Two-year investigation into Max Bromson’s voluntary euthanasia shows no sign of ending
TWO years after police raided a Glenelg motel room and Gilberton workshop, seizing computers and phones following a suicide, they are still investigating.Now the owners of the equipment want it returned.
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TWO years after 18 police raided a Glenelg motel room and Gilberton workshop and seized computers and phones following a suicide, detectives are still investigating the case.
Now the owners of the equipment want it returned.
Max Bromson, 67, in severe pain from terminal cancer, died in the company of his brother Garry, sister Kerry and children Matthew and Pip on July 28, 2014.
He had spent the previous five years battling the disease after being given six months to live when diagnosed in 2009.
Mr Bromson took his life by swallowing the barbiturate Nembutal imported from China.
His family said the death was peaceful and dignified, but their call to advise authorities resulted in a raid by uniformed police and detectives who searched all the family’s motel rooms and cars, seized their mobile phones, laptops and iPads, fingerprinted the room and cautioned them they may face charges.
Voluntary euthanasia campaigner Dr Philip Nitschke had advised Mr Bromson and his Gilberton premises were searched and items seized.
He believes two years is long enough for an investigation and now wants his property back.
“There’s been no sign of return of property or an inquest or any follow up, so would be good to know just how long SA police plan to hold property that’s not theirs,” he said.
“I’m assuming two years should have given them enough time to finish their inquiry.”
Mr Bromson had asked his family to film his final act to show he took the drug voluntarily and without assistance. Police seized the video.
Ms Kerry Bromson said the threat of charges had hovered over the family for two years and she wants her video of her brother’s death returned.
“We’ve been told nothing by the police — there has been no inquest, and the threat of charges remains in the back of our minds,” she said.
However, a SAPOL spokesman said: “After speaking with Major Crime Investigation Section they advise the investigation is continuing — they don’t have any further comment to make at this time.”
At the time of the raids, Dr Nitschke said he believed there was political interference involved.
“Whether I am charged revolves around the vexed and murky issue of what constitutes assisting a suicide,” he said.
“I passed on information which gave Max knowledge of how to import the drug and what to do with it, and when the drug arrived I was able to test it to make sure he had not received the wrong drug. It was very pure.”
At the time, SAPOL released a statement saying: “Major Crime Investigation Branch is now conducting further investigation and a full assessment of the facts in order to determine whether any criminal offences have been committed.
“Those present were cautioned as they may have been committing a criminal offence of assisting in a suicide. The investigation remains ongoing.”
People want more information or counselling options about suicide or self-harm should seek help by calling Lifeline on 131114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224636.
