Joann Canfield, 72, died on October 26, 2014, in Alameda, California. She had been living in a nursing facility because of severe dementia. On the day she died, her husband Jerry took her home from the facility. After an apparent attempt to poison her with sleeping pills failed, Jerry shot Joann in the head. He then drove to the Alameda Police Department and confessed, saying he wanted to end her suffering.

Jerry Canfield was arrested and charged with murder and a weapons enhancement. He later pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three years in prison. During the investigation and court proceedings, it was reported that Joann’s dementia had caused significant distress and that Jerry said the couple had previously agreed he would end her life if she reached constant pain and suffering. Family and friends described Jerry as devoted and testified about his love for Joann.

Are there readers who knew Joann or Jerry and can share more about Joann’s life or the care decisions leading up to October 26, 2014?