Welcome to another episode of Sins of Scientology , where we delve into the shadowy corners of one of the world's most controversial organizations . I'm your host , sandy McKenna , joined by my co-host , abraham Ulrich . Today we continue to dive deep into the tragic story of Lisa McPherson . In Part 1 , we explored Lisa's background and her journey within Scientology .
In Part 1 , we explored Lisa's background and her journey within Scientology . In Part 2 , we focus on the critical events of November 18 , 1995 , the day of her car accident , and the ensuing chaos that would mark the beginning of her harrowing final days .
We'll hear the detailed recollections from first responders , medical staff and Scientologists who were present , and we'll piece together the bewildering circumstances and responses that followed Lisa's public breakdown . As they prepared to leave , the ambulance driver glanced back at Lisa's car Bonnie , she's taking her clothes off , he said .
Lisa walked down the street completely naked , passing the ambulance . The paramedic quickly jumped out , guided Lisa to the back of the ambulance and gave her a blanket . When the paramedic asked what she was doing , lisa replied I wanted people to think I was crazy because I need help . I just wanted someone to talk to .
Lisa was taken to the ER at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater , florida . Was taken to the ER at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater , florida . Join us as we unravel the complexities of this pivotal day in Lisa McPherson's life .
The following summaries are derived from sworn statements recounting the recollections of those individuals who were present with Lisa at Morton Plant Hospital on November 18 , 1995 . These statements detail their roles , concerns and actions taken upon learning of Lisa's accident and subsequent hospital visit .
The individuals involved include church officials and medical personnel , providing these accounts under oath to explain their presence and involvement in the situation surrounding Lisa McPherson's ER visit and release .
The Accident November 18 , 1995 . And released the accident November 18 , 1995 . Police report Officer Jay Farrow . I was dispatched to an accident at South Fort Harrison Avenue and Bellevue Boulevard on November 18 , 1995 , at approximately 1,740 hours Investigation . Upon arrival I parked my cruiser on the west grass shoulder of Fort Harrison Avenue north of Bellevue .
Fire department vehicles were occupying the southbound curb lane . The accident involved a motorcycle driven by a woman and a Ford Escort driven by an elderly man . Traffic was heavy in the area as all southbound traffic was funneling into the one still open center lane .
This accident did not call for a police report , so I assisted in filling out a blue form driver's exchange . I then heard the screeching of a vehicle braking , followed by an impact . When I looked at the direction of the noise I observed what appeared to be a second accident . A Jeep Cherokee had rear-ended a boat on a trailer .
I requested a second unit to respond and Officer M Stone Lake was dispatched . Fire department personnel checked for injuries and advised that none were present . If possible , I requested they advise the two drivers to move off the road to keep traffic flowing .
Officer Stone Lake . I investigated a travel accident . The victim was involved in Investigation At the time of the accident investigation . The victim walked away from the scene and removed all of her clothing . The paramedic from Sun Store stopped her . After she removed all of her clothing , they brought her to an ambulance and provided her with a blanket .
I spoke with the victim about her behavior . She indicated that she was having a hard time at the church , meaning the Church of Scientology , because she was not concentrating . She would not go into any further detail about that . I also noticed she appeared to be in a daze as I spoke to her .
I had to ask her the same question several times to get a response . The victim attributed the accident to having a lot on her mind . The victim agreed to go with Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital to speak to a counselor . I had no further contact with the victim .
Paramedic for Sunstar Ambulance , bonnie Portolano's recollection of the events on November 18 , 1995 . Bonnie Portolano and her partner responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Bellevue and Fort Harrison . While assisting the Clearwater Fire Department with patients' refusal from the first accident , another minor accident occurred at the same intersection .
The Fire Department also requested that Bonnie and her partner handle this refusal for this second incident . During the interactions , bonnie noticed one of the individuals involved was new to the area and struggling to recall her address .
The woman , Lisa , mentioned that mailing anything to a Texas address would eventually reach her , although the address is not crucial for refusal . Bonnie found it odd but proceeded with the necessary paperwork . As Bonnie and her partner returned to their ambulance , her partner remarked on Lisa's peculiar behavior , referring to it as their crazy call of the day .
However , things took a dramatic turn when Bonnie's partner spotted Lisa undressing in the side view mirror . Disbelieving at first , bonnie quickly realized the situation when Lisa walked past her ambulance completely naked . Acting swiftly , bonnie exited the ambulance to guide Lisa away from traffic .
Lisa , complying , explained that she took her clothes off because she was in OT and wanted people to think she was crazy so they would help her . Bonnie , unfamiliar with the term OT , focused on ensuring Lisa's safety in getting her into the ambulance .
Inside the ambulance , lisa expressed feelings of being a bad person due to having bad thoughts and actions in her mind . Bonnie covered Lisa with a sheet and continued to ask her about her well-being . Lisa mentioned a significant concern about taking her eyes off the object , a statement Bonnie didn't fully understand at the time .
The police officers who had gathered Lisa's clothing waited outside the ambulance to see if Lisa needed to be transported under the Baker Act . Lisa eventually agreed to go voluntarily and Bonnie assured the police that no Baker Act was necessary . Lisa's request for her card to be towed to a specific address on Osceola hinted at her connection with Scientology .
Throughout their conversation , lisa displayed signs of mental confusion , struggling with simple questions and often needing to be prompted to open her eyes to answer them . Despite this , she revealed that she worked for a publishing company on Lakeview and that she liked her job . Lisa's mental state seemed to fluctuate , showing apparent distress and fatigue .
Bonnie and her partner transported Lisa to Morton Plant Hospital where they debriefed the nurse on Lisa's condition and her desire for help . Bonnie felt deeply concerned for Lisa , sensing something special about her and hoping she would receive the necessary care .
Bonnie recalls that after the initial assessment , a group of Scientologists had arrived at the emergency room and taken Lisa away , despite her apparent need for further evaluation . Bonnie expressed frustration over the situation , comparing it to returning a battered wife to the abusive husband situation comparing it to returning a battered wife to the abusive husband .
She believed that Lisa's emotional turmoil and the influence of the Church of Scientology played a significant role in her distress .
Lisa's constant reference to taking her eyes off the object and her self-perceived wrongdoings highlighted her internal struggle , something Bonnie wished she could have addressed more effectively if she had better knowledge of Scientology at the time .
Ultimately , bonnie's account paints a picture of a distraught woman caught between her need for help and the pressures of her religious affiliations . Despite Bonnie's best efforts to provide care , the constraints of the situation and Lisa's subsequent return to Scientologists left her feeling helpless and deeply saddened by the outcome .
The Recollection of Kim Brennan . Kim Brennan , a paramedic with three and a half years of experience at Morton Plant Hospital and a background as a firefighter paramedic at the Newport Ritchie Fire Department , detailed her experience with a patient brought in by EMS on November 18 , 1995 .
Morton Plant was her first job in an emergency room as she was also furthering her education to become a registered nurse . On the night of November 18 , 1995 , ems personnel brought in a young woman involved in a minor motor vehicle accident .
The patient , later identified as Lisa McPherson , had received treatment at the scene Shortly after she was found walking down the street naked , stating that she did not need her body at that time and wanted to talk to someone . Ems then transported her to the Morton Plant Emergency Department .
Upon arrival , lisa was placed in a bed and Kim began to ask her several questions . Kim noted that Lisa kept her eyes closed and spoke very monotone . She would only open her eyes on command . Despite this , lisa knew where she was , the day and the year . Lisa stated that she had walked naked to make people think she was crazy and avoid being arrested .
Kim completed the standard triage form , asking about Lisa's mental status and medical history , all of which Lisa claimed were negative . Dr Lovett , the emergency room physician on duty , examined Lisa and suggested a psychiatric evaluation due to her inappropriate behavior .
Around 10 minutes after the EMS brought Lisa in , a member of the Church of Scientology arrived , claiming that a psychiatric consult was against the religion . Despite this , dr Lovett insisted on the evaluation . Ems personnel informed Kim that Lisa was a Scientologist . Two more individuals arrived at Lisa's bedside , one identifying as a member of the congregation .
They were very upset about the psychiatric evaluation , reiterating that it was against their practices . Dr Lovett explained the necessity of evaluating Lisa's mental status to them . Joe , a registered nurse from the psychiatric department , conducted the evaluation , despite the presence of Scientologists .
Joe determined that Lisa was not a threat to herself or others , denying any suicidal or homicidal thoughts . Lisa expressed a desire to go home with her friends from the congregation . Dr Lovett , after consulting with another physician , concluded that Lisa did not meet the criteria for the Baker Act .
The Scientologists assured them that they would watch over her and handle any problems . The Scientologists assured them that they would watch over her and handle any problems . Kim prepared an AMA Against Medical Advice form for Lisa to sign , as they felt she needed further evaluation .
Lisa signed the form without issue and Kim had the two Scientologists sign as witnesses , given their commitment to her care . The Scientologists were adamant and upset about the evaluation . Making their opposition clear , kim noted they remained beside Lisa leaning on a shelf near the bed .
Lisa , meanwhile , provided very little information , voluntarily speaking only when directly questioned and keeping her eyes closed most of the time . Kim observed that Lisa felt somewhat comfortable with the first Scientologist who arrived , whom she identified as a friend .
However , after the arrival of the other two individuals , the bedside became silent and Lisa did not engage in further conversation . Lisa remained in the ER for about two hours . The first Scientologist arrived approximately 10 minutes after Lisa , with the others following shortly thereafter .
The woman in the blue shirt and the tall man in the dark clothing assured Kim and Dr Lovett that they would take care of Lisa and watch over her . Eventually , somebody brought clothing for Lisa , though Kim could not confirm if it was her original clothing or new clothes .
Kim saw Lisa walk out of the emergency room with the three Scientologists through the double doors towards the exit . This encounter left Kim reflecting on the unusual and concerning circumstances , particularly the strong opposition from the Scientologists regarding the psychiatric evaluation . Kim had never experienced such controversy and deeply felt .
Lisa needed to receive proper care .
Joe Price's recollection of the events on November 18 , 1995 . Joseph Price worked as a clinical nurse , specialist and liaison at Morton Plant Hospital . He had been part of the hospital's team since 1995 , bringing with him 18 years of experience as a nurse , most of which he spent in psychiatry .
His responsibilities included performing psych consults and psychiatric assessments to determine whether individuals met Baker Act criteria . On the night of November 18th , around 10 pm , joe Price vividly remembered being called to the emergency room . Upon arrival , dr Lovett , the doctor on duty , informed him that a young lady needed to be assessed .
This patient , lisa , was accompanied by members of the Church of Scientology , which was unusual . Dr Lovett advised that if Joe wanted these individuals to leave , he should ask them and security would be called if necessary . When Joe went to the cubicle , he found Lisa lying in bed with at least three church members present .
One man dressed in a very nice suit identified himself as a lawyer . Initially he resisted Joe's attempt to speak with Lisa . They seemed to believe that Joe was a psychologist or a psychiatrist . With Dr Lovett's assistance , joe clarified that he was a registered nurse and only wished to ensure Lisa's well-being .
The church members dressed in plain clothes included at least one male and one female . Lisa , a physically healthy 36-year-old female of average height and weight , appeared passive and pale for a Florida resident with some freckles . Joe introduced himself and asked Lisa if she wanted to speak to him and if she wanted the others to leave .
She hesitated slightly before answering , a pattern he noticed throughout the conversation . Joe's assessment included asking about medical problems , living arrangements and marital status , which Lisa responded negatively and stated she didn't mind her friend staying . During the conversation , joe noticed Lisa crossing her eyes before answering questions .
When confronted , she explained it helped her to concentrate better , which Joe found strange . He asked about her psychiatric history and current thoughts of self-harm , both of which she denied . He also questioned her about her reported bizarre behavior of removing her clothes and running down the street after her car accident .
Lisa explained that she did it to get attention and avoid arrest . Lisa did not meet the Baker Act criteria . She was alert and oriented and her memory was intact . Despite her slow responses , joe completed his assessment and reported to Dr Dejani , the on-call psychiatrist , who concurred that they had no basis to Baker Act . Lisa .
The church members assured Joe that Lisa would be safe with them and would not harm herself or drive again that day , joe observed them escort Lisa out of the hospital with three church members on either side of her , giving the impression she was a prisoner .
Throughout the assessment , joe felt the church member's presence may have intimidated Lisa , potentially affecting her responses . She seemed guarded and fearful . Though it was unclear whether this was due to the car accident or the church member's presence , joe's gut feeling was that Lisa could not speak freely .
Joe noted that Dr Lovett had released Lisa against medical advice , indicating he believed that she needed further evaluation . While Joe did not conduct a physical assessment , he observed no injuries on Lisa's face . The church members provided no details on how they would care for Lisa , only assuring Joe of her safety .
Joe's impression as he watched Lisa leave the hospital accompanied by the church members was one of concern . Her mental state , as he documented , showed no signs of suicidal or homicidal tendencies and she was able to think abstractly .
However , her strange behavior and slow responses indicated something was amiss , although Joe , not being a psychiatrist , could not diagnose her condition .
Scientology converges on Morton Plant Hospital . Soon after Lisa arrived at Morton Plant Hospital , fellow Scientologists began arriving at the emergency room . Benetta Slaughter , lisa's boss , had alerted them . She had seen Lisa's car at the accident scene after the ambulance left and asked a policeman where the owner was . He directed her to Morton Plant Hospital .
Benetta was covered in paint from working on props for a charity drive and she felt she wasn't in the best condition to visit a hospital herself . She also expressed that she just didn't like hospitals , so she called other Scientologists to check in on Lisa . Among those who responded were Elaine Khodizinski .
Alain Khodizinski was a senior case provider who supervised ministers , which Scientology calls auditors . These ministers performed special counseling with parishioners . These ministers perform special counseling with parishioners . Allen ensured that case supervisors followed standard procedures in directing the spiritual counseling .
Each minister has four to ten parishioners at any given time and each case supervisor has ten to twenty ministers . The security office informed Allen that a parishioner , lisa McPherson , had some sort of accident and was at the hospital . He looked to see if he could send a minister there , someone who could go immediately to give any assistance if needed .
Alan couldn't find anyone so he decided to go himself . When he arrived at the emergency room reception desk he was met by a man who introduced himself as Lisa's employer , david Slaughter . He asked to see Lisa McPherson and a few minutes later he was directed to her location . She was lying down , but not totally . The top of her body was elevated .
She was in conversation with the male nurse . He told this nurse that he was the minister from the church . He greeted Lisa and she said hi and smiled , and he noted that she was very pale . The nurse introduced himself as Joe and told Alan he needed to ask Lisa more questions . Lisa grabbed Alan's hand and he held it as Joe asked her questions .
He asked her what is your name , how old are you , what is your address ? Where do you work ? Have you taken alcohol today ? Or do you take medicine or drugs ? This type of thing ? Maybe 15 to 20 questions . Lisa answered the questions . At one point she told Joe and Alan that she wanted to leave . She said I want to leave .
I want to go to the church with him , meaning Alan , according to Alan , nurse Joe said that's fine , all the answers you're giving me are right , but how do you explain what you did today , that you took your clothes off in the street ? In response , lisa said You're right , this was not a rational action , I am sorry .
She then followed by saying I am sorry , I did that . I think I wanted to create some effect . I am sorry , I did it . It was not rational . Then she said again but you know , I don't want to stay here . I want to go to the hotel on Fort Harrison with him , meaning Alain , I don't want to stay here . She said again .
So Nurse Jo asked Alain to step out of the room . He wanted to ask her some questions . Alain left the room but stood near the corridor Three to four minutes later , nurse Jo came out of the room and told Alain that he saw no need to keep Lisa and that she'd answered the questions .
Well , alain said she was not crying , she was embarrassed , concerned , perhaps upset . She didn't want to stay there , which was very clear to Alain . She wanted to leave and she mentioned wanting to rest and relax . Three people were in the room while the nurse asked the questions . However , two girls were at the entrance of the room .
One of them , alain didn't know . The other was Scientology doctor Jean de Caipare . Alain figured the hospital was satisfied with whatever examinations they've done , with no reason to keep her there . Alain went back to the reception and saw David Slaughter . He said he didn't know what happened between that point and when she walked out .
When she came out of the hospital reception area about 10 minutes later , alain asked if she needed a ride . Lisa said yes , she would appreciate a ride to the Fort Harrison Hotel . So Alain gave her a ride and drove her there . He dropped her off at the hotel and some hotel staffs were there . So he asked could you take her to get a room ?
And then Alan went to park his car . Lisa got to a room . After he parked his car he went to Lisa's room to check on her . He asked her if she was going to be all right there and she said yes . Alain said he got the idea that she wanted to relax and rest and be away from work and whatever .
So he didn't pry , he said Lisa looked more relaxed at that point and felt she truly wanted to stay there more than anything else . She wanted to relax . After he left her , he returned to his office and called the medical liaison office and asked whoever answered the phone to check on Lisa and see if she needed anything .
According to Scientologist Dr Jean de Caipire , chiropractor , it was nighttime when she received a call from Benetta Slaughter , lisa McPherson's employer . Benetta informed her that Lisa had been in an accident and asked if she could go to the hospital . Benetta had been working all day and asked if she could go to the hospital .
Benetta had been working all day and still had paint on her . She also had a strong aversion to blood and medical situations . Benetta told her Lisa was at Morton Plain Hospital and requested that she head over there . When she arrived at the hospital she asked if there was a .
Lisa McPherson admitted David Slaughter , benetta's husband , was there and he told her Lisa was in the emergency room . She asked if she could go back and see her and they permitted her to do so . In the receiving area she saw Lisa wearing a hospital gown . Lisa appeared fine to her . There was no blood or visible injuries .
At that moment she still didn't know the details of the accident . She was informed that Lisa had run into the back of a car or something . The next thing she knew Lisa had no clothes on . She never fully understood the sequence of events , but that was what she was told .
Another person was there , a woman named Mary , who she understood to be Bonetta's assistant . She was unsure how Mary arrived , but Mary had Lisa's clothes with her . It was just Lisa and Mary . At that point Lisa didn't offer an explanation and perhaps she didn't give her the opportunity to do so . She merely told Lisa that she had messed up .
Lisa didn't seem frightened at all . The area was bustling with activity , with people and doctors constantly moving around . It was a chaotic environment with a sick child suffering from whooping cough and a lot of noise . They didn't get a chance to have a proper conversation .
A doctor came in at one point to examine Lisa's eyes , checking for head injuries , but there were no lacerations on her body . From the time she arrived until they left together it felt like a hand-holding experience rather than a serious discussion . Lisa didn't seem irrational to her . Lisa cried briefly , perhaps in front of a doctor , but it was short-lived .
Lisa didn't joke and seemed more in shock from the accident , withdrawn and not very talkative . Her previous back injury didn't come up . The emergency room doctors consulted her only once , asking her if she knew why Lisa might need assistance . She shared that in July Lisa had issues regulating her salt and potassium levels due to the heat During her time there .
She didn't have any x-rays taken . Mary had been with Lisa up to that point and doctors mainly conducted reflex and eye tests , finding nothing unusual . No one asked about her relationship with Lisa . When it came time for Lisa's release , there were no significant conversations between Lisa and the doctors . Lisa signed herself out and she signed as a witness .
They had a psychiatric nurse there question Lisa to ensure she was rational . One of the questions was about saying people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones , which Lisa answered correctly . Lisa's minister , mr Kordinsky , arrived at some point . The doctor asked about his relationship with Lisa .
Benetta never showed up , which she didn't expect given Benetta's aversion to such situations . Mary left after the first 20 minutes and she didn't see her again . After confirming who Kordinsky was , he left the emergency room . She stayed with Lisa until all the necessary tests were completed .
The doctor eventually released Lisa , advising her not to run in the streets naked again and implied she should look after Lisa . They signed the correct release forms and walked out together . As they exited she saw Kardasinski and another man , though she was unsure if David Slaughter was still there . Lisa got into Kardasinski's car and she followed him in her car .
According to Judy Goldsberry Weber , scientologist , medical Liaison Officer , judy Goldsberry Weber was a nurse , respiratory therapist and an LPN with 35 years experience . She spent seven years on the staff of respiratory therapy at the University of Oregon Health Science Center in Portland In five years working with the state .
Then she moved on to private duty living with terminally ill patients until they passed . Lisa McPherson came into Judy's MLO office in the summer of 1995 . Lisa was having difficulty sleeping and had a loss of appetite .
Judy discovered that Lisa had recently moved from a different climate and suggested she see a physician to see if medical condition was causing these issues . Judy provided her with a list of three doctors . Lisa returned a couple of days later saying she had visited Dr DeCypere , a chiropractor and a nutritionist , who helped her identify the problem .
Lisa was happy and reported that her issues were being resolved with Dr DeCypere's program to improve her appetite and sleep . Two weeks before the accident , lisa attested to Clear . It was stated that she was happy , elated and bubbly . The next time Judy saw her was at the hospital .
Security paged Judy informing her she needed to go to Morton Plant Hospital immediately . Though they did not provide a name of a patient At the hospital , the admitting staff directed Judy to where Lisa was . Lisa was in the fast track area and recognized Judy . Lisa was nervous but appeared unharmed , though there was a lot of noise and confusion around them .
Lisa expressed a strong desire to leave the hospital . Judy spoke with Dr Lovett who was taking care of Lisa . Despite his concerns , the psychiatric evaluator stated Lisa did not meet the criteria for psychiatric observation . Judy asked if there was any physical reason to keep Lisa in the hospital and both the doctor and evaluator confirmed there was none .
Judy informed Lisa that she would start the paperwork for her discharge , which made Lisa very happy . Judy then told Mr Fontana and other staff members awaiting outside about the proceedings for Lisa's release . Lisa had been in an accident and was in a hospital gown , but someone had her clothes .
Judy walked Lisa out of the hospital , where Lisa walked with Mr Kartaninsky and Dr DeCaipare towards the car . Judy instructed Mr Fontana to ensure Lisa went to a place where she could relax and be quiet , as per doctor's recommendations .
A few days later Judy inquired about Lisa's condition and found out from her senior , janice that Lisa had been taken to the Fort Harrison Hotel . Janice assured Judy that Lisa was okay and everything was being taken care of . Judy asked Janice to tell Lisa . She said hello and that Lisa should come visit when she felt better .
According to Annie Morrow , annie Morrow's role involved researching and collecting information necessary to provide direction on handling situations that might present public relations or legal challenges for the Church of Scientology . Annie doesn't remember exactly who informed her about a parishioner being in an accident , but it might have been Brian Anderson .
She then went to Morton Plant Hospital . Annie had never met Lisa McPherson until the day Lisa went to Morton Plant Hospital following her car accident .
Her purpose in going to the hospital was to find out what was going on , assess if the situation required the church's concern and gather information to handle the matter in a way that would help Lisa and protect the church . Their main concern was the potential involvement of a psychiatrist , david Slaughter .
Benetta Slaughter's husband was at the hospital , as was Jean de Kuyperay , another parishioner and a chiropractor who had previously treated Lisa . After Annie had arrived at the hospital , she believes Emma Shamehorn was already there , followed by Judy Goldsberry Weber and Elaine Kortizunski .
It's unusual for such incidents to happen to a longtime Scientologist who should be in a good frame ofinski . It's unusual for such incidents to happen to a longtime Scientologist who should be in a good frame of mind . It's tragic for someone to experience a mental breakdown . Annie did not speak to anyone at the hospital , but Umberto did .
His goal was to inform the hospital authorities that Lisa was a Scientologist and , based on her religious beliefs , would not want psychiatric treatment or medication . Annie doesn't know who Umberto talked to or the reaction he received , but that was his purpose .
Judy came because she was familiar with the hospital from previous visits with parishioners and staff for emergency care . In the emergency room Mary DeMoss and Jean de Caipare were present and later Alan Kardasinski was able to see Lisa . Annie isn't sure if Judy actually saw Lisa . Annie didn't speak to Lisa herself .
Anything she learned about the situation came later , before Lisa was discharged . Annie was concerned about where Lisa would go , how she would be cared for and whether she needed assistance . There was some discussion about where Lisa might stay and it was decided she shouldn't stay by herself because she was obviously unstable .
Annie recalls Alain being on the phone coordinating Lisa's care and where she should go . The decision made by those at the church , rather than by Alain or Annie , was that Lisa should go to the Fort Harrison for rest and relaxation . Mr Kordozinski , in his technical position , would know what to do to help someone in Lisa's condition .
Lisa walked out of the hospital with Jean de Caipare , emma and Alain . She got into Alain's car , with Emma and Jean heading to the Fort Harrison . Annie then left the hospital and returned to her office to start gathering information on Lisa .
She compiled various types of information , including correspondence between Lisa and the church , and provided it to her seniors , including Brian . This information would be useful to the legal department , although Annie herself didn't go through Lisa's PC folder , and Lane probably did . Eventually this information was sent to Los Angeles .
Recollection of Humberto Fontana . Humberto Fontana moved from LA to Clearwater in 1988 to fill the position of Director of Social Reform in the Office of Special Affairs .
In this role he worked with parishioners to organize community activities aimed at helping in various areas such as drug rehabilitation , literacy study technology and exposing psychiatry violations of human rights . Through the Citizens Commission of Human Rights , his main focus was to engage parishioners' interest in community involvement .
In the Office of Special Affairs in Clearwater , humberto worked alongside Brian Anderson , mary Story , annie Mora , alice Herbin , glenn Stalo , ben Shaw and his wife . Humberto received word that Lisa McPherson had been taken to Morton Plant Hospital .
He recalls coming into the office in the afternoon when either his wife or Annie Mora mentioned that a parishioner had been involved in a car accident and had been taken to Morton Plant . He was told there was some issue with her taking her clothes off . He then decided that he should go to the hospital .
At the hospital , umberto encountered Annie Mora who had likely driven herself there . Several other people from the church were present , including Judy Goldberry Weber and possibly Emma Shamehorn . He also believed that David Slaughter was there , but didn't recall seeing Elaine Kordesinski . Upon arriving , humberto spoke with Judy Goldberry Weber .
He asked her how Lisa was doing and if there was a threat of her being taken to the psychiatric wing . Judy said it wasn't determined yet , which was Humberto's main concern . Humberto's main conversation at the hospital was with Judy , although he may have briefly spoken with Emma Shamehorn .
He then spoke to one of the doctors and a psychiatric nurse , expressing his concern that Lisa shouldn't be admitted to the psychiatric wing based on their belief that psychiatry does more harm than good . In his fear that she might be harmed or raped . Humberto didn't speak to Lisa directly , but knew she was a church member and opposed to psychiatric treatment .
He had been informed by either Emma or Judy that Lisa had been released . He said he saw her walking out with a couple of people . After leaving the hospital , humberto returned to the Fort Harrison .
He spoke with one of the security guards , confirming that Lisa had been released and was either on her way or had already arrived at the Fort Harrison , which surprised him as he didn't know why she was going there . Several people were taking care of Lisa . Aline Kardasinski , the senior case supervisor , was responsible for the technical matters of her counseling .
Humberto recalled being briefed by either Annie or his wife that Lisa wanted to go in for counseling , but was unable to do so because she wasn't resting well . To his knowledge , no one from his office went to see her .
According , to Emma Louise Shamehorn . Emma Louise Shamehorn moved to Clearwater on April 23 , 1987 to join the Sea Organization . Prior to that , she and her husband owned a small aviation business in Alberta , canada , for 20 years until their separation . After that she worked in various office roles , such as secretary and receptionist At Flag .
Emma served as the public medical liaison officer , acting as a bridge between public individuals receiving services at the church and the medical profession . She held that position for approximately eight years , despite not having specific medical training . Public Scientologists pay for their own medical care , while the church covers medical expenses for its staff .
The first time Emma met Lisa McPherson was at Morton Plan Hospital . Her son-in-law , nick McFarlane , drove her to the hospital and dropped her off at the door . She didn't realize Lisa had wrecked her car , but was there because her beeper indicated that a public person at the hospital needed attention .
In the waiting room or hallway she saw Umberto Fontana , judy and possibly Annie Mora . Emma's purpose was to assess what help Lisa required and fulfill her role as the medical liaison officer . Although she didn't speak personally to Lisa , she was shown to Lisa's room where a psychiatric nurse and Elaine Kordosunsky were present .
There may have been another person , possibly Dr de Kuyperer , but Emma wasn't quite sure . The nurse asked to speak to Lisa alone , so Emma and the others stepped into the hallway . Judy Goldsberry Weber arrived , mentioning she knew the doctor and would speak to him .
Shortly after Judy came out and informed them that Lisa was being released , they all left with Lisa . At that point they divided into cars , and Emma riding in the back to the Fort Harrison with Mr Kardasunski and Lisa . It wasn't until they arrived at the hotel that they were informed which room Lisa would be staying in .
Janet Herring met them at the entrance and directed them to the specific room in the cabanas at the back of the hotel . Emma assisted Lisa to the room . Lisa was calm and quiet and appeared healthy At that point . Lisa had few belongings with her , possibly just a purse , though Emma couldn't recall exactly .
Her things were reportedly brought to the hotel by Benetta Slaughter , although Emma did not see them delivered herself . Lisa's bags were in the closet the next time Emma entered the room .
We have questions . Why did Lisa's behavior change so drastically after the car accident ? What could have triggered such a severe response , and why was she struggling so much to articulate her thoughts and feelings ?
What role did Scientology's practices play in Lisa's decision to undress in public ? Was this a cry for help or a manifestation of deeper psychological distress exacerbated by her involvement with the church ?
How did the presence of multiple Scientologists at the hospital influence the medical staff's decision ? Were the medical professionals coerced or intimidated into releasing Lisa prematurely ?
Why was Lisa's request for possible help at the hospital so vehemently opposed by the Scientologists present ? How does this reflect on Scientology's broader stance towards mental health and psychiatric care ?
What were the implications of the Scientologists' promise to care for Lisa after her release ? Did they have proper training or resources to handle her condition , and why did they choose to take on this responsibility ?
How did the medical staff reconcile Lisa's apparent mental distress with her lucid moments ? Was there enough evidence to justify a more thorough psychiatric evaluation , despite her periods of coherence ?
What was the significance of Lisa's comment about being an OT and her need to make people think she was crazy ? How do these statements relate to Scientology's teachings and practices ?
Why did the hospital agree to release Lisa into the care of non-medical personnel ? What were the legal and ethical oversights in this decision ?
What impact did Lisa's prior interactions with the church have on her mental state during the hospital visit ? Can we draw a line between her previous experiences and her actions on November 18 , 1995 ?
How does this case highlight the potential conflicts between religious freedom and medical ethics ? Should there be more stringent guidelines when dealing with cases involving controversial religious organizations ?
These are the questions that continue to haunt those seeking justice for Lisa McPherson . The intricacies of her case reveal not only the personal struggles of one woman , but also the broader implication of institutional practices in the fine line between religious belief and the medical responsibility .
As we delve deeper into this harrowing story , we aim to uncover the truth and shed light on the dark corners of Lisa's final days .
Coming up . Next , on Sins of Scientology , we bring you part three of our series on Lisa McPherson . We will walk you through the final 17 days of Lisa's life , spent under the close watch of fellow Scientologists . What happened behind the closed doors of the Fort Harrison Hotel ?
How did a woman seeking help end up losing her life under such mysterious circumstances ? Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the disturbing details and lingering questions surrounding Lisa McPherson's tragic end .
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Sins of Scientology . Today we've peeled back another layer on the troubling events surrounding Lisa McPherson's life and untimely death . The details and testimonies we've examined raise critical questions about the influence of Scientology over its members and the length they will go to maintain control .
In our next episode , we'll delve deeper into the final 17 days of Lisa's life . This is Sandy McKenna and I am Abraham Ulrich . Until next time , keep questioning , keep seeking , and may your journey be as rich and enlightening as the stories you encounter .
Thank you , the Thank you .