Faking One's own death ?!

by Xandria 3 Replies latest jw friends

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  Xandria

  Man Fakes Death to Avoid Court Appearance

  Thu Aug 28,10:21 AM ET

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  STILLWATER, Minn. - A St. Paul man who missed a court hearing appeared to have a good excuse — he was dead. But authorities soon realized his obituary was a fake and Robert Michael Mathison was later arrested.

  A paper trail indicates the obituary may have been used to excuse him for not appearing in Washington County District Court on charges stemming from a June case in which he faked a heart attack upon arrest.

  A short obituary ran in the Pioneer Press on July 15: "Mathison, Robert M. Age 50 of St. Paul Died on July 12, 2003. Loved by everyone; loved everyone. Survived by 3 sons, Shawn, Jeremiah, Ryan and daughter Courtney. Private services."

  The same day a fax was sent to the Washington County District Court office. It was sent in care of the assigning judge from someone claiming to be Mathison's attorney.

  "Mr. Mathison, who I believe has open cases in the county, has recently passed on. Thanks for your time," the fax said. A copy of the brief obituary was included.

  Instead of dismissing charges against the dead man — felony fourth-degree assault, obstructing the legal process with force and driving with a canceled license — a judge added the fax to the court file.

  "I've never heard of someone faking their own death," said state trooper Glen Knippenberg, who arrested Mathison in June and said he never believed the obituary. "People come up with great excuses why they can't make it to court."

  While allegedly dead, Mathison was investigated in Dakota and Ramsey counties. Charges are under consideration against him in connection with felony theft in Mendota, and he has been investigated in St. Paul, authorities said.

  Um, perhaps he took that T-shirt mantra too much to heart. Used up all my sick days .. guess I will have to call in dead.

  Someone has to write a book.. 101 ways to get out of Jury Duty.

  X.
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  talesin

  Xandria,

  interesting story. I have one for you.

  One of the people I went to school with (and blessedly am still occasionally in touch with) had a father who was involved with some questionable people, shall we say.

  He owned a strip club among other ventures, and was generally known around town as a sleaze-bag. In the early 80's, he married his second wife, stripper, much younger. Within 6 months, they moved to Florida. About 2 months later he 'died' suddenly of a heart attack. His kids got on the first plane to Miami, only to find he had already been 'cremated'. His widow left with 4 mil - yep FOUR MILLION DOLLARS! Mystery never solved. His kids (my friend) never believed it. Nor do I.

  He was 'heavily connected', if you know what I mean. And we'll never know if he's still alive, although his kids believe he is (well, it's almost twenty years ago, so maybe he's gone now).

  You just never know, hey?

  tal
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  CruithneLaLuna

  ... first word that comes to mind. As with so many things in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to do this sort of thing. He should have gone to the trouble and expense of disappearing and creating a new identity, which one can learn how to do effectively by purchasing and reading a $13 book. It is not easy or pleasant, but if the situation one finds oneself in is sufficiently onerous, it may be worth doing (as a matter of personal decision, of course). I considered it at one point, but I was not then the sort of person who could have pulled it off. I still may not be, and I no longer have compelling reasons to consider such a stunt. At least I didn't try some stupid half-measure, as this person did.

  Cruithne
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  Xandria

  Tal,

  You would be surprized ( or not) on what people do for money and personal comfort. My Uncle ( who was very well off) wanted to see me before he passed. He knew he was dying of terminal Cancer of the Throat. Every time, I made a time to see him his wife blocked it ( third wife). Come to find out that he wanted me to take some things that belonged to my Aunt. An leave me a good sum of money which his wife took when he died. So I know how it feels to be screwed out of something. If I were those kids~ I would watch this woman closely. If she did kill her hubby w/ kindness, she may do it again.

  X.