Family Says Marissa Murrow Bill Could Save Lives

A state bill named for a University of Central Oklahoma student killed in a drunk driving crash is moving forward. It would require venues to hold a liquor license for caterers to serve alcohol.

One family's wedding was a nightmare for Marissa Murrow's family. Now they are lobbying for a bill in their daughter's honor.

“We know that this bill, as important as it is to us it's not going to change our situation. It isn't going to bring our daughter back,” Kristy Murrow said.

Nineteen-year-old Marissa was killed by Malcom Penny in October of 2020. Court documents said Penney’s blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit, and he was driving the wrong way on the Kilpatrick Turnpike when he crashed into Murrow. He had just left a wedding.

“There is a potential at least for drunk drivers to be leaving night after night after night,” Jeff Murrow said.

Her parents Jeff and Kristy believe this all could've been prevented.

“We're absolutely committed to making sure this doesn't happen again,” Jeff Murrow said.

The Marissa Murrow act would require a caterer not sell or distribute alcoholic beverages at an event venue unless the venue has a license from the ABLE Commission.

“The requirements for this if you are going to distribute alcohol within these sites the designation of a certain area of the site and the consumption service and storage of alcoholic beverages,” Sen. Paul Rosino said.

“We don't want to interfere with anyone else's celebration, we want to make sure that the most beautiful day of a young bride's life ends up being the last day of someone else's life,” Jeff Murrow said.

Senator Rosino and the Murrows said this bill is to make sure no more families have to endure the same pain they're still feeling to this day.

“I think this would be something had this happen to someone she knew or someone she loved. I think she would be doing what we're doing,” Kristy Murrow said. 

This bill now moves to the House of Representatives. If it becomes law, it will go into effect in November.