![]() ![]() I would never find them guilty for helping him." This photo provided by the Baltimore Police Department shows Dr. But Celmer's mother, Betty, said: "If they helped John to die, that is what he wanted. The group's Web site said the people it helps must have an incurable condition that causes intolerable suffering, and they must be alert, aware and strong enough to perform the tasks required to kill themselves.Ĭelmer's widow, Susan Celmer, said in a statement that the family was gratified that authorities pursued the case. They are also encouraged to seek advice from a spiritual adviser, a psychiatrist and medical experts. Members of the Final Exit Network said the group has clear policies requiring applicants to supply medical diagnoses. In court papers, investigators said Goodwin alone had assisted in 30 deaths. Goodwin said in a 2006 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the organization had worked with 36 people who wanted to end their lives. As part of the probe, investigators searched 14 sites in Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Colorado, and Montana. Authorities said he may have been embarrassed about his appearance after jaw surgery.Īuthorities in Arizona are also investigating whether the group helped in the 2007 death of a woman who suffered from depression but was not terminally ill. While his mother said he had suffered for years from throat and mouth cancer, court documents quoted his doctor as saying he had made a "remarkable recovery" and was cancer-free at the time of his suicide. They're suffering, and if they have intolerable pain, then they want to sometimes get out of that intolerable pain."Ĭelmer did not appear to be seriously ill. "We're just there to help," said Jerry Dincin, the group's vice president, who was not arrested. The group's members bristle at the term assisted suicide, saying they don't actively aid suicides but rather support and guide those who decide to end their lives. It has its own Web site, and its leaders have held news conferences and appeared at paid speaking engagements. The network, which was founded in 2004 and claims 3,000 members, donors and volunteers nationwide, has long operated in the open. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |