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'Dr. Death' released on parole after 8 years
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published June 2, 2007
COLDWATER, Mich. - Jack Kevorkian had few words but a broad smile as he walked out of prison Friday, ending eight years behind bars for helping end the life of a man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. The retired pathologist known as "Dr. Death" said his release felt "wonderful - one of the high points in life" as he paused near a van that was waiting to drive him to the home of friends in suburban Detroit. Outside the 25-acre prison grounds, about a dozen people stood in a show of support. The attention focused on a man who claimed participation in at least 130 assisted suicides brought a rebuke from the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit. "For 10 years, Jack Kevorkian's actions resembled those of a pathological serial killer. It will be truly regrettable if he's now treated as a celebrity parolee instead of the convicted murderer he is, " archdiocese spokesman Ned McGrath said. The 79-year-old Kevorkian spoke only a few words to reporters after leaving the prison with his attorneys and legal assistants. Throughout the 1990s, Kevorkian challenged authorities to make his actions legal - or try to stop him. He burned state orders against him and showed up at court in costume. "You think I'm going to obey the law? You're crazy, " he said in 1998 shortly before he was accused - and then convicted - of murder after injecting lethal drugs into Thomas Youk, 52, a suburban Detroit man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. Kevorkian videotaped that death and sent the footage to 60 Minutes, which aired it. He challenged prosecutors to charge him. He was convicted and given a 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder. He earned time off for good behavior. Kevorkian has promised never to help in another assisted suicide. But Ruth Holmes, who worked as his legal assistant while he was in prison, said his views on the subject have not changed. One of the conditions of his parole is that Kevorkian cannot help anyone else die. He's also forbidden to provide care for anyone older than 62 or who is disabled. He could go back to prison if he violates his parole.
[Last modified June 2, 2007, 02:13:45]
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by Debbie
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06/02/07 05:56 PM
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We all should have the right to end our lives in peace. There is alot of money made off the dying, ALOT. No way will the medical assoc. ever allow Dr. Kevorkian to do what Dr's do everday at the hospital, the difference is dignity.
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by Debbie
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06/02/07 05:38 PM
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We are born to die but most find death difficult to discuss I respect Dr Kevorkian and when it is my time I plan the same end. Being in the medical field I have that opportunity but why shouldn't all people. We all answer to OUR God not mere mortals
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