Stephen Miller, an 85-year-old former doctor from Tucson, Arizona, recently faced charges of second-degree manslaughter for allegedly aiding a woman in her suicide at a motel in Kingston, New York. The New York law under which he was charged allows individuals to be held accountable if they intentionally facilitate the suicide of another person. Miller was arrested earlier this year and has now entered a guilty plea through a court agreement that mandates he serve five years on probation.

The tragic incident came to light on November 9, 2023, when housekeeping staff found the woman's lifeless body, leading local law enforcement to conclude that her death was the result of assisted suicide. Miller had traveled from Arizona to be present with her at the time of her death. Initially, he faced two counts of assault in addition to the manslaughter charge; however, he had initially pleaded not guilty before later accepting a plea deal.

During the court proceedings, Miller's attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, explained that his client offered comfort and minimal assistance to the woman, who had endured significant pain for many years. Lichtman emphasized that while Miller technically broke the law, morally, he believed his actions were justified. When questioned by Judge Bryan Rounds about the nature of his plea, Miller acknowledged his guilt as defined by the law.

Prior to this case, Miller had his medical license revoked due to a prior conviction for tax fraud in Texas, where he was sentenced to nearly four years in prison. Discussions surrounding the legalization of medical aid for dying in New York have not progressed in the state legislature, contrasting with several other states that have enacted such laws.