Women found guilty in ‘mercy killing’ of man with Alzheimer’s
June 20th, 2008From the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News [Australia] and elsewhere:
In what was perceived as a blow to Australia’s euthanasia movement, two women were convicted of manslaughter and accessory to manslaughter in the death of former airline pilot Graeme Wiley.
Mr. Wylie, 71, died in March 2006 from an overdose of the veterinary drug Nembutal, which family friend Caren Jenning had bought and illegally imported from Mexico, and which his partner Shirley Justins had given to him in their home.
He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in March 2003 and the case centered on his capacity at the time of his death to decide whether he wanted to commit suicide.
The verdict prompted calls for changes in the law by pro-euthanasia advocates.

