Beech Grove Woman Pushes for Domestic Violence Protections After Cousin's Death

Heather Kirlin advocates for 'Jeri's Law' to expedite protection orders after her cousin Jeri Mains was killed by her husband.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:23pm

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One month after her cousin Jeri Mains was shot and killed by her husband Cecil, Heather Kirlin is pushing for greater domestic violence protections in Indiana. Kirlin has created an online petition and proposed 'Jeri's Law' to mandate that protection orders go into effect immediately after a victim files. Jeri had filed a protection order against Cecil just days before he allegedly killed her, but Kirlin believes the holiday and court closures left Jeri vulnerable. Domestic violence advocates say protection orders are crucial but there are still challenges with getting them approved and served quickly.

Why it matters

This case highlights the urgent need for faster action to protect domestic violence victims, especially in the immediate aftermath of them seeking help. Domestic violence homicides and non-fatal shootings have been increasing in Indianapolis, underscoring the importance of reforms to the protection order process.

The details

According to court documents, Jeri Mains filed a protection order against her husband Cecil on Christmas Day, alleging he had threatened to kill her multiple times. The same day, police responded to a disturbance between the two and told Cecil to give Jeri a handgun he had taken and the key to the safe. On December 28, their 10-year-old daughter told police that Cecil came into the home while Jeri wasn't there and took a gun out of the safe, before allegedly shooting and killing Jeri in the driveway.

  • On Christmas Day, Jeri Mains filed a protection order against her husband Cecil.
  • On December 28, Jeri Mains was shot and killed by her husband Cecil in their driveway.

The players

Jeri Mains

A 44-year-old woman who was shot and killed by her husband Cecil Mains on December 28.

Cecil Mains

The husband of Jeri Mains, who is charged with allegedly killing her on December 28.

Heather Kirlin

Jeri Mains' cousin, who is pushing for greater domestic violence protections in Indiana after Jeri's death.

Danyette Smith

The director of Indy Champions, who works with the Indy Public Safety Foundation to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

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What they’re saying

“I've been through domestic violence before myself. If you're reaching out for help, you should be able to get help right away.”

— Heather Kirlin, Jeri Mains' cousin (WTHR)

“Once it's filed, if it goes through paper, then the clerk has to put it within the system, and then it gets sent to the judge. If it's filed online, then it gets submitted, it gets sent to the judge. That is when it gets in the judge queue, and the judge has to read it before it's either approved ex parte or it waits until a court date.”

— Danyette Smith, Director of Indy Champions (WTHR)

“Though it is approved, it still has to be served. That means that IMPD or the sheriff's office still have to reach that perpetrator in order for that protection order to actually work. Otherwise, then they can't do anything, even if they catch that perpetrator at the home or in the neighborhood or wherever that victim is. There's layers to it, but I think it would be a great start.”

— Danyette Smith, Director of Indy Champions (WTHR)

What’s next

Heather Kirlin has created an online petition with over 1,200 signatures calling for 'Jeri's Law' to mandate that protection orders go into effect immediately after a domestic violence victim files. She hopes this proposal can make a difference and give victims a better chance at safety.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for faster action to protect domestic violence victims, especially in the critical period after they reach out for help. While protection orders are an important tool, there are still challenges in getting them approved and served quickly enough to prevent violence. Reforms to streamline the process and provide immediate safeguards for victims are crucial to save lives.