Robert William Latimer was born on March 13, 1953, in Canada. He worked as a canola and wheat farmer in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. He was married and had a daughter, Tracy Lynn Latimer, who was born on November 23, 1980.

Tracy had severe cerebral palsy, which left her unable to walk, talk, or care for herself. She suffered from constant pain, had multiple surgeries, and required around-the-clock care. Doctors suggested further surgeries, but her condition would never improve.

On October 24, 1993, Robert Latimer placed Tracy in his truck and connected a hose to the exhaust pipe, filling the cabin with carbon monoxide. Tracy died in her sleep. Latimer later returned her body to her bed and told his family she had died in her sleep naturally.

An autopsy revealed carbon monoxide poisoning, leading police to question Latimer. He later confessed, saying he wanted to end Tracy’s suffering.

Latimer was charged with first-degree murder, but at trial in 1994, he was convicted of second-degree murder. He received a life sentence with no parole for 10 years. He appealed the ruling several times, but the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the conviction in 2001.

Latimer was granted day parole in 2008 and full parole in 2010. His case sparked national debate on euthanasia, disability rights, and criminal justice.