1.
Bobbi Kristina's problems 'out of control'
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- A Minnesota judge will determine if a former nurse is guilty of using the Internet to help two people commit suicide, officials said.
William Melchert-Dinkel of Faribault has agreed to let a judge determine if he violated a Minnesota law against aiding suicide, Minnesota Public Radio reported Thursday.
The law applies to anyone who "intentionally advises, encourages or assists" suicide and provides for a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
Melchert-Dinkel, 48, allegedly helped two people commit suicide five years ago -- one a Canadian citizen, the other lived in England. His attorney has argued free-speech rights protected his client's actions.
Attorney Terry Watkins also questioned whether courts have jurisdiction over the case because the suicides happened in other countries.
A judge has denied Watkins motions for dismissal based on both pre-trial arguments. The judge has 20 days to issue a ruling.
The trial starts Thursday in Rice County.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional U.S. News Stories | |
DINWIDDIE, Va., Feb. 22 (UPI) --
A shooting at a Walmart distribution center in Virginia Wednesday left a woman wounded and the shooter dead by his own hand, authorities said.
|
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 22 (UPI) --
Bobbi Kristina's substance-abuse problems are "out of control," a source close to the 18-year-old daughter of the late Whitney Houston told UsMagazine.com.
|
LONDON, Feb. 22 (UPI) --
The governments of Britain and France are moving forward with joint plans to acquire a range of unmanned aerial vehicles.
|
NEW YORK, Feb. 22 (UPI) --
Community leaders in New York's Bronx borough said they want to get rid of a vodka billboard promising "Escort Quality, Hooker Pricing."
|
| Stories | Photos | People | Comments |
View Caption
