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A Gold Coast man charged over the death of a 43-year-old man who ended his life with a veterinary drug is accused of running a backyard euthanasia operation that may be connected to more suicides.
Homicide detectives began investigating the death of the man from Hope Island after a toxicology report revealed he had died from acute pentobarbitone toxicity, a veterinary euthanasia drug.
Gold Coast Detective Inspector Mark Mooney said a “large-scale and complex” investigation led police to a business called End of Life Services and three people – a 53-year-old Main Beach man, an 81-year-old Southport woman, and an 80-year-old Ashmore man – who allegedly supplied the victim with the life-ending veterinary drug.
The 53-year-old man from Main Beach has been charged with two counts of aiding suicide and one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
The 81-year-old Southport woman has been charged with one count each of aiding suicide, trafficking dangerous drugs, and possessing dangerous drugs.
The 80-year-old Ashmore man has been charged with one count each of trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs.
Mooney said investigators are now examining additional deaths that could be linked to the 53-year-old man, and a business called End of Life Services.
“So far, detectives are looking into numerous other deaths dating back to 2021 where it is alleged the defendant has had dealings with the deceased person. We believe this number could grow as the investigation continues,” Mooney said.
“The alleged offender is deliberately targeting vulnerable people, taking advantage of them in their most desperate moments.
“We urge anyone who may have information relevant to this investigation or who have engaged with a business called End of Life Services to come forward and speak with detectives.
“Queensland has very strict legal processes in place for people who are considering end-of-life options... circumventing those processes undermines the protections in place and puts lives at risk.”
The trio are due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court later this month.
Queensland became the fifth state in Australia to legalise voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill patients in 2021, with the laws coming into effect in January 2023.
To access euthanasia, Queensland adults must have been diagnosed with a disease, illness or medical condition that is advanced, progressive, will cause death within 12 months and is causing intolerable suffering.
The person must be assessed by two doctors, make three separate requests, and they can change their mind at any time.
If you, or someone you know, needs support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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