Desparate people often do desparate things.
I think that we can agree that you and I are looking at two different sides of the same coin.
P.S. @Sue22: I think that our differing viewpoints are fueled by our dissimiliar view of this case. You appear to be focusing on the individual–which is fair & reasonable–while I am concerned about the larger issues. Basically, a micro versus macro approach to the case.