Monday, August 24, 2015

Press Release: Final Exit Network, Inc. Sentenced in Assisting with Suicide.


8/24/15 

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced that Final Exit Network, Inc. (FEN) was sentenced today by Judge Christian Wilton to a stay of execution of 21 months in prison (while a corporate entity cannot be sent to prison, under Minnesota law this sanction establishes that the offense is a felony) and 15 years of probation, and ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 and approximately $3,000 in restitution in connection with assisting Doreen Dunn in committing suicide on May 30, 2007, at her home in Apple Valley.  FEN will remain on probation until the fine and restitution is paid.  On May 14, 2015, a Dakota County Jury found Final Exit Network, Inc. guilty of Assisting Another to Commit Suicide and Interference with a Dead Body or Death Scene.


Additional facts pertaining to this case can be found online at: Criminal Complaint Search.  To view prior news releases, go to: Attorney News Releases.

Backstrom commented:  “What Final Exit Network does in aiding vulnerable and depressed persons, like Doreen Dunn, in taking their own lives and then covering up the truth about what has occurred from the victim’s family and investigating agencies is both legally wrong and morally reprehensible.  We are pleased to have held this organization accountable in this case.”  Backstrom extended his sympathy to the family and friends of Doreen Dunn for their great loss.  

Two individual defendants charged in connection with Doreen Dunn’s death still have charges pending:  


1) Dr. Lawrence Egbert, age 87 of Baltimore, Maryland, is charged with Assisting Another to Commit Suicide (a felony) and Interference with a Dead Body or Death Scene (a gross misdemeanor).  His next court appearance is on December 7, 2015, in Hastings; and  


2) Roberta Massey, age 70 of Bear, Delaware, is charged with Assisting Another to Commit Suicide (a felony).  Ms. Massey’s case is on hold due to her own serious medical conditions.

Backstrom praised Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Swank and Chief Deputy Phil Prokopowicz who prosecuted the case.  Backstrom thanked the Apple Valley Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who aided in the investigation of this case.  

If you have questions, contact James Backstrom at 651-438-4440