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MORGAN — An Ogden man who police say aided an acquaintance in a "suicide pact" is now facing a criminal charge.
Anthony Paul Franklin, 41, was charged Tuesday in 2nd District Court with manslaughter, a second-degree felony.
According to charging documents, Morgan County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Dec. 7.
"The vehicle was found running with the headlights on and two occupants were located inside of the vehicle. The occupant in the driver's seat was found to be deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. (Franklin) was seated in the passenger seat and was taken into custody. Two firearms owned by (Franklin), were located on the floor of the passenger side of the vehicle," according to charging documents.
"The defendant admitted that he had made a suicide pact with the victim and that he had knowledge that the victim was going to commit suicide. The defendant aided the victim's suicide by providing the victim access to the firearm," the charges allege.
Emily Carrington Thomas, 44, was identified as the deceased woman. A celebration of life was held for her in Kaysville on Wednesday.
"Throughout her life she was a paragon of kindness and a center of strength for all those who knew her," according to Thomas' obituary.
She is survived by her adult son.
Deputies say Franklin was intoxicated when law enforcers found him but he was not injured.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis hotlines
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- SafeUT: safeut.org
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Utah chapter: afsp.org/chapter/utah
Warning signs of suicide
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
What to do if you see warning signs of suicide
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
