Texas woman arrested for allegedly helping bedridden ex-husband’s suicide — after taking advice from ‘right to die’ nonprofit
A Texas woman has been arrested after authorities say she assisted in the death of her paralyzed ex-husband, allegedly following guidance from a controversial end-of-life advocacy group.
Joseph Cheffo was found dead at his home in Odessa, Texas, on Feb. 13. Investigators allege his ex-wife and caregiver, Sarah Regmund, helped him carry out his plan to end his life despite assisted suicide being illegal in the state, according to reporting by the Odessa American and local outlet KOSA.
Police said items connected to the death and a typed note were discovered near Cheffo’s bed. According to an arrest affidavit, Regmund told officers she prepared the note and arranged items for him because his paralysis prevented him from doing so himself. She also acknowledged moving equipment into the room that investigators believe was used in his death.
Regmund was arrested the same day and charged with aiding suicide.
Authorities say she had been in contact with the Final Exit Network, a nonprofit that advocates for the right to die. She told police the group had communicated with Cheffo about ending his life on the day he died, though it remains unclear whether any representatives were present. The organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Assisted suicide is illegal in both Texas and Florida, where the Final Exit Network is based, according to the Death with Dignity.
Cheffo, a former teacher described by friends as passionate about fitness, developed severe complications in 2023 after taking a prescribed antibiotic, according to a 2024 fundraiser organized by Regmund. The campaign said he suffered chronic fatigue, constant pain, and tendon injuries consistent with fluoroquinolone toxicity.
In a Facebook video posted in April 2024, Cheffo said Regmund had moved in to care for him full-time. He described limited recovery but said he still struggled with basic tasks and called his condition “a nightmare.” In online comments, he expressed support for assisted dying.
The fundraiser sought $30,000 for experimental stem-cell therapy with a regenerative medicine company in Los Angeles but raised only $1,365 on GoFundMe.
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