Doctor Who Faked Suicide Gives Self Up
A former surgeon who faked a suicide last year after being charged with attempting to strangle his estranged wife was being held without bond after surrendering, authorities said Wednesday.
David Johe of Charleston, W. Va., surrendered Tuesday to District Justice Barbara Boser. “It came as quite a surprise,” she said.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled April 19 for Johe, who practiced at Bradford Hospital.
Johe, 35, was arrested in June, 1987, on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and trespassing after he allegedly entered the home of his estranged wife, Blair Plott Johe, in Bradford and tried to strangle her.
Johe was released on $25,000 bond, then disappeared after leaving two suicide notes. His body was never found, however, and some authorities said they never believed he had died.
After Mrs. Johe reported receiving unsigned Christmas cards and presents for her three children that she believed were from her husband, a Bradford judge in December dismissed a motion to have Johe declared dead.
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