The death of a Cumming man was allegedly part of an assisted suicide pact, according to authorities with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.Four people have been charged so far for their alleged roles in the case. Two were arrested in North Georgia, while two other individuals have been charged in Maryland in connection with the death.
According to the GBI, an investigation began last summer into the Final Exit Network (www.finalexitnetwork.org) following the death of Cumming resident John Celmer. The 58-year-old had reportedly been suffering from cancer of the throat and mouth and had undergone major surgery, with more needed.
The GBI put together a sting operation at a home in Dawson County yesterday where an undercover agent posed as a Final Exit Network member to obtain their assistance with his “suicide.” The investigation revealed that the method used in the Cumming assisted suicide involved helium inhalation, according to GBI officials.
Authorities say that a $50 membership was necessary for membership in the Final Exit Network. Alleged ringleaders of the group would then instruct the sick individual on how to commit suicide.
Police took into custody Claire Blehr, 76, of Atlanta and Thomas E. Goodwin, 63, of Kennesaw. In Maryland, police charged Dr. Lawrence D. Egbert, 81, of Baltimore. Nicholas Alec Sheridan, 60, also of Baltimore.
The four are facing charges on warrants out of Forsyth County with assisted suicide, tampering with evidence, and violation of the Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.
The Final Exit Network, which claims to be a national, nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, lists a Marietta address as its home base on its Web site.
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