Indictment for Chat Room Posts Urging Particular People to Commit Suicide

The Minneapolis Star Tribune:

William Melchert-Dinkel, 47 …. was charged … with two counts of aiding suicide…. [He] allegedly used Internet correspondence to prod [two people] into killing themselves…. Like most other states, Minnesota has a law that punishes anyone who “intentionally advises, encourages, or assists” others with suicide….

According to authorities, Melchert-Dinkel advised and encouraged Mark Drybrough, 32, of Britain, and Nadia Kajouji, 18, of Ottawa, before they took their own lives….

Melchert-Dinkel used online aliases “Li Dao” and “Falcon Girl” and presented himself as an expert in suicide techniques.

He suggested to others in the chat rooms that he could die at the same time they did, and he twice watched through his webcam as they took their own lives….

Thanks to Brian Hagerty for the pointer.

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