My sister died of a heroin overdose as 11 people watched, why is it not a crime not to help a dying person?

Question

My younger sister died of a heroin overdose a few months ago. There were 11 other people in the apartment and no one did nothing. They laid her on her back after she passed out and watched her turn blue and did nothing. I have heard that one guy even robbed her as she lay dying and he left. They all lied to the police and said they didn't know she was on heroin and they went out to eat and came back and found her dead. I work for a lawyer and he says it is not a crime to not get help. They could have called 911 or took her to the E.R. or called someone to come get her. She was 18, beautiful and went to school and worked but could not get off heroin. I constantly tried to help her but she would lie to me about being clean. I am consumed with grief. Can't eat or sleep and keep thinking about getting revenge on these people. She made a mistake, but they should have helped. Police can't do anything. No one is talking. Sometimes I follow them.

Answer 1

I learned as a first aid responce that it is my will to help. People dont have to help unless they want to. Im so sorry this happened to your sister. It almost sounds like you blame the people around her for what happened to your sister. But... In fact she was the one taking the drug and did it to her self.
It might be against the law not to call 911. I would check that out better. I am so sorry this happened to your sister and hopefully all her freinds and family learn from the mistake she made. I hope none of then start on it ever. It is a very addicting drug and I am so so sorry your family has to deal with the pain.

Answer 2

{{{{{Kelly}}}}}
I am so sorry for you loss. And I am sorry that people are so terrified of being sued or bothered with another person's life that they will not help anyone in need. I agree, why not call 911? In a group of 11 people, surely someone had a cell phone even if there wasn't one in the apartment. I agree, yes somebody should have helped. They have to live with themselves and I hope they have consciences.

Sweetheart, please stop following these people or you are going to wind-up in a lot of trouble and you will not honour your sister's memory. I know you'd like to make them hurt they way you do and that they should pay for what they didn't do for her.
But you can't.
The best thing you can do for your sister is to live your life and remember the best things about her.

May I suggest that you be the person who calls 911 for another person in trouble? You be the friend in need. From what you say about your relationship with your sister you have a compassionate and caring heart. Nurture that.

This will always hurt. And you will often get angry at the injustice of the situation, but do not let it ruin your life. Okay.

If you would like, I will make my e-mail available so that you can write someone who at least will care. I'll check back, so let me know.

Answer 3

Your story is close to home and I'm sure all that read it can't help but feel your pain.

If I we're you, consider spending some time healing your torn soul. Believe me I know it's not that easy but you need to do it.

When you are able to focus and hold composure, hire a personal injury lawyer. If the tragedy happened as you believe the legal system may be able to start a civil suit. Personal injury lawyers generally work on percentages so it won't cost you anything if they take the case.

But be warned, it could be a very hard journey and taxing mentally. Make sure you are well! If your parents are able they could start the suit.

Answer 4

Your sister chose that style of life, her friends etc. You didn't, why do you think they didn't call anyone, they probably all had a "bad trip" themselves and assumed this is what was happening to her.

Don't make yourself sick, your sister is in a better place right now, I know you miss her but she was living hell on earth being an addict to this drug. Revenge is not yours to get, and you don't know for sure that the case is closed, they might be investigating other crimes within this group and you will hear of some of them being arrested. usually these people live a life of crime to support their habit, don't follow them as you are putting your life in danger and that would be devastating to your loved ones, be strong for your parents and friends who are grieving with you. May God be with you and teach you to forgive what you don't understand hate the behavior not the persons. Peace.

Answer 5

The Police may not be able to do anything, but you can. Get a good lawyer, file a wrongful death suit, and name all eleven people who were in the apartment at the time of your sister's death in the suit. Those eleven people had a duty to get help, they breached that duty by failing to get help, your sister died as a result, and you are entitled to compensation. Be sure your lawyer goes after the tenant of the apartment and any insurance policies he/she may have. Also, if the landlord knew about the drug use going on in his/her building but did nothing, you can sue them too. I may be criticized by other people here for advocating a "frivolous lawsuit" but you have a legitimate gripe here. If the Police won't send them to jail, then hit them where they live by making them pay through the nose for your sister's death.

I wish you the best.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry. Instead of trying to get revenge on those horrible people, you should try to focus that energy into something positive. Become a spokesperson for anti-drug use. Your story could touch a lot of people. Contact your local D.A.R.E group and see if there are ways you could help...you may even help someone out there stop their destructive habit before its too late.

Answer 7

This is harsh to say, but if she hadn't died when she did she would have died some other time. Heroin addicts have a very short life expectancy and they're not known for being responsible. So her friends, and probably fellow addicts, will in all likelihood come to the same end as she did.

Let their own karma take care of it and try to release it for your own sake.

Answer 8

Wow Girl!! You got alot to read here so I'll try & keep it short.
The advice about a civil suite might be a good idea!

But the main thing is that this is tearing you up, it'll kill you! THIS is what you need to do...it sounds ridiculous I know, but this is the only way to stop this from burning you up inside. It is a biblical principle that WORKS! Pray for them. As much as you hate them, pray ( not "God, Gitt'em" ) but sincerly think about it, they are all like your sis in some way, and they are all obviously hurting in some way to be in the condition they are. Pray that the Lord helps their needs so that they can become better people, so that they can feel proper remorse. Everytime hatred starts burning inside you, you can quench the fire this way. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't used it myself and had it work for me. It won't hurt to try and this hatred you must admit, is hurting noone BUT YOU!!
BEST OF BLESSINGS I WILL PRAY FOR YOU!!
E-MAIL ME IF YOU LIKE!! I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!

Answer 9

I know exactly how you feel.
You need to know that staying in rage at the 11 will only hurt you. If you do not let it go it will destroy YOU!
Really in your heart you are murdering the people. You need to watch out or you will do what you have been thinking about. Find an outlet help people who are on heroin to get off of it. Do something.

Answer 10

There is nothing you can do but learn and move on. Your sister would not want this to consume your life or for you to be unhappy. The best thing you could do for her would be to live a long, successful, happy life. Focus your energy on that.