Benjamin Edward Schreiber, a prisoner serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, made a shocking argument: he had temporarily “died” and therefore, his life sentence was over.
In 2015, Schreiber, who was convicted of bludgeoning John Terry to death with an axe handle, developed kidney stones and septic poisoning. He passed out in his cell and was rushed to the hospital, where his heart had to be restarted five times.
Despite a “do not resuscitate” order, medical staff revived Schreiber, and he eventually recovered after undergoing surgery and treatment.
Three years later, Schreiber applied for post-conviction relief, claiming that when his heart stopped, he had technically died, and his life sentence should be terminated.
However, a judge rejected his request, stating that Schreiber was either still alive and had to remain in prison or was actually dead, making the appeal moot.
Schreiber’s claim was deemed “unpersuasive and without merit,” and he passed away in April 2023 due to natural causes.
This extraordinary case raises questions about the complexities of life sentences and the gray areas that can arise when a prisoner’s life is temporarily revived.