Exoo Extradition Denied
Save Email Print
Posted: 2:24 PM Oct 26, 2007
Exoo Extradition Denied
A federal magistrate has refused to allow a former Unitarian minister from Beckley to be extradited to Ireland to face trial for his role in a woman's 2002 suicide.
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
Font Size:

A federal magistrate has refused to allow a former Unitarian minister from Beckley to be extradited to Ireland to face trial for his role in a woman's 2002 suicide.

A lawyer for George Exoo argued at today's hearing in Charleston that a treaty between Ireland and the United States does not cover the pending assisted suicide charge.

But federal prosecutors had urged U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort to interpret the treaty broadly.

After reviewing all 50 states for similar laws, VanDervort concluded that the treaty does not support extradition.

The 64-year-old Exoo has been in custody since prosecutors began extradition proceedings in June. If convicted on the Irish charge, he would face up to 14 years in prison.

Five years ago, Exoo told numerous media outlets that he and another man sat with Dublin resident Rosemary Toole as she swallowed crushed pills, covered her head with a plastic bag and breathed helium.

Assisted suicide is illegal in Ireland.

A spokesman for Exoo predicts the ruling will prove key in the fight to recognize the importance of the right to die.



WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
WSAZ Olympic Zone web channel
Full 2010 Olympic coverage from the WSAZ Olympic Zone. Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p with the Opening Ceremony on WSAZ
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
A glittering holiday show full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop.
Healthy Connections Healthy Connections
Find a local health professional
Moms4Moms Mom4Moms
A collection of resources here to help Moms weather the daily storms that come along with parenting.
SOMC
Very good things are happening here
WV Lottery
Nightly drawings and numbers
Big Sandy
For all your furniture and appliance needs
Healthy Tri-State
Tips to live a healthier lifestyle