"People come up with great excuses why they can't make it to court," says Minnesota state trooper Glen Knippenberg. And Robert Michael Mathison of Washington County seemed to have the best one. Up on charges of felony fourth degree assault, obstructing the legal process with force and driving with a cancelled licence, Mathison was a no-show for his hearing.

Then a fax came through to the courthouse: "Mr. Mathison, who I believe has open cases in the county, has recently passed on. Thanks for your time." An obituary from that day's newspaper was included. The letter was signed by someone claiming to be an attorney.

It might have worked had police not already known about Mathison. Particularly about his habit of faking heart attacks while being arrested. The man whose obituary described him as being "loved by everyone" is currently under investigation for a variety of felonies in five counties.

» Scott Saxon