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Sheykhet's family staying strong; hearing for alleged killer in unrelated case postponed

PITTSBURGH — Alina Sheykhet’s parents faced their daughter’s alleged killer for the first time Wednesday in court.

Channel 11 talked with the couple, who are very engaged in the legal process, always talking with the district attorney’s office.

They also just had a big win with Alina's Law passing in the state Senate.

The Sheykhets never thought they'd be part of a high-profile criminal case, but that's their reality after Alina was found murdered at her Oakland apartment, with her ex-boyfriend now charged with the crime.

"They're taking it one day at a time,” said family attorney Albert Veverka. “They're very engaged in the process, they're very engaged in passing Alina's Law."

That legislation just passed the state Senate, and would allow judges to use electronic monitoring on violent protection from abuse offenders.

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As Channel 11 has reported, Alina had a PFA against her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Darby, but police say that did not stop him from repeatedly breaking into her home and ultimately killing her.

Darby was tracked down days after Alina's murder in Myrtle Beach, then flown back to Pittsburgh. He was set to appear in court Wednesday on an unrelated rape case, but his attorney had the hearing postponed.

"He's quite despondent, as you can imagine,” David Shrager said. “He's trying to remain positive and address each of these charges in court as appropriate."

Alina Sheykhet

Darby's next court date is in January. Alina's family said they will be there and hope the full passage of Alina's Law will prevent another family from going through this.

"That's been their sole focus, that's what they are putting their energy towards and trying to get some closure from this in any way that they can,” Veverka said.