The tragic love story of Raymond Arthur Julian and Tracy Ellen Julian has come to a devastating end. Just two days after being sentenced to over 25 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his ill wife, Raymond took his own life at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud on December 20th.
Raymond Arthur Julian, a 67-year-old man from Carlton County, had pleaded guilty in September to what he described as a “mercy killing” carried out at his wife’s request. Tracy, who suffered from severe COPD and had been battling breathing issues for 15 years, had expressed her desire to end her suffering. Raymond, deeply in love with his wife, made the heartbreaking decision to fulfill her wish.
However, their plea for leniency and probation was denied, and Judge Amy Lukasavitz imposed a guideline 306-month term. Defense attorney Andrew Poole, who argued for probation, expressed his grief over the tragic turn of events. “The deaths of Tracy and Raymond Julian were a true tragedy,” Poole said. “The right to end your life with dignity is recognized in many jurisdictions in our country, but such a right does not exist in the state of Minnesota. Nobody in this case disputed that Tracy was terribly sick. Raymond deeply loved her, and he took her life at her request to end her suffering. As stated by their close friend, ‘This is the epitome of a true love story.'”
The court filings revealed that Tracy had left behind writings expressing her desire for a dignified death. In the weeks leading up to her tragic end, she wrote about her inability to have “death with dignity” and even made a list of people to say goodbye to. Raymond had confided in a friend about their “suicide pact,” further highlighting the depth of their love and the desperation they felt.
However, Chief Deputy Carlton County Attorney Jeff Boucher disagreed with the defense’s argument, stating that “murder is not an act of love.” Boucher argued that Raymond’s actions were no less severe than any other intentional second-degree murder case. He pointed out that Tracy had not communicated her desire to end her life to anyone else and that there was no suicide note. Boucher emphasized that contemplating suicide does not excuse murder.
Under Judge Lukasavitz’s sentence, Raymond would have been required to serve at least 17 years in custody before becoming eligible for supervised release. However, the weight of his actions seemed too heavy to bear, leading him to take his own life just as he was transferred to the Minnesota Correctional Facility.
The tragic love story of Raymond and Tracy Julian serves as a reminder of the complexities of life and the difficult decisions people sometimes face. While their case raises important ethical questions, it also highlights the profound bond between two individuals who were willing to sacrifice everything for each other.
As the community mourns the loss of both Raymond and Tracy, their story will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they cherish.
