Fairfield man sentenced for role in assisting suicide

FAIRFIELD — A Fairfield man was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for his role in assisting a suicide last year.

Finnegan Malloy, 22, received his sentence Monday from the District Court of Jefferson County. Malloy had been charged with assisting a suicide and abetting the reckless use of a firearm, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Fairfield resident Caleb Heisel on Nov. 7, 2021. On that date, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a home in Fairfield. The reporting party, Malloy, told authorities that Heisel had shot himself in the head while playing “Russian roulette.”

According to a news release from Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding, Heisel picked up a .38 caliber revolver that belonged to Malloy, emptied the cylinder of all but one bullet, spun it, placed the weapon to his head and pulled the trigger. Moulding stated that Heisel had developed a habit of playing Russian roulette, and this time, the weapon discharged and he was killed instantly.

Malloy immediately contacted law enforcement and cooperated throughout the investigation, the news release stated.

“After thorough investigation, Malloy was charged with aiding and abetting reckless use of a firearm based on this incident, as his weapon was used and he was the only one of the pair that was old enough to purchase a pistol,” Moulding said.

Malloy was also charged with a series of crimes that preceded the incident with the handgun. Malloy had previously pleaded guilty to stealing from Maharishi International University’s art building and possessing a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

“Mr. Malloy, along with Mr. Heisel and another defendant, Andrew Stockwell, took tools, supplies and equipment from the MIU art building valued at greater than $10,000,” the news release stated. “During the investigation of this crime, police executed search warrants on the homes of Mr. Malloy and others involved, and recovered most of the stolen property. Also located at the home of Mr. Malloy were controlled substances, including cocaine and MDMA, along with evidence of drug distribution.”

Moulding said special appreciation was due to the Fairfield Police for their thorough investigation of this chain of offenses, and to the Iowa Department of Corrections, “for their good work with Mr. Malloy while on pretrial supervision.”

Moulding said it was not easy to determine whether death by Russian roulette should be ruled a suicide or accident.

“This case demonstrates that whether a suicide or an accident, participation in such reckless behavior can result in substantial criminal responsibility,” he said. “This case is tragic and has resulted in the death of one young man, the incarceration of another, and the disruption to both of their families. There are resources in the community to provide help and services to those suffering from thoughts of self-harm or other serious mental health crises. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, I would urge you to contact a support system or agency that aids in acute mental health crises. While additional support and funding from the State to support mental health treatment in rural Iowa communities is urgently needed, there is help available to those who reach out.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com