lorida Woman Arrested After Attempted Family Suicide Pact Amid Eviction, Officials Say
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida woman has been arrested on charges of attempted murder following a failed suicide pact involving her family, authorities reported Monday.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Barbara Bates, her 64-year-old husband Neil Bates, and their son planned the pact after receiving notice of an eviction that would leave them homeless.
The arrest report states that the family initially ingested alcohol and sleeping pills in preparation for the attempt. After lying down together on the master bed, Neil Bates reportedly went first, cutting his own throat with a box cutter. Barbara Bates then worsened the cut and also cut his wrists, according to authorities.
Detectives said Barbara waited more than 40 minutes before harming herself and calling 911, ensuring their dog was secured in a separate room first. The report indicates that she expressed frustration to deputies that the emergency response had been so fast, noting she wished the plan had succeeded and showing no remorse for the injuries caused.
Investigators reported that Barbara cited her son’s medical issues, recent job losses, and the eviction as reasons behind the attempted pact. She also admitted discussing group suicide with her family multiple times over the past few months and researching drug dosages online.
All three family members survived and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital.
Barbara Bates was arrested on two counts of attempted premeditated murder and one count of aggravated child abuse. Neil Bates faces charges including aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled adult and attempted life felony for his involvement in planning the pact, according to authorities.
Due to the graphic nature of Neil Bates’ mugshot, it has not been included.
This report was compiled using information gathered from law enforcement statements, official press releases, and publicly available news sources.
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