That's a chilling story, and a total cluster-#$%^ by Continental. I can only hope that the Flight Crew was not informed of the gravity of the situation. Because if they were and still chose to continue their course....it really doesn't get any worse.
I strongly disagree, and agree with CO's actions. This guy was perfectly content, thinking he was home free. Let him continue to think that until he's off the plane. Raise his suspicions by turning the plane around, and who knows? Then he might start feeling real trapped, and real suicidal...