Carrie told a police negotiator she didn't have the nerve to shoot herself. Later, she'd tell psychiatrist Gwen Levitt she was hoping to commit what the police call "copicide," in which a suicidal person gets the police to shoot him or her.

Some students are opting for "suicide by copicide," a term describing people who can't bring themselves to kill themselves, so they have others, such as law enforcement officials, do the job for them. Reisman said that in Springfield, Ore., one student taped a couple of bullets to his chest so he could ensure his death.

Praet said Smith does not believe that he is responsible for Edson's death.

"Officer Smith is saddened by the fact that Mr. Edson led him into a situation to take his life," Praet said. "No police officer wants to take a human life. Smith did not go looking to engage in such activity, but Mr. Edson placed him that situation."

Praet said he would try to show that Edson committed a "recognized phenomenon" known as "copicide," or "suicide by cop."