Lisa McPherson
Lisa McPherson was a Scientologist who died after 17 days in the custody of the Church of Scientology.
More about Lisa McPherson
June 8, 1982: Knowledge Report written about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
June 9, 1982: Knowledge Report written about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
June 16, 1984: No Report Report written about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
February 4, 1986: Lisa Cameron writes a Idle Report on Lisa McPherson.
February 19, 1986: Force Chamberlain writes a Job Endangerment on Lisa McPherson.
May 6, 1986: Job Endangerment written by Force Chamberlain on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski)
May 7, 1986: 7 Hr TMO written by Force Chamberlain on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski)
May 8, 1986: TMO 24 Hrs. (2nd D) written by on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski)
May 9, 1986: No Report written by Enrique Salinas on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski)
May 16, 1986: document written by Stuart Cameron on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski)
June 15, 1986: Commendation Chit written by Mark Muir about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
June 25, 1986: No Report written by Kathy about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
June 25, 1986: No Report written by Kathy about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
July 7, 1986: Knowledge Report written by Katie Chamberlain about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson].
Lisa McPherson in the News
| April 9, 2000 | 2 Judges, 2 Counties, and a Lot of Baloney | How to explain the mental nose dives of the medical examiner and the chief circuit judge when they were confronted with the story of the slow, miserable death in 1995 of Scientologist Lisa McPherson at the Fort Harrison Hotel? This is the part I gag on: The Internal Revenue Service gave Scientology the tax-exempt protection of a religion. If what they do at Scientology headquarters in Clearwater is a religion, then I'm a planet. Saturn, say, rings and all. | |
| June 22, 2001 | A judge dismisses the allegation that Lisa McPherson was falsely imprisoned | St. Petersburg Times: A judge dismisses the allegation that Lisa McPherson was falsely imprisoned | |
| October 30, 1999 | Anti-Scientology Foundation Created | A critic of the Church of Scientology said he is financing a new foundation named after Lisa McPherson, a Scientologist who died in 1995 while in the care of the church. Robert S. Minton said he would incorporate the Lisa McPherson Educational Foundation. McPherson, 36, suffered a severe mental breakdown 17 days before she died of a blood clot in her left lung. Her death prompted a wrongful death lawsuit, filed in Tampa, and criminal charges against the church in Pinellas County. Minton's foundation will reach out to disaffected members of the church and educate the public about what he says are the harmful effects of Scientology. | |
| October 20, 1998 | Butterworth Offers Help in Scientologist Case | Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth has offered "the complete services of my office" to help investigate the 1995 death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson. McPherson, 36, had been under the care of fellow Scientologists who tried for 17 days to nurse her through a psychotic outburst at the Fort Harrison Hotel, Scientology's retreat in downtown Clearwater. Although physically healthy when she entered the hotel, she was dead on arrival after Scientologists drove her to a Pasco County hospital. | |
| December 16, 1997 | Charges Urged in Scientologist Death | After a two-year investigation, local and state police are recommending criminal charges be filed in the 1995 death of Church of Scientology member Lisa McPherson. Investigators on Monday delivered their findings to Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe in the form of a "prosecution summary." Clearwater Deputy Police Chief Paul Maser said the document recommends charges, but he refused to discuss specifics or who might be charged. | |
| December 9, 2001 | Church Loads Up For One Last Fight | A civil wrongful-death lawsuit, itself now almost 5 years old, alleges church workers let McPherson die Dec. 5, 1995, in the Fort Harrison Hotel, where she spent the last 17 days of her life being cared for by fellow Scientologists. The lawsuit contends that church staffers allowed McPherson, 36, to become so dehydrated she was too weak even to stop cockroaches from biting her. Paperwork alone has swelled to near epic proportions. The case now sports 194 volumes - stacked up, they're as tall as a two-story building. | |
| December 17, 1996 | Church: Cops Planted False Story | The Church of Scientology sent a statement to media outlets Monday attacking the police department that is investigating the death of one of its members. The Tampa Tribune reported Sunday that Clearwater police are trying to learn what happened to Lisa McPherson, 36, a member of the church who died a year ago after spending less than three weeks at the church's local headquarters. Scientology officials claim the police "planted a false story in The Tampa Tribune for the express purpose of creating hate and prejudice against the Church of Scientology." | |
| November 23, 1998 | Death in the Sunshine State | Scientologists share at least one strongly-held belief with mainstream sceptics: they will have no truck with psychiatry. So McPherson was taken instead to the Fort Harrison hotel, owned by the organistion. Seventeen days later, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at HCA hospital, New Port Richey. Her family blames Scientology for her death, for her dehydration, the bruises on her arms and legs, the abrasions and lesions, the apparent bug or animal bites. A medical examiner said she had died of a blood clot complicated by dehydration. She also had an infection, which the church blames for all her symptoms. | |
| January 18, 1998 | Death of a Disciple Puts Scientology in the Dock | Nobody was hurt when Lisa McPherson drove into the back of a boat being towed through the Florida city of Clearwater. Yet 17 days later McPherson was dead and the minor traffic accident had become the focus of a police investigation that is causing embarrassment for one of the world's most controversial churches. McPherson was a Scientologist. A Florida prosecutor is considering whether to bring charges against Scientology officials who were looking after McPherson when she died. | |
| January 26, 1997 | Did anyone notice Lisa looked bad? | Tampa Tribune: Did anyone notice Lisa looked bad? | |
| August 4, 2001 | Doctor in Lisa McPherson case suspended | St. Petersburg Times: Doctor in Lisa McPherson case suspended | |
| December 18, 1996 | editorial on Lisa McPherson's death | An editorial in the St. Petersburg Times calls for a thorough investigation into Lisa McPherson's death. | |
| December 5, 1998 | Ex-Scientologist Shares Familiar Tale of Force-Feeding | A former Scientologist from Denmark said Friday that he helped force bread, fruit and liquids into the throat of an unconscious woman as part of an effort help her recover from a mental breakdown. Karsten Lorenzen's detailed account at a news conference held by a group of Scientology critics resembles the experience of Lisa McPherson, as documented by state investigators and Clearwater police. McPherson was the 36-year-old Scientologist whose 1995 death has resulted in criminal charges of abuse and practicing medicine without a license against the Church of Scientology in Clearwater. | |
| December 20, 1996 | Family Questions Details Of '95 Death | The family and friends of a Clearwater woman who died last year in the care of friends from the Church of Scientology are calling for more answers. The woman, Lisa McPherson, was pronounced dead Dec. 5, 1995, at a New Port Richey hospital after several fellow Scientologists drove her there from the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater. McPherson had spent 17 days in the Scientology-owned hotel, resting and recuperating from unexplained anxiety, according to church officials. Dell Liebriech, an aunt of McPherson's, said she believes her niece "was held against her will." | |
| March 10, 1997 | Five Pathologists Concur On Scientology Demise Doctors Agree That Lisa Mcpherson Was Badly Dehydrated When She Died In 1995 At | Tallahassee Democrat : Five Pathologists Concur On Scientology Demise Doctors Agree That Lisa Mcpherson Was Badly Dehydrated When She Died In 1995 At A Church Of Scientology Retreat. | |
| November 14, 1998 | Florida Charges Scientology In Church Member's Death | Florida prosecutors filed criminal charges against the Church of Scientology in connection with the death of a church member while she was under the care of Scientologists three years ago. The church's Flag Service Organization, its chief operating arm in Clearwater, Fla., was charged with abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and with the unauthorized practice of medicine in the death of the church member, Lisa McPherson, 36. | |
| December 7, 1997 | For Some Scientologists, Pilgrimage Has Been Fatal | Since 1980, at least eight members of the Church of Scientology have died in Clearwater under circumstances that leave their friends, families and in some cases law enforcement authorities looking for their own answers. The most prominent of these cases is Lisa McPherson, a 36-year-old woman who died Dec. 5, 1995. After 17 days at Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel, she was finally taken to a hospital by church staff where she was pronounced dead soon after her arrival. Police and prosecutors are wrapping up an investigation that could result in criminal charges. | |
| November 14, 1998 | Hubbard's Teachings Guide Treatment Of Mental Illness | The Fort Harrison has no provision for intravenous feedings. So, when McPherson refused to take nutrition, staffers tried to force it down her throat. Had McPherson been taken to a psychiatric facility, she probably would have received medication to calm her, psychiatrists say. She also might have been restrained, if necessary, and given intravenous feedings. Hubbard died in 1986, but his anti-psychiatry zeal has been passed on to his followers, who recently began a campaign to "take over the field of mental health by the year 2000." | |
| October 31, 1997 | In Her Final Years, Scientologist Spent $175,000 | From 1991 until she died in December 1995, McPherson spent more than $175,000 on Scientology courses, counseling and causes, according to financial records. In three of those years, her donations to the church ranged from 29 percent to 55 percent of her income. | |
| December 29, 1998 | In the Presence of Scientology | In 1995, a 36-year-old believer of Scientology died. Now, three years later, the state attorney has filed charges against the church, which made its headquarters in Clearwater, Fla., 23 years ago. As believers and non-believers clash, the relationship between community leaders and church members is delicate. The coming trial - a status conference is scheduled today in St. Petersburg, Fla. - promises to be a low point in the long history of acrimony over the religion's presence here. And it will raise uncomfortable questions about the way the church deals with its own affairs and those of the surrounding community. | |
| April 8, 2000 | Judge Rejects Church Argument | In a ruling that stunned the Church of Scientology and its lawyers, a Hillsborough County judge said Friday that religious rights are not a central issue in the 1995 death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson. Hea also said it is not clear whether McPherson consented to her treatment by Scientology staffers before she died in their care. That question should be left to a jury, the judge said. | |
| July 21, 2000 | Judge releases McPherson autopsy photos | St. Petersburg Times: Judge releases McPherson autopsy photos | |
| July 21, 2000 | Judge releases McPherson photos | Tampa Tribune: Judge releases McPherson photos | |
| October 23, 1999 | Jury May Levy Damages On Scientology | The family of Lisa McPherson can seek punitive damages if the Church of Scientology is found to have caused her death, a judge ruled Friday. Scientology's Clearwater branch has been criminally charged with abusing and illegally practicing medicine on McPherson. Ken Dandar, said, "This organization exists for one reason - to make money," he said of Scientology. "Therefore, punitive damages are the only thing that wakes them up to stop what they are doing." | |
| December 18, 1996 | Keep Investigation On Track | Lisa McPherson was a member of the Church of Scientology for 18 years before she died in December 1995. Any objective review can only raise more questions about what happened to the 36-year-old woman in the 17 days between the traffic accident and her death. A year later, the Clearwater Police Department still is looking for answers and avoiding accusations. Instead of cooperating, the Church of Scientology has responded by attacking the police department and complaining of harassment. It is standard procedure for Scientologists to discourage scrutiny with tactics that smack of intimidation. The Clearwater Police Department and the state attorney's office should not allow such a strategy to derail this investigation. | |
Lisa McPherson in the News
| January 28, 1997 | question, Detective Sgt. Wayne Andrews, Susanne Schnurrenberger, Switzerland, Germany, Ildiko Cannovas, Hungary, Laura Arrunada | In discussing three people the police want to question, Detective Sgt. Wayne Andrews said he thinks Susanne Schnurrenberger is in Switzerland or Germany, Ildiko Cannovas is probably in Hungary and Laura Arrunada may be working in the medical field in Mexico. These three are wanted by Clearwater police for questioning (Susanne has been found). He recently asked for help locating them by posting a request for information on the Internet. The three former employees "worked in an office that would have had control over her'' during her stay, Andrews said. Church of Scientology spokesman Brian Anderson said that is false. He said the three have no connection to McPherson's death and the investigation is nothing more than a harassment campaign against the church by police. | |
| February 13, 1995 | $13,000, Lisa McPherson's account, $17,595.59 | A $13,000 debit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, dropping the balance to $17,595.59. The notation is "Power (Grade V) and Power Plus (Grade VA) per 25 hours." | |
| March 1, 1995 | $2,000, Lisa McPherson's account, $14,795.64 | A $2,000 credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $14,795.64. The notation is "New OT IV (Per 12 1/2 Hours)." | |
| February 22, 1995 | $240, Lisa McPherson's account, $12,470.59 | A $240 cash credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $12,470.59. The notation is "Ability Congress Lectures, English." | |
| February 16, 1995 | $3,000, Lisa McPherson's account, $20,595.59 | A $3,000 credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $20,595.59. The notation is "OT Levels." | |
| February 1, 1995 | $3,000, Lisa McPherson's account, $30,595.59 | A $3,000 credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $30,595.59. The notation is "25 Hour Intensive, Power-Grade V and Power Plus-Grade VA." Judging by a debit on Feb. 13, the total cost of this intensive appears to be $13,000.00. | |
| February 25, 1995 | $325.05, Lisa McPherson's account, $12,795.64 | A $325.05 credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $12,795.64. The notation is "12 1/2 Hour Intensive OT Preps/OT Eligibility." | |
| February 17, 1995 | $8,125, Lisa McPherson's account, $12,470.59. (credit.) | A $8,125 debit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $12,470.59. (The transaction appears as a negative credit.) The notation is "Inter-org Transfer from CC [Celebrity Centre] Dallas, Cancels B802599." Lisa was a former staff member at the Dallas Celebrity Centre. | |
| March 9, 1995 | $8,475, Lisa McPherson's account, $23,270.64 | A $8,475 credit is applied to Lisa McPherson's Scientology account, bringing the balance to $23,270.64. The notation is "Wall of Fire Package." | |
| February 24, 1988 | 24 Hour TMO | Force Chamberlain writes a 24 Hour TMO on Lisa McPherson. | |
| May 7, 1986 | 7 Hr TMO | 7 Hr TMO written by Force Chamberlain on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski) | |
| December 5, 1997 | About 45, Ft. Harrison Hotel, 6:30pm, 2nd, Lisa McPherson's death. They, plays. As, Ft. Harrison Hotel. Some, well. In, hour, di | About 45 people stand across the street from the closed Ft. Harrison Hotel at 6:30pm to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Lisa McPherson's death. They hold lit candles while a bagpiper plays. As they leave they place a wreath against the Ft. Harrison Hotel. Some people place flowers on the wreath as well. In less than an hour, the wreath has disappeared. | |
| May 13, 1987 | Annoyance report | Annoyance report written by Carol Chamberlain on Lisa McPherson (Skonetski) | |
| February 5, 1987 | Battle Plan | Lisa Skonetski (later Lisa McPherson) writes a Battle Plan | |
| February 5, 1987 | Battle Plan | Lisa Skonetski (later Lisa McPherson) writes a Battle Plan | |
| February 13, 1987 | Battle Plan | Lisa Skonetski (later Lisa McPherson) writes a Battle Plan | |
| February 26, 1987 | Battle Plan | Lisa Skonetski (later Lisa McPherson) writes a Battle Plan | |
| February 27, 1988 | Battle Plan | Lisa Skonetski (later Lisa McPherson) writes a Battle Plan | |
| February 10, 1959 | Birth of Lisa McPherson | Lisa McPherson is born. | |
| January 28, 1997 | Church, Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner, Scientologist, investigated., Medical Examiner Joan Wood, Lisa McPherson, church | The Church of Scientology files suit against the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner in an attempt to get access to records of a Scientologist whose death is being investigated. The suit states that because Medical Examiner Joan Wood made comments to the press about the death of Lisa McPherson, all the records from the death investigation should be available to the church. | |
| November 1, 1996 | Clearwater Police, Lisa McPherson | The Clearwater Police put up a request for information on their web page concerning the death of Lisa McPherson. [November 1996; exact date unknown] | |
| July 16, 1988 | Commendation | Commendation written by Theresa Dolaway about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson]. | |
| February 8, 1991 | Commendation | Coleen Neary writes a Commendation on Lisa McPherson. | |
| June 9, 1991 | Commendation | Commendation written by Carol South about Lisa Skonetski [McPherson]. | |
| February 21, 1993 | Commendation | Carol South writes a Commendation on Lisa McPherson. | |
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