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Miya’s Law: Family fights for legislation for tougher restrictions on apartment complex employees

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Miya Marcano’s family wants state lawmakers to file legislation in their daughter’s name and make sure the tragedy sparks change.

Now they say they will do anything in their power to make sure another family doesn’t experience what they did.

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The family has taken this time to celebrate Miya’s life while also building her powerful legacy.

“Our lives are forever changed,” said her mother Yma Scarbriel. “We will never be the same never ever be the same.”

Investigators say Miya was abducted from her apartment and murdered.

READ: ‘A complete and utter nightmare’: Miya Marcano’s family speaks out on losing loved one

“We believe in God and they say you don’t question him, but the question is there, every day, all day,” Marcano said.

Maintenance worker Armando Caballero was found dead from an apparent suicide three days after Miya was reported missing. The sheriff’s office said he was responsible and used his maintenance master key from from Arden Villas to get into her apartment.

The family has been working with their lawyer to make sure legislation is introduced.

READ: Family demands justice after tragic loss of Miya Marcano in Orange County

“We want to make sure that there are policies and procedures that are in place to mandate how people will have access to other individuals’ apartments,” said Darryl Washington, the family’s attorney.

They also want stronger background checks for employees at apartment complexes, and advanced notice before any employee can enter an apartment.

Miya’s Law is being drafted and has bipartisan support. Her loved ones say this law will be her legacy.

READ: Miya Marcano family attorney responds to Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s report

“She always said she was going to be famous,” her father said. “Didn’t think it would be like this.”

Sen. Linda Stewart of Orlando is one of the state lawmakers working on the legislation. The family has filed a lawsuit against Arden Villas where Marcano worked and lived. They have also started the Miya Marcano Foundation to assist other families of missing persons.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.