take the easy way out

Verb

 * 1) To cut corners, to follow the path of least resistance; to take shortcuts to avoid pain or having to struggle to achieve a desired result, to end or avoid a difficult situation in an easy or simple way that is not the best or most sensible or honorable solution
 * The victims showed no relief when they learned that the perpetrator had killed himself in prison, stating that the perpetrator took the easy way out.
 * The victims showed no relief when they learned that the perpetrator had killed himself in prison, stating that the perpetrator took the easy way out.