In a jaw-dropping case, a convicted murderer argued that briefly “dying” in hospital meant his life sentence was complete, demanding release from prison.
Benjamin Schreiber, imprisoned in Iowa for the brutal 1990s murder of John Terry, made headlines with his bold legal claim.
Terry was viciously beaten to death with an axe handle, earning Schreiber a life sentence without parole, Iowa’s harshest penalty.
Years later, Schreiber stunned courts by insisting his temporary “death” during a medical crisis fulfilled his sentence.
In 2015, Schreiber’s health took a dire turn. Severe kidney stones triggered septic poisoning, a life-threatening condition.
He collapsed in his cell at Iowa State Penitentiary and was rushed to hospital, where doctors fought to save him.
His heart stopped five times, but medics revived him each time with adrenaline and epinephrine injections, despite a “do not resuscitate” order.
Schreiber’s brother, contacted in Texas, reportedly advised letting him pass if in pain, but doctors ignored this, performing emergency kidney surgery.
In 2018, Schreiber filed for post-conviction relief, arguing that his “death” on March 30, 2015, ended his life sentence.
The courts dismissed his claim. Judge Amanda Potterfield called it “unpersuasive,” noting that Schreiber’s own filing proved he was alive.
Schreiber’s case went viral, sparking debates about the meaning of a “life sentence” and whether he’d found a legal loophole.