New York Doctor Pleads Guilty in Botched Suicide Pact Case

2008-11-26 15:46:54 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Law, News)

A doctor in New York pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday after stabbing and killing his wife as part of a suicide pact.

Wired PR News.com – As reported by the Associated Press, Dr. Rajaeskar Sham attempted to carry out the plans for the pact with his terminally ill wife, Lucila, but survived, and was later charged with manslaughter due to providing her with assistance with committing suicide.

Attorneys for Sham state that the doctor too would have been dead if only minutes had passed before being found by paramedics. The couple had previously gotten their finances and estate plans in order before committing the acts. Married in 1969, the couple were reported to have made the plans so that they would not have to be left alone or live apart in the event of Lucila’s death from terminal cancer. They have no children.

As punishment for his crime, the doctor will reportedly receive probation and be ordered to receive psychological counseling. As quoted of the Nassau County District Attorney “Jail or a prolonged legal process would serve no meaningful purpose in this case… The only effect his incarceration would have is on the taxpayers of this county having to foot the bill for someone who is of no danger to our residents.”