In 1990, Dr. Jack Kevorkian assisted a 54-year-old woman with her suicide after she diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, the topic of assisted suicide has been a controversial medical procedure that some people see as a humane way to help others end their pain and suffering while others would classify it as nothing less than murder.
Teen’s Death: Man’s Legal Fate
Recently, a 19-year-old Frisco man, was arrested and sentenced for assisting his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend in ending her life. In February 2024, Zander Tashman was arrested in connection to the November 2023 death of the teenager, and about one year later he confessed to the crime in order to avoid prison. Zander must now serve three years of probation, submit to random urine analysis, seek mental health counseling, and provide thirty hours of community service.
Social Media’s Dark Role
Zander Tashman isn’t alone when it comes to being charged with a crime related to another person’s suicide. In 2021, Jennifer Marie Williams was charged with assisting another woman with her suicide after investigators found direct messages between them on social media apps that hosted conversations between the two women in which Jennifer did not discourage the other woman’s desire to commit suicide. Williams went so far as to tell the woman to make sure she had a rope that was strong enough, and she told her that she wanted to be the one to find her because “No one else can handle it.”
Deferred Prosecution: A Second Chance?
Two weeks ago, on March 25th, the Assistant DA decided to defer prosecution for a year instead of pursuing a conviction of the Class C felony. Williams must undergo a mental health evaluation, and over the next year she must not commit any new offenses.
The Tragedy of Loss
Whether its natural causes, accidental, murder, or suicide it is always tragic to lose someone. We never know the true pain that someone else is feeling, and unfortunately not all conditions are curable or even treatable. There’s a moral dilemma when it comes to helping a person end their life instead of continuing to life a life of pain.
If you or someone you know may be considering, please call or text 988.
When should you use the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline?
If you are in doubt of reaching out, this might be your sign to just do it.
Rucking 22 Miles From New Bedford to Westport for Veteran Suicide Awareness
A group of veterans, friends and supporters walked 22 miles from New Bedford to Westport and back again on Veterans Day 2021 to increase awareness of veteran suicide.
Only 6 Women Are On Death Row In Texas. Here’s A Look At Their Crimes.
**This story has been updated to reflect the current status of Melissa Lucio, who is scheduled to be executed on April 27th, 2022.**
**UPDATE 4/25/22: An appeals court has delayed the Texas execution of Melissa Lucio so a lower court can review her case…