An elderly woman in Bakersfield, California was accused of first-degree murder of her lifelong friend. Some people consider this act as an example of merciful killing-a complex factor that reflects growing controversy and support, such as medicine The choice on the top-assisting death.
Sandra Bonertz, 76, appeared in the Kern County Superior Court on Tuesday. She pleaded not guilty to the crime. Her roommate, who was only identified as “Winnie” in media reports, was found on Sunday morning when officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were called into their retirement community.
According to Bakersfield.comAfterwards, the authorities found the woman’s body beside Bonatz. According to reports, Bonatz still possessed a suspicious weapon-a gun. The police believe the death occurred sometime on Saturday night.
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According to a police statement obtained by Bakersfield.com, Bonatz was reportedly “very cooperative with the investigation.” On the same day, she was taken to Kern County Prison.
The news media described it as “white hair and grandmother-like demeanor.” Bonats could not hear the proceedings. According to reports, he needed a portable headset to hear Judge Michael Bush’s voice.
Before the hearing next month, Bonatz will be held in jail without bail.
However, considering a statement to the news media by a woman who claimed to be friends with Bonats and Winnie, this simple and straightforward case became more complicated.
BakersfieldNow reported Cheryl Sperry appeared in the subpoena, “to support Sandy and let her know that someone is on her side.”
“They are dearest friends,” Sperry explained. “They did everything for each other, they never fight. I know there is no anger or anything like that.”
She pointed out that she believed Winnie asked Bonats to commit the alleged crime. She said: “I do believe that Winnie begs her to kill her. She has said in front of me many times… If I can’t walk, please kill me. A month ago, Winnie had a car accident, Winnie and Sang Both Di, Winnie has a fractured ankle, she can’t walk or go to the doctor.”
She added: “It takes three months to see the doctor these days. She is very painful. I talked to them on Thursday and she was very depressed and upset, just in the garbage dump. I don’t believe there is any malice or anything. Like that.”
Weekly newspaper An attempt was made to contact the Bakersfield Police Department for further comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Although Sperry believed that the death was an act of mercy killing, but official sources have not confirmed it, but the incident is reminiscent of the ongoing debate about assisted suicide and euthanasia.
The death rights movement led by organizations such as Death With Dignity supports the view that individuals have the right to make their own “dying decision” when facing terminal illness.
This topic is controversial around the world: in the United States, voluntary euthanasia, that is, doctors who end the lives of patients painlessly at the patient’s request, is only legal in Oregon and Washington. According to “Medical News Today”, outside the United States, this practice is legal in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
