A Florida couple faces serious charges after a planned family suicide pact ended with all three participants surviving, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Barbara Bates, 59, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated child abuse after allegedly orchestrating the months-long plan involving her husband, Neil Bates, 64, and their adult son, who has Asperger’s syndrome. Neil Bates also faces charges of attempted life felony and aggravated abuse of a disabled adult.
Authorities say the trio ingested sleeping pills and alcohol before Barbara used a blade to cut the throats of her husband and son in their home. She later called 911, expressing frustration that officers arrived “too quickly,” preventing the plan from succeeding.
According to the affidavit, the couple had been under financial strain and facing eviction. Barbara reportedly told police she had planned the “family homicide” for months, purchasing a final meal and a 96-count bottle of sleeping pills. After the family watched the horror movie The Long Walk, the incident escalated.
Investigators say Neil began cutting his own throat with a box cutter, but Barbara “did not believe the cut was deep enough” and deepened the wounds before turning the blade on her son, stabbing his neck near the larynx. She then waited more than 40 minutes before calling emergency services to ensure they wouldn’t be revived.
All three were hospitalized and are expected to recover.
Detectives later discovered that Barbara had also attempted to buy a gun weeks earlier, making a $38 down payment but failing to complete the purchase due to background check delays.
Both Barbara and Neil Bates remain in custody without bond as the investigation continues.
Leave a Reply