Memphis, TN (abc24.com) - Rico Fleming continues to elude investigators, as the Governor of Tennessee pushes for new laws to keep repeat criminals like Fleming from getting off easy.
"Our laws are almost a joke when it comes to violent crimes," said Stevie Moore.
Moore founded Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives after his son was killed.
This week, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced plans to push for a set of new laws to crack down on repeat violent offenders like Fleming.
Fleming, 22, is one three people charged in the Christmas Day murder of 16-year-old Derica Patterson on U.S. Highway 72 near the Slayden Travel Center.
Fleming has a long history of arrests, and was on probation at the time of his Mid-December arrest on gun charges.
"The laws we have on the book are not working, I think we need a truth in sentencing law," said Moore.
"The question is what do you want to pay for," said State Representative G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis).
Under Haslam's plan, penalties for felons who participate in gang-related crimes or are caught with a gun would go up. The plan also targets domestic violence and drug-related crimes. Governor Haslam estimates the enhanced laws will cost the state about $6 million.
"We are talking about cost once again, and we are looking at punishment, rehab, are we trying to prevent recidivism, that's all important," Hardaway said.
