Commonwealth v. Konz

Reverend Konz was a diabetic who had administered insulin treatment to himself for over 15 years. Reverend Konz decided to discontinue insulin treatment upon the belief that God would heal his condition and formed a pact with Erikson (defendant) to help him resist any temptation. Reverend Konz became ill shortly thereafter and attempted to retrieve insulin from his refrigerator but found that it had been hidden by his wife, Mrs. Konz (defendant). When Reverend Konz attempted to search for the insulin’s whereabouts, he was forced into a room by Mrs. Konz and Erikson where he was prevented from calling the police to obtain assistance. Following a half-hour conversation, the group returned to the kitchen, and Reverend Konz assured both his aunt and daughter that all had been settled, that there was no cause for concern, and that he had no intention of administering insulin. That afternoon, Reverend Konz canceled a speaking engagement and he and Mrs. Konz drove to a hospital to pick up a nurse friend. The nurse observed that Reverend Konz was conversant, rational, and cognizant of his environs, and Reverend Konz made no mention of his need for insulin, which was available at the hospital. Reverend Konz became increasingly ill upon their return home, but neither Mrs. Konz nor Erikson sought medical aid. Mr. Konz died of diabetic ketoacidosis the following morning. Mrs. Konz and Erikson (as an accomplice) were convicted of involuntary manslaughter.