Today the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, ruled in Donna Limmer v. Linda Schunk that persons who assist in the suicide of another are still entitled to the inheritance of the deceased person. This dangerous decision encourages persons who have a financial interest in another’s death to assist that person in committing suicide.
Wisconsin Right to Life reported that the case involved a mother and daughter, Linda and Megan Shunk, who drove their husband/father, Edward Shunk, to a cabin and left him there alone with a loaded shotgun. Sometime after they left, Mr. Shunk shot himself and died. Edward’s other daughter, Donna Lemmer, filed a claim against Linda and Megan, alleging that they should not be entitled to Edward’s inheritance because they assisted in his suicide. The court ultimately ruled against Donna, stating that Linda and Megan are still entitled to Edward’s inheritance because their assistance in Edward’s suicide did not amount to an “intentional killing.”
Barbara Lyon, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life, stated: “Wisconsin Right to Life plans to seek either court or legislative action to close this loophole. For the protection of our citizens, the state should not provide a financial motive to those who participate in a suicide.”
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