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Accused predator in 'Megan's Law' case goes on trial
May 5, 1997
Web posted at: 12:14 a.m. EDT (0414 GMT)
TRENTON, New Jersey (CNN) -- A New Jersey man whose alleged rape and murder of a 7-year-old girl sparked a nationwide drive to tighten supervision of sex offenders goes on trial Monday.
Prosecutors accuse Jesse Timmendequas, whose past history of sexual offenses was unknown to his neighbors, of luring Megan Kanka into his Hamilton Township home to see a puppy, then raping her and strangling her.
Outrage over her murder led New Jersey to pass "Megan's Law," which requires sex offenders to register with police and allows authorities to notify their neighbors about their pasts.
The law is under legal challenge in the federal courts. But it has been copied by a number of other states, and a federal law now provides incentives for all states to enact such laws.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Clinton calls for national sex offender registry - June 22, 1996
- Clinton Signs Tougher "Megan's Law" - May 17, 1996
- Tougher "Megan's Law" Would Require Notification - May 8, 1996
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