Scientologists and the dead woman's family question the timing of the attorney general's statement.

By THOMAS C. TOBIN and LUCY MORGAN
copyright St. Petersburg Times, published October 20, 1998

CLEARWATER -- Florida Attorney General Bob Butterworth has offered "the complete services of my office" to help investigate the 1995 death of Scientologist Lisa McPherson.

Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe has been reviewing evidence and conducting his own investigation since December, when the Clearwater Police Department and Florida Department of Law Enforcement recommended criminal charges.

McCabe said Monday he was considering Butterworth's offer and hopes to make a decision on the case soon. "I'm receptive to exploring ways his office might assist us," he said...

...McCabe said he wants to complete the case "as soon as possible." He said some of the charges under consideration are subject to a statute of limitations that expires Dec. 5, the three-year anniversary of McPherson's death. Other possible charges are not subject to the statute, he said.

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