Cache man says death was assisted suicide

Monday, January 17th 2005, 6:09 am

By: News On 6

LAWTON, Okla. (AP) A man arrested in connection with his girlfriend's death told authorities that the woman wanted to kill herself and that he helped her, according to a federal affidavit.

Jon Kent Red Elk said Regina Dupler wanted to die and that he helped her on Jan. 7, according to an affidavit written by FBI Special Agent Deborah M. Decker.

Federal officials are investigating the Cache death because it happened on Indian trust land.

``When I first made contact with Red Elk, he appeared upset,'' Decker said. ``When I asked Red Elk what happened, he advised, 'my girlfriend killed herself.'''

Decker said she and other officials found Dupler on the bed with ``very visible remnants of adhesive around her arms, from her wrists almost up to her elbows, and her arms appeared bruised.''

According to Decker's affidavit, Red Elk said Dupler had often discussed suicide and had asked for his assistance.

``Red Elk advised he loved Dupler very much and would never do anything to intentionally hurt her,'' Decker said in her affidavit.

Dupler had asked Red Elk to tape her hands behind her back ``so she could not fight,'' according to the affidavit.

Red Elk allegedly left the room and then the house when he heard Dupler struggling.

He then returned to the living room where he slept through the night. In the morning, he allegedly said he attempted rescue breathing but ``knew that it was too late.''

A court date for Red Elk hasn't been set, officials said.