The Anne Arundel County state's attorney says the system failed the victim of a murder-suicide this month in Severn.
Anne Arundel County police say two weeks ago, Jeffrey Deberry shot and killed Diana Knight, set her and the house on fire and then killed himself.
According to court records, Deberry has a long history of violent crimes, including domestic violence with Knight.
Three months ago, Deberry was in court for weapons charges.
At that time the state’s attorney’s office asked for a sentence of five years without parole. Instead, the judge gave Deberry no jail time.
Diana Knight filed for a protective order just days before that fire.
The sheriff's office served Jeffrey Deberry with that order just hours before she was killed.
RELATED: Murder-suicides often leave behind more questions than answers
