An 18-year-old Texas man has been charged after allegedly helping his 17-year-old girlfriend commit suicide.
On Sunday, college student Zander Tashman was charged with felony aiding suicide over the death of Ellyse Suarez.
Suarez's body was found in a pond at Frisco Commons Park in November after police were called to the scene over "suspicious activity."
"After an exhaustive investigation, evidence collected in the case indicated that 18-year-old Zander Tashman of Frisco aided the deceased, his 17-year-old girlfriend, in committing suicide," the Frisco Police said in a press release. "Subsequently, Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, and Tashman was taken into custody on February 18, 2024."
Tashman faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. His bond has been set at $10,000.
It is unclear what led police to bring the charge.
Tashman's attorney, Reynie Tinajero, claims her client is "innocent." “Zander and his family wish this horrible tragedy had never taken place either,” Tinajero told NBC 5. The lawyer also claimed that Tashman is an “exemplary college student with no prior history of criminal behavior.” Additionally, the lawyer accused law enforcement of making a "probably emotional choice" in charging his client. “I’m sorry authorities made a poor and probably emotional choice to blame Zander and to do so in a public way. We’ll be making our case in a court of law,” he said. Suarez’s mother, Azucena Massey, said that her daughter had been in an off and on relationship with Tashman for two years, after meeting in high school. “Something that she wanted to work out so dearly that maybe she made decisions that she wouldn’t have made on a regular day,” the mother said of their relationship. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. Help is available 24-7.
