries.
"There was this undercurrent of desire to really do something about it. And Mike Reynolds stepped up," said California State Assemblyman, Jim Patterson.
Patterson would talk to Reynolds often. He says Reynolds' impact was extraordinary.
"The legacy of Mike is that he saved an awful amount of lives. We'll never know who they are, we probably can't count them. The estimates are that "Three Strikes" and you're out saved somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 and 20 billion dollars a year because the crimes went way down," said Patterson.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer released a statement on Reynolds' passing, writing:
"Today we mourn the loss of a great man who dedicated his life to keeping Californians safe.
Mike Reynolds was relentless in his pursuit of Three Strikes and 10-20-Life legislation that served to hold violent criminals accountable and prevent further victimization. Absent these laws, California would be a much more violent state.
Mike's passion and pursuit of justice were unmatched. Mike will be forever missed as an advocate and a dear friend."
The Reynolds family says they're appreciative of the people reaching out.
"We're grateful for the time that we had with him and we're also grateful for the outpouring of support and appreciation and positivity that we've received from people all over the state and particularly here in Fresno," said Michael Reynolds.
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