The Nation - News from Sept. 2, 1988

A judge in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., denied a new trial for mercy killer Roswell Gilbert, who argued he was inadequately represented at his trial by a lawyer more interested in the media rights to his story than in his defense. Gilbert claimed his former lawyer, Joseph Varon, had a conflict of interest when he contracted with Gilbert to receive 90% of the profits from book, movie or television rights to Gilbert’s story in lieu of a fee. Gilbert was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the March 4, 1985, shooting death of his wife, Emily. Gilbert said he killed his wife to relieve her from Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.