Trial Underway For 'Right To Die' Group
HASTINGS, Minn. (WCCO) -- The debate over a person's "right to die" is taking place in a Dakota County courtroom.
On Monday, the court case began over a woman's apparent suicide and the online group that may have helped her.
Members of the online group the Final Exit Network face charges for the 2007 death of 57-year-old Doreen Dunn. When people consider ending their life, the group, a nonprofit based in Georgia, provides a book that gives advice.
Lawrence Egbert, Roberta Massey and Thomas Goodwin are all facing a 17-count indictment, which includes charges of assisting in Dunn's suicide and interfering with a death scene.
Dunn, who lived in Apple Valley, died on May 30, 2007. She was found by her husband -- alone, dead on the couch where she spent a lot of time because of her illness.
Other members of the final exit network were in court to offer support.
"We've done nothing illegal. All we have done is provide information and a compassionate presence – should the person want our presence," said Judy Snyderman of the Final Exit Network.
The group members accused in this case are all from out of state. They were booked in jail Monday and then freed until they go back to court this fall.
