SaraSmiles

Updated June 27, 2003, 12:50 p.m. ET


Texas man who offered to kill depressed woman he met on Internet gets 10 years probation

Houston (AP) — A man who offered to strangle a depressed woman he met through an online suicide chat room was sentenced to 10 years probation.

Frank Manuel, 55, pleaded guilty to attempted murder Thursday and was sentenced by state District Judge Carol Davies, who also ordered he submit to a psychiatric evaluation and stay away from the Internet.

Prosecutors said the woman alerted police after meeting Manuel through the chat group. She told authorities Manuel had offered to strangle her during sex, dig a grave for her in a state forest and bury her with a rose on her chest.

Investigators arrested Manual in January at a Houston bus station where he was awaiting the woman's arrival. Police said they found a strangling device and yellow roses in his car.

"I don't think we've seen anything like this before," prosecutor Ted Wilson told the Houston Chronicle for Friday's editions.

Defense lawyer Chris Tritico said Manuel took the plea agreement to avoid a public trial.

(how scary is this, i need to vent on this man what a freak)

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ajames05

I may be depressed (and on Zoloft) but please don't kill me!

No really, that is super scary.

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tiffany21

wow that is scary what will people do

1busymomma

The man needs to def. go to the looney bin.

kybeauty

Well he is bad..what what was SHE thinking?...that is very scary!

SaraSmiles

I talked to a very depressed woman one night online. I got her help. She went into the hospital early morning.
Sheesh! If i had read this, i wouldnt be here with my honey right now. We met online. Glad he didnt have roses in the car for me.
I am sending this to all my single gf's that r looking for love online. U have to be careful.
What a sicko?!?! Who does he think he is Dr. Death?

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In bed my real love has always been the sleep that rescued me by allowing me to dream.
* Luigi Pirandello

Technologist

I think the key word here is "offerred".... Meaning she ASKED him to do it......

Gitty

Agree totally! Why was she on a suicide chat room talking like that anyhow? I hope the courts and police are getting her some help.

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BigLyd1

That's depressing. It just kills me that people like that exist out there.

Iluvbears

He was "only" doing what she asked him to do.

I personally wouldn't take someone's life & I wouldn't talk anyone outta taking their life. It's their life they make the choices. I know it may sound cruel to some.

SaraSmiles

She was depressed. I dont think she wanted to be strangled. What a freak of nature.
One time online, i was talking in 5 windows. This man that lived not too far from me wanted to tell me is story. It was unreal what he typed out.
It would be interesting to know what they talked about in the suicide chat room. I would think she was there wanting help. I am glad he has been arrested. Hopefully, she is seeking help for her depression.

__________________
In bed my real love has always been the sleep that rescued me by allowing me to dream.
* Luigi Pirandello