E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSCalifornia authorities say a security camera captured a woman acquaintance mixing a lethal concoction for a WWII vet. KNBC's Vikki Vargas reports.
A California woman is accused of concocting a deadly mix of Oxycontin and yogurt to help an 86-year-old WWII veteran take his own life, prosecutors say.
Elizabeth Barrett, 66, of Laguna Woods, Calif., was arrested Wednesday and charged with one felony count of assisted suicide.
Prosecutors allege that Barrett met the victim, Jack Koency of Laguna Niguel, years ago at a Starbucks, but after a falling apart, the pair reconnected about a week before Koency's death.
On Sept. 30, Barrett allegedly drove Koency to the Neptune Society, an agency that offers cremation services, so that he could make his own funeral arrangements, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
For more on the story, visit NBCLosAngeles.com
The defendant then allegedly purchased yogurt, brandy and heartburn medication, according to the DA. The pair returned to Koency's apartment where she allegedly crushed up a lethal dose of Oxycontin and mixed it with the yogurt, according to the OCDA.
"Barrett is accused of giving the Oxycontin-laced yogurt to Koency, who ate it, went into his bedroom, laid down, and died," according to the DA. "After Koency died, Barrett is accused of removing his WWII medals from his wall and putting them in her car."
Prosecutors allege that Barrett waited for a while and then called 911 to report she discovered Koency's body.
"All indications were he wanted to end his life, and she was more than willing to help him," prosecutor Ebrahim Baytieh said.
According to the district attorney’s office, Koency “was not terminally ill, bedridden or immobile.”
During its investigation, the Orange County Sheriff's Department discovered a motion-activated camera that allegedly captured Barrett "crushing the medication, mixing it in the yogurt and providing it to Koency, and removing the medals from the wall," prosecutors said.
Barrett lives in Laguna Woods, where neighbors describe her as a mysterious woman.
"Very lively, energetic," neighbor Terry O'Brian said. "She's tried to tell me a lot of business deals she's into--she's publishing a book, she hopes it's going to be made into a movie, she works with handicapped people."
Barrett is being held on $25,000 bail and faces three years in prison if convicted.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
Leave a Comment:
Wow...that's a 'lethal yogurt' face if I ever saw one.
That's nothing, you should have seen the looks on people's faces at Starbuck's when they found out they had bugs in their ' Strawberry & Creme Frappuccinos
With a face like that, she should have made a second batch for herself. Or at least lapped up whatever was left in the container.
f@nkheehaw
good one !
surprised he didn't die by just looking at her..
she should be let go...he wanted to die, he was old and dieing...let it go
Well if they do let her go, she should really consider joining the circus as a free attraction!
Her mirror was also shocked and fell to pieces.
This woman should be hailed as a hero.
Assisted suicide needs to be legal in every state.
No one should be made to suffer unendurable pain and suffering.
Glad this guy was able to engineer his own exit on his terms.
.
Hey, United States1776..
Where did you read that he was in pain, or suffering??? Are you reading the right site?
Perhaps you might actually consider reading the w-h-o-l-e article, before spouting off, ya' think?!
Something is weird about this. Did he really want to end his life? Why contact her after a falling out? Why did she take his medals?
Ozzi,
I am troubled by several aspects of this article. One; the issue of the medals, which are normally left to sons, daughters, nieces, or nephews. To give these relics outside the family either means a total breakdown with the family, no family left, or theft. Two, the vet was not dying, but in apparently in good health. Although this does not speak to his social or personal relationships. Was he feeling lonely, cutoff or guilty about outliving his brothers-in-arms. Third, the brief nature of their current relationship makes me wonder about what else may have left the apartment, not caught on tape.
Maybe I'm just being too cynical, but why take such a risk. My wife tolerates my guns and ammunition, but I would never ask her to pull the trigger. And I have known her, intimately, for 41 years. Maybe a stranger seems safer, but then again, I wouldn't wake up the next morning, minus my life savings and story, from a few sleeping pills.
It seems to me that if this was his idea, he would have told her about the camera. He's bound to have known it was there and, if he had asked this kind of favor of an old friend, he would have known it placed her in danger.
Are they sure the guy didn't just do himself in after seeing her?
That is one repulsive picture, i'll have bad dreams i'm shure.
There's a face only a mother could smash with a shovel.
Chris-629698,
I'm sitting here lauging my a-- off.
Thank you!
You're sick! Sick and twisted!
And I love it...
I think she was hit with a shovel several times already
Are you sure that's not a picture of the deceased?
That wasn't a suicide; it was a mercy killing. Which leads to the question, "If you went to Dr. Kevorkian, and you didn't die, could you sue him for malpractice?"
@chris
lol lol lol
isnt there a movie where that happens ?
Aw come on! Ya gotta feel sorry for a woman whose face time hasn't been kind to. The haircut is a HUGE mistake, make up too bright for her age and coloring and dayum, talk about practice for a plastic surgeon or ten!
All kidding aside, I don't feel that assisted suicide should NOT be a crime. Granted a lot of legal guidelines and overview needs to be implemented to avoid abuse of assisted suicide to hide murder but individuals should have the right to end an existance that is no longer and, barring something like a miracle, will not become worth living for the individual.
As long as this truely is an assisted SUICIDE, may this gentleman, a WWII vet whom we ALL owe everything to, find peace and relief from what tormented him in this life. Also, I hope that this woman doesn't do jail time for helping a veteran escape his demons.
maybe the daughter hit her with a shovel for having the same face.
Not sure...however, should Danny Devito decide to do a sequel to "Throw Momma from the Train" he may not have to look far for a co-star to play Momma.
Momma: 'He's trying to kill me! I asked for the salted nuts. He brought me the unsalted nuts. The unsalted nuts make me choke!'
The motion activated camera in the apartment is an interesting detail. Perhaps he wanted her to be caught.
That's right! Motion-sensor activated camera??! WTF?! Now how many of those are in your average, ordinary home? Is this story for real??
It's not that uncommon to have cameras in homes anymore. Considering his age, he probably had somebody helping him witht he day to day operations of his home. He probably didn't trust his help, so had a camera installed to make sure they weren't pocketing his stuff.
Funny because the new OxyContins are crush-proof. Part of a reformulation to prevent abuse.
I read an article the other day about a drug called Opana that is replacing Oxy. The new Oxy is reformulated to turn into a "goop" if crushed and mixed with water to avoid injection. At least this is if my memory serves me correctly.
They aren't "crush proof" they just don't crush into fine powder for snorting or preparing for injection. They would still crush enough to be mixed into yogurt. Not sure why this woman is being charged though. If he was on such a powerful pain medication he obviously was in a lot of pain. Why shouldn't a person, especially a veteran and someone who has lived such a long life get to choose to plan their death with a little thought and dignity?
Why couldnt' he just take the pills himself. Or if her preferred, crush them up into the yogurt. Was it his own prescription, hers, or did the pills come from somewhere else? Did she claim he wanted her to have the medals or was she just stealing them? Was she also charged with theft? I can see having her give him a ride if he couldn't drive or something, but why would she get involved? And they said he wasn't terminally ill, bed-ridden or immobile. The camera in his house does add an interesting twist, but something's not right with this story.
Yes, it smells fishy. She probably offed the old dude out of revenge for dumping her. Being dumped by a guy 22 years older than you has to hurt...
Sounds like he was too afraid, so he asked someone else to off him. Some people may say they want to kill theirself but chicken out when it comes down to it.
Indeed, there are some interesting details missig - why would the man have a motion activated camera in his house? Was there a history of theft? The story says that it appeared that he wanted to take his life, but wasn't terminally ill, what's the missing piece here? I'd like to know why. Did any of his friends know that he wanted to go? She drove him to the neptune society, did he also want her to mix the concoction? Where did the Oxy come from? His cabinet? Her cabinet? Did he observe her mixing the concoction? They had met earlier, drifted apart, and connected again, what pieces are missing to that scenario? Was there bad blood? Too many questions.
But this free citizen thinks that assisted suicide should be legal. Yes, a battery of interviews with therapists, clergy, friends / family - but a life of pain with no end in sight is no life. A life in a hospital bed with no end in sight is no life. Life may be a gift from god and not to be taken lightly, but if man's poisons incapacitate or maime to the point that, that life become a curse, and an exit with dignity is desired - the individual should be able to decide for themselves their exit.
I think she was a good friend who helped him in his time of need and he told her to take the medals as a gift. I hope that if i ever need help that i have a friend as good as her.
Having tried suicide at 14 and lost 3 siblings to it since, I can tell you that it is not easy to do something to yourself that you expect to be fatal. If the camera shows that he watched her crush and nix the pills in the yogurt, and it sounds like it did, she helped him do what he wanted and just couldn't manage on his own. If I have a catastrophe that leaves me with no quality of life, and I can still manage it, I will end it myself. My "Five Wishes" living will/power of attorney, stipulates that they cannot remove me from my house if it was not me that called for help. At least not until I am dead. If they care to make me comfortable, they can do that, but even moistening my lips with water is forbidden, so no one can use it as an excuse to keep me hydrated and alive.
I hope the DA throws the book at her and loses at trial. Such laws violate a person's right to make a reasonable choice.
Yea, she is homely, but has a heart of gold for taking the chance she did.
86 - 66 = 22
No wonder my checkbook never balances. I don't understand the new math.
Kate - We'll never know. You will never find anything more about this story, other than the headline you already read.
@softdude
I am so saddened that you have lost 3 siblings to suicide and that you yourself have attempted such a thing. I will be praying for you.
Assisted suicide should be legal. If the gentlemen wanted to leave this world in his own way and on his own terms than so be it.
The only problem with this logic is that we do not know if he wanted to leave this world at all without written documentation to state otherwise. Also, she could have conned him into wanting to end his life...rehash bad memories, etc. That is why even in countries where assisted suicide is allowed, many precautions are taken to ensure that the individual does indeed want to end their life and I think even in some countries it is not allowed unless they are terminally ill.
JustaMom-3593600,
In theory I agree with you.
However, when we start allowing people who are not doctors to assist in ending a life, we never know if the decedent was depressed or in some physical or mental state that could be helped with medication and/or therapy.
A deeply depressed person, untreated or undiagnosed, is probably not in a position to solicit help from someone else to commit suicide.
As I say, however, I *do* believe that for terminally-ill people with no hope of recovery, assisted suicide should be a legal option.
The only problem is that with the current laws, he couldn't write anything about it because it is illegal to commit suicide. The fact of the matter is, if an adult wants to take his or her own life, for whatever reason, what is the gov gonna do about it anyway? They should not prosecute "helpers" at all, if there is written consent from the deceased. Basically, the law you are defending hinders what you are claiming is the reason for the law.
Given human nature, a lot of people would get assistance in leaving this world for reasons OTHER than good ones. If someone stood to inherit his money, house, or collection of Faberge eggs, Great Uncle Rudy, who is blind, deaf, and paralyzed, would of course have NO problem making it known that he wanted to end his life NOW.
That aside, I have another issue with assisted suicide. Even if legal, unless the gravity of the situation is kept in mind by all involved, it is yet one more thing that desensitizes us to the worth of human life. It should never become easy or routine to take the life of a terminally ill or suffering person, but there are people who would cheerfully do this for reasons having nothing to do with compassion.
JustaMom,
I concur with your comment and the comments by #8.1 - #8.4. (Others may have commented before mine is added.)
I, too, believe in euthanasia (for humans) having read articles and viewed documentaries on the subject one of which, a woman who was forced to undergo extreme pain from a cancer that medicine could not relieve and her husband who suffered her agonizing cries while she and he waited her end in the home where they lived; she had chosen to die at home rather than die in a hospital. She was a brave woman and she wanted her terrible death recorded (shown on PBS years ago) to educate others. How much can a loved one endure before taking drastic action to "save" his/her mate from unnecessary pain for a terminal illness? Heart-wrenching.
In the case of Jack Koency and Elizabeth Barrett in the article above, it is unknown to me if Jack had requested Elizabeth to help him leave this world. Where is the proof that he wanted that? Why did Elizabeth remove his medals if not to ensure that they were delivered to the person of his choice? Was there a will and, if not, why not? This case needs to be investigated. I hope she has undeniable proof that Jack requested she help him.
Personally, I think it is selfish of someone who has a terminal illness (or someone at a very old age who no longer enjoys life and sees no future in sticking around) to exert pain upon one's family members during a long, painful period. Why squander money for medical expenses which could be better used by one's inheritors? I'm looking at this as if I was the one with a terminal illness. I have no wish to gain from someone's death.
Should I find myself with a terminal illness, I hope to be able to live until I, either, can't take the pain any more or I decide it is time to go.
Dr. Kevorkian was a hero!
If I had a friend who asked me to help them i would. But i would film their request and my response and the plan that may be why there was a camera in this home. I would not worry about getting charged because it only takes one jurist who believes in freedom to set me free.
The cynic in me thinks this is the main reason why it's illegal to assist in a suicide. Hospitals would rather prolong the agony to the point of bankruptcy for some, in order to maximize their bottom line.
What can one say about this? He clearly wanted her to help. She did. Does that really make her a criminal? Where the hell is Dr. Kavorkian when you need him? The only crime i see here, is the taking of his medals. Unless, he wanted her to have them?
LOL. He's dead. Great man though. Wicked smart.
@D
I agree. Was this a crime? She could have taken a lot of things from his home, but it look like she took the one thing that meant the most to him. Perhaps that's exactly where he wanted them to go.
It seems he wanted this. He went with her and planned his cremation arrangements. And just because someone says he wasn't ill or bedridden, no one knows what another person goes through day in and day out. Maybe he just knew it was his time.
Dead.
How much money did she have to gain? Perhaps she was the beneficiary of his insurance or other assets.
If he was satisfied with the life he has lead and also chose how he wanted to leave this world, more power to him. Assisted or not it's his life-he should have left a note saying it was his decision for her sake.
stonepipe,
You raise a good point, of course. Every adult should have control of their life and how to live it (or not).
However:
The article clearly says that this veteran wasn't terminally ill. If he was satisfied with his life and wanted to end it, then he should have been the one to do it.
Once we start allowing people to "assist" in the suicides of otherwise healthy people, where do we draw the line?
Could a person with an ulterior motive coerce someone else into believing their life should end...and then legally get away with killing that person?
It's a slippery slope. My own belief is that a person with a diagnosed terminal illness should be allowed to end their life. That in and of itself raises issues, but at least professionals and accountability is involved.
Good point.
DfromSpence
Only was Kavorkian could help is from the grave (he's DEAD). If you want to commit suicide, do it to yourself. Don't get others involved. Suicide is a cowards way out. I don't feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for her for getting involved with the whole mess!
Okay, another case of 'incomplete' reporting. Why did she assist him in his suicide mission, if indeed he was on such a mission. Why did she remove the medals from the wall? Was that going to make her rich? Maybe so she could buy a few Mega-Million lottery tickets? Oxycontin....hmmmmm........now probably many more stories to come....
Hmmmm...... I wonder if my wife would like some "sprinkles" on her ice cream tonight?
I'm staying away from yogurt and Strawberry & Creme Frappuccinos from Starbuck's
Mr. Spike Lee, this is not a movie set, it is called "life". Charges should be filed against you for invasion of privacy, criminal endangerment, violation of the Federal Hate Statute, negligent infliction of emotional harm and distress, libel, use of a form of interstate commerce for commission of criminal solicitation conspiracy, intent/attempt to incite a riot, and for being plain stupid. You have no knowledge of what the law is, how it is administered, and what laws would be used. You unreasonably and maliciously put innocent persons in harms way, and took a substantial step towards inciting a riot and breach of the peace. I hope that the family involved sues you for hugh monetary damages and that the state imprisons you for criminal intent.
If he went to the Neptune Society to arrange for cremation, it seems he WANTED to die.
If he went to the Neptune Society he had long term burial insurance.... Just sayin' this might be the time to think about that before every one else has to cover the cost
Did you use to be blonde? Just kidding...nice pic tho - who is that?
Calling Kim Kardashian to let her know what she's going to look like in another 25 or 30 yrs. Flour on her face will not hide her accordion pleated pouty lips.
Being severely depressed, I once attempted such a thing. I thank God he prevented it. I know full well the pain behind such an action, however, I can no longer agree with the taking of ones life. I pity him and feel sorry for his pain. God, forgive him.
Sad, sad world today...
BTW, gentlemen, as women, is plural; gentleMAN,and woMAN is singular! I am sick of seeing the editorials, as well as the commentaries misuse this word! How difficult is that people??
I'm still trying to get passed how people can confuse "our" and "are." I mean, did second and third grade just never happen?
Also their (possessive) and there (a place).
Passed, Allie? Or 'past'?
Maybe she wanted to re-start their relationship. If she said that to me with that face, I'd kill myself, too.
no more yogart
Jamie Lee Curtis is on a rampage with that Activia! She won't take no for an answer.
Hahahahaha! Thanks for the chuckle!
Spike Lee is a BIG piece of @!$%#, an apology is not enough. He needs to be charged with a crime of enticement to commit a crime and as a vigilante. He in multiple occasions hides his ass and asks others to enforce justice, what about showing your face for once and take care of bussines personaly...ooops, I forgot you are a COWARD. Has Mr. Obama called this family and apologized...I guess they do not look like him, thus keep waiting for the call. What about charges for endargering that family's life, INVASION of Privacy, solicitation of a hate crime, libel and above all of the many charges that could be levied against this ass......Emotional Distress...but I guess this will not happen to a Black Man in the movie industry... the Obamanites...
This is the strangest story. As some of you have already said, the camera in the apartment is pretty odd. Especially if he didn't want her to get caught. Also, what's with the heartburn medicine? Yogurt makes sense, brandy makes sense, but heartburn medicine? Where does that come into this grand plot? Also, they were in a relationship nine years ago, meet up, then a week later he's dead? This is all very strange.