MIAMI, FL — A 54-year-old licensed practical nurse, Juansette Sabrina Green, is facing serious legal consequences after she allegedly removed her elderly mother’s breathing tube, resulting in her death.
The incident occurred on May 10 at North Shore Medical Center in Miami and has ignited legal and ethical debates over end-of-life care practices.
Green, who has been a licensed practical nurse in Florida since 2005, had no prior disciplinary actions on her professional record. She was arrested the same day of the incident and remains in custody without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
She faces a charge of aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person, a first-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in Florida state prison.
Events Leading to the Arrest
According to the arrest affidavit, Green’s mother had been admitted to the hospital on May 5 with shortness of breath and was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to a decline in her condition. On May 10, Green reportedly summoned her son and daughter to the ICU.
In front of them and other witnesses, she allegedly said, “I’m pulling out,” before removing her mother’s intubation tube.
The action triggered emergency alarms, prompting hospital staff to rush in. Green allegedly told them to stop their resuscitation efforts, insisting that her mother be allowed to “go in peace.” Despite the staff’s intervention, the woman died shortly afterward.
Green left the hospital following the incident, but she was later apprehended at her residence by Miami-Dade County deputies.
A judge found probable cause during a weekend hearing and denied bond. Green has entered a plea of not guilty and is being represented by a public defender.
Legal Implications and Florida Law
The charge against Green falls under Florida’s aggravated manslaughter statute, which specifically protects elderly individuals from acts leading to their death, whether intentional or due to culpable negligence.
According to Florida Statute 782.07, aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person is a felony of the first degree. More information on this statute is available on the Florida Legislature’s website: Florida Statutes.
Legal analysts emphasize that while family members may have compassionate intentions in cases involving life support, removing medical equipment without appropriate authorization can constitute a serious criminal offense.
In Florida, any removal of life-sustaining equipment must comply with state law, including directives provided in advance by the patient or through a designated healthcare surrogate.
Ethical Challenges in End-of-Life Care
The incident has sparked intense discussion in the healthcare and ethics community. Dr. Alicia Harper, a bioethicist at the University of Miami, commented, “When families are under emotional distress and feel powerless watching a loved one suffer, they may take action based on compassion.
But it is critical that such decisions follow medical and legal standards to ensure patient safety and respect for the law.”
Hospitals typically have strict protocols in place regarding end-of-life decisions, particularly for patients on ventilators or other life-sustaining systems.
These protocols often require consultations with physicians, ethics committees, and the presentation of legal documents such as advance directives or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.
Institutional and Public Response
North Shore Medical Center has declined to comment on the case, citing patient confidentiality and pending litigation. Prosecutors from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office have also refrained from making public statements while the investigation is ongoing.
Green’s case has raised broader concerns about how hospitals monitor ICU access and supervise family interactions when patients are critically ill. Some healthcare advocates are now urging hospitals to reevaluate their protocols to prevent similar incidents.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, families are encouraged to maintain open communication with hospital staff and seek support through patient advocacy services when navigating difficult medical decisions. Resources and guidelines are available at hhs.gov.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The case has struck a nerve in both the legal and medical communities. It underscores the delicate balance between compassion and legality in medical decision-making. While some view Green’s actions as a desperate attempt to end her mother’s suffering, others see it as an unlawful and reckless act that cost a life.
Green’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, but legal experts expect the case to proceed to formal arraignment within the coming weeks. If convicted, Green could spend decades behind bars—a stark contrast to her previously clean professional record and long career in caregiving.
As the investigation continues, this case may serve as a pivotal moment in how end-of-life decisions are discussed and handled—not only in Florida but across the country.
For more detailed information about Florida’s criminal laws and end-of-life care protocols, visit: myflorida.com
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