A Florida couple has been taken into custody following a failed murder-suicide attempt involving their adult son, who has developmental disabilities.
Authorities have charged 59-year-old Barbara Bates with two counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult, as detailed in a probable cause statement. Her husband, Neil Bates, aged 64, faces charges of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult and criminal attempt to take a life, according to jail records.
As per the statement, the family of three had allegedly agreed to a murder-suicide pact after receiving an eviction notice from their residence in Lee County. Barbara Bates attributed the decision to several factors, including her son and husband’s health issues, job losses, and the impending eviction.
Initially, Barbara Bates attempted to procure a firearm but was deterred by the requirements for background checks and a mandatory waiting period. Instead, she opted to purchase sleeping pills, a steak for a final meal, and chose a horror movie for the night of the planned act.
During the movie, Neil Bates consumed alcohol, while Barbara and her son ingested sleeping pills. After the film ended, the family moved to the bedroom, where Neil Bates attempted to cut his own neck. Believing the wound was not severe enough, Barbara Bates reportedly cut his throat again and made two incisions on his forearm.
Her husband drank during the movie, while she and her son took sleeping pills. At the end of the movie, the family moved to the bedroom, where Neil Bates cut his own neck. Barbara Bates said she didn’t think the attempt was deep enough, so she slashed his throat again and then cut two lines on his forearm.
Then, she cut her son’s throat and waited 30 to 40 minutes before cutting her own wrists before calling 911 “to ensure her dog was cared for after they were deceased.”
She later said she was “displeased” that deputies arrived “so efficiently and did not allow a more significant time gap for the family to complete the process.”
All three were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive.
