Sebelius appoints three to the
Governor’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Carly Farrell, Darrell Hamlin and Attorney General Paul Morrison to the Governor’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.

“Domestic violence touches the lives of hundreds of Kansans each year,” Sebelius said. “The members of this board do important work in an effort to help victims of domestic violence and also to support those who respond to these appalling crimes.”

Farrell, Kansas City, is the domestic violence prosecutor for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law, Farrell is a member of the Wyandotte County, Kansas City Metro and Kansas Bar Association. Farrell succeeds Brandelyn Nichols and will serve at the pleasure of the governor.  

Hamlin, Hays, is an associate professor of justice studies at Fort Hays State University where he teaches courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, criminal evidence, crime and pop culture and current political issues. Hamlin earned both a doctorate and master’s degree from Rutgers University. Succeeding Shala Mills, Hamlin will serve at the pleasure of the governor.  

Morrison, Lenexa, was sworn in as the 42nd Attorney General of Kansas on January 8, 2007, following a twenty-six-year career in law enforcement. He received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at Washburn University in Topeka. Upon graduation, he entered the Washburn School of Law, graduating in 1980. He immediately went to work for the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office and later served as Johnson County District Attorney for 18 years. This year, Morrison formed the first Domestic Violence Unit in the Attorney General’s Office to train county prosecutors and law enforcement officials, assist them in prosecutions, and secure grant money for community domestic violence shelters. Morrison succeeds Sara Welch and will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The Governor’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board is charged with reviewing all adult domestic violence-related fatalities, describing trends and patterns regarding the facts and circumstances of these fatalities, recommending improvements to prevent future fatalities, and determining if adequate resources and training are in place for those who respond to domestic violence crimes.

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