Accused former doctor pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection with NY woman's suicide.
Stephen Miller, 85, will be placed on probation for 5 years.
A doctor from Arizona who was accused of assisting a woman in committing suicide in a New York motel room has admitted to the charge.
Stephen Miller, 85, of Tucson was arrested for second-degree manslaughter under a provision of New York law that permits individuals to be charged with this offense if they intentionally cause or aid in another person's suicide.
The state court's plea agreement specifies that Miller will be on probation for five years.
The woman was in Kingston, New York, when Miller arrived at a motel to be with her until her passing.
On Nov. 9, 2023, the woman's body was discovered by the housekeeping staff. The Ulster County district attorney's office stated that the Kingston police, fire, and emergency workers determined the woman's death was due to assisted suicide.
In February, Miller was charged with second-degree manslaughter and two counts of assault after surrendering and initially pleading not guilty.
On Tuesday, Jeffrey Lichtman, Miller's attorney, stated that his client offered comfort and minimal technical support to a woman suffering from chronic pain for decades.
Miller was contacted by the woman due to his involvement with the Choice and Dignity advocacy group.
"The attorney informed reporters that while technically Stephen Miller violated the law, morally he did nothing wrong."
During his court hearing, Miller softly answered questions from Judge Bryan Rounds.
Did you plead guilty because you were indeed guilty of second-degree manslaughter, Rounds inquired?
Yes, according to your definition, Miller replied before the judge clarified that the definition was derived from state law.
Miller answered "Yes" when Rounds asked him the same question again.
After appearing before reporters, Miller refused to answer their questions, according to the Associated Press.
In 2006, Miller was convicted of tax fraud in Texas and lost his medical license as a result. He was sentenced to nearly four years in prison.
New York's legislative efforts to legalize medical aid for dying have been halted, although several states already permit it.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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