Metro

Gov signs Nixzmary’s Law

Albany — Gov. Paterson yesterday signed a new child-protection measure into law named for Nixzmary Brown, the 7-year-old girl who died of abuse and malnourishment.

The law increases the sentences for an adult convicted of torturing a child, changing the maximum sentence to life in prison.

Nixzmary died in 2006. Her mother is serving a sentence of up to 43 years for doing nothing as the battered and malnourished child lay dying in their home. The girl’s stepfather is serving 29 years for manslaughter for delivering the fatal blow.

The law amends the murder statute to add a section for the murder of a child under 14 in an “especially cruel and wanton manner,” eliminating the chance of parole.

The previous maximum for the crime, a charge of first-degree manslaughter, was 25 years, with the chance of parole.