(AP) - A Long Island doctor who admitted killing his terminally ill wife last month in a botched suicide pact has apparently taken his own life.

Nassau County Police say Dr. Rajaeskar Sham was found dead Tuesday in the Flower Hill home he'd shared with his wife, Lucila.

Only a week ago, Sham pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing of his wife. The retired radiologist told authorities 69-year-old Lucila Sham had terminal cancer, possibly with only weeks to live, and neither wanted to ever live alone or apart from the other.

Sham, who was 68, was expected to receive five years probation at his sentencing in February. Prosecutors had said jailing him would serve no purpose.

The doctor's lawyer did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

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