Nurse Being Investigated for Encouraging Two Suicides

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota - Authorities say nurse William Melchert-Dinkel derived pleasure from visiting suicide chat rooms on the internet while offering step-by-step instructions on the most effective way for suicidal people to kill themselves.

Melchert-Dinkel, 47, is under investigation in at least two deaths and could face criminal charges. It's also possible he won't face any charges due to freedom of speech rights in the First Amendment.

Mark Drybrough, 32, hanged himself at his home in Coventry, England in 2005. University student Nadia Kajouji, 18, from Brampton, Ontario drowned in a river in Ottawa. Legal experts said prosecuting these two cases would be difficult because Melchert-Dinkel didn't physically kill them.

While being interviewed by The Associated Press, Melchert-Dinkel said "Nothing is going to come of it. I've moved on with my life, and that's it."

Minnesota task force searched Melchert-Dinkel's computer in May and found a web chat between him and the young Canadian student in which he described the best way for her to tie knots to hang herself. Investigators said Melchert-Dinkel admitted to asking people to watch their suicide via web-cam.

Authorities say he posed as a compassionate female and used online aliases such as LiDao, Cami, and Falcon Girl while offering expert knowledge on the most effective way to commit suicide in these chat rooms.

The Minnesota Board of Nursing revoked his license in June, saying he encouraged numerous people to commit suicide.

The investigative report said Melchert-Dinkel checked himself into a hospital in January. It was stated he had a suicide fetish and had formed suicide pacts on-line which he didn't intend to carry out.

What is your opinion? Do you think William Melchert-Dinkel's actions should be protected as freedom of speech under the First Amendment?