(NECN: Justin Michaels, Woburn, Mass.) - A mother's murder is drawing attention to domestic violence and how those cases are handled. Jared Remy, the son of Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy, is charged in the case. He was arrested for assaulting Jennifer Martel in Waltham, Mass. but then released just a day before she was stabbed to death.
The Middlesex County District Attorney is now defending that decision.
Since Jennifer Martel's murder, there are calls for change in how restraining orders are granted and calls for the Middlesex County D.A. to step down, but she says she's not going anywhere.
There will be an internal investigation, that's the word from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, about what lead to the murder of 27-year-old Jennifer Martel.
"When a tragedy occurs, anyone would be irresponsible not to say that we need to look broadly and systemically at the way we make these determinations," Ryan said.
However, Ryan says, prosecutors cannot lose sight of who allegedly killed Martel.
“Jennifer Martel is dead because Jared Remy stabbed her to death. That is why she is dead.”
Remy was released without bail after he reportedly smashed Martel's head into a mirror two days before her murder.
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"The bail that was set was that his release on personal recognizance and a condition of no abuse."
Ryan says the victim plays a vital role in the prosecution's decision, and Martel did not extend the restraining order.
Massachusetts Attorney General and former Middlesex County D.A., Martha Coakley, agrees that a review of the process surrounding domestic violence cases is needed.
"The D.A. is not the only player in this matter and everyone has to keep an open mind in this matter and look at everybody in the system and everybody involved."
Marian Ryan says a full review of the Remy case will include a look at whether the prosecutor in this case properly considered all the appropriate factors before deciding not to seek bail or a dangerousness hearing to determine whether Remy should have been kept in jail.
She said the review will also look at steps that can be taken to better protect victims of domestic violence in future.
The Middlesex County Chiefs of police Association did release a statement saying they give D.A. Marian Ryan their full support.
As we learn more about the investigation into all this, we will keep you up-to-date.
