Four Charged in US 'Final Exit Network' Assisted-Suicide Group

by Terri Potratz | February 26, 2009 at 12:53 pm

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Four people have been charged by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in connection with an assisted-suicide group by the name of Final Exit Network. The group reportedly helped a man end his life by inhaling helium, and eight other states are also investigating the group.

Final Exit Network is a non-profit voluntary group that supports "those who need relief from their suffering today" by 'holding their hand' through the suicide process. Jerry Dincin is the group's vice-president and attests that volunteers do not actively help people to end their lives.

Members Thomas E Goodwin (63) and Claire Behr (76) were arrested after an undercover agent posed as an individual seeking suicide assistance.

The GBI said in its statement that new members of the Final Exit Network paid $50 (£35) to join and then went through an application process.

The member is visited by an "exit guide" and is instructed to buy helium tanks and a specific type of hood known as an "exit bag", the statement adds.

Dr. Lawrence Egbert (81) and Nicholas Alec Sheridan (40) were also arrested in connection with the charges. All four have been charged with assisted suicide, tampering with evidence, and violating Georgian anti-racketeering laws. They could each face up to 5 years in prison if convicted.

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