Mercy Killing: Woman Never Had ALS




GRESHAM, Ore. - A Gresham man faces a murder charge after it is discovered his wife, who he claimed he had killed out of empathy, apparently never had a fatal disease.

John Roberts, 51, called 9-1-1 Feb. 2 saying he had just shot and killed his wife, Virginia, because she was suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease.

A 10-page document released Monday uncovers new facts that do not support Robert's story of a mercy killing.

According to the document, doctors that recently examined Virginia say the woman did not have a terminal illness, but was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in 2005.

On Jan. 18, she was examined by Dr. John Ellsion because she was seeking social security disability payments. He found her to be in overall good health and a search of the home found no medical documents confirming that she suffered from ALS.

Detectives also found notes and farewell letters on the kitchen table written by John Roberts. They also found a document titled "Last Will" and testament of John L. Roberts. There are questions about whether the killing was supposed to be a murder-suicide.

According to court documents, the night before John Roberts shot Virginia while she slept, he said in those suicide notes: ".. you will find our bodies in the bedroom down the hall". But the documents then say that he allegedly changed his mind, saying he saw his wife in a vision after she died, and she told him not to commit suicide.

Detectives say the investigation is ongoing and they are asking for the public's help. Anyone who knew the couple is asked to call Gresham police.

Robert's arraignment is set for Feb. 12.

http://www.koin.com/Global/story.asp?S=7854744