Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder and delivery of a controlled substance for his role in the videotaped death of Youk. Youk, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, had sought Kevorkian's help in ending his suffering, and the retired pathologist injected him with a lethal dose of chemicals. At trial, Kevorkian was unable to present evidence about Youk's pain and suffering because Judge Jessica Cooper had ruled that the testimony was relevant to assisted suicide, but not to murder.

In an interview with Court TV, Youk's widow and brother said that they wished they would have been allowed to testify at Kevorkian's trial. Since prosecutors listed Thomas Youk as the chief complainant in the case, the Youks said, they thought they would have been allowed to tell jurors their story and the circumstances under which Thomas was living. Melody and Terrence Youk insisted that Thomas was not a victim and chose to seek Kevorkian's help. They said that Kevorkian's actions could not be equated with murder.

"There needs to be another place for this kind of thing," Melody Youk said. "If my husband wasn't a victim then why is this a crime?"

Terrence Youk refuted allegations that his brother chose to die while he was depressed and that he did not explore alternative options to cope with his illness.

"Thomas made his choice from a place of courage and strength. We contacted the doctor, and the doctor came," Terrence Youk said. "[Kevorkian] was very cautious. He offered Thomas other options, including not doing it. He wanted to help my brother with his wishes. We would have conveyed to jurors that Dr. Kevorkian did not intend to kill Tom."

Terrence Youk also said that his brother took pride in having control over his life. Thomas, Terrence claimed, wanted to die with some dignity and on his own terms. He described the deterioration of his brother's body in the last year of his life as "horrifying and said Thomas could only use two or three fingers on his right hand in his last days.

The Youks indicated that they would testify on Kevorkian's behalf at his sentencing April 14. Michigan prosecutors say he could face between 10 to 25 years in prison for his convictions.

"I don't accept it," Melody Youk said. "I honor [Kevorkian] for the sacrifice he has made. We intend to ask people to write him and support him at his sentencing."

— Bryan Robinson