The retired Michigan pathologist, who has previously only acknowledged aiding in the suicides of about 120 people, told CBS he shot the video of himself actually causing the patient's death to provoke an arrest and put euthanasia on trial.

CBS said the video shows that the terminally ill man wants to be euthanized and understands his death will be televised.

His family, Kevorkian supporters, also appear in the broadcast, which airs on the last Sunday of the November "sweeps" period.

"In this day and age, when people have been shot to death in a violent manner on live television, this is a very peaceful end," said "60 Minutes" spokesman Kevin Tedesco. "We do warn our viewers that this will be uncomfortable viewing."

Correspondent Mike Wallace, who interviewed Kevorkian for the broadcast, dismissed suggestions that the video was inappropriate for prime time.

"I believe that people will be moved by it," Wallace said. "There's no need to defend it — it's a news story. It's quite extraordinary."

CBS would not name the patient, but a Michigan coroner said a man suffering from the advanced stages of Lou Gehrig's disease was found dead Sept. 17 of Kevorkian's trademark dose of barbiturates.

Thomas Youk, 52, would have been physically unable to inject himself, said medical examiner L.J. Dragovic, a long-time critic of Kevorkian.

Youk's widow, Melody, would not confirm her husband was the victim.

Kevorkian's lawyer, Michael Schwartz, said he didn't know of his client's plans to make a home movie. "What can I tell you? Dr. Kevorkian does what he wants to do," he said.

Faced with the video, authorities will have little choice but to charge Kevorkian under Michigan's 2-month-old anti-assisted suicide law — if not for murder.

Michigan prosecutors could not be reached last night.

Kevorkian, who has been tried — and acquitted — four times, hopes prosecutors once again will fail to convict him, thereby helping to set a legal precedent for doctor-assisted suicide.

Kevorkian, 70, said he was setting up a final showdown.

"If I'm acquitted, [prosecutors] go because they know they'll never convict me. If I am convicted, I will starve [myself] to death in prison," Kevorkian told CBS.

"The issue has got to be raised to the level where it is finally decided."

-- Helen Kennedy - 11/20/98