A Florida couple has been arrested after reportedly attempting to kill themselves and their adult son in a suicide pact triggered by an eviction threat.
Police responded to a 911 call in Lehigh Acres, Fla., on Nov. 3 and discovered three people injured in a suicide attempt, according to a statement released last week by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
All three of them survived.
Barbara Bates, 59, was identified as the caller. Police say she cut the other two family members in an apparent suicide attempt, then waited about 40 minutes before slashing herself and called police.
Bates was arrested on multiple offenses, including attempted murder.
Two days later, her husband Neil Bates was arrested in connection with the incident, according to a probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE.
According to Barbara’s probable cause report, which was obtained by PEOPLE, the couple’s son — who police claim has “overt developmental disabilities” — told authorities his parents said the alleged suicide pact was because the family was due to be evicted.
According to the complaint, Barbara allegedly told authorities that their last family activity on the day of the incident was watching the dystopian horror film The Long Walk and eating steak.
As the film progressed, Neil drank beer and their kid took sleep medication, she alleged, before they proceeded to a bedroom together to carry out their suicide pact.
According to the investigation, the young guy told authorities that he slept next to Neil in the bedroom and sliced his own wrist as Barbara slit Neil’s throat.
Barbara then allegedly slit the son’s throat, causing him to panic and abandon the pact, he informed authorities.
Barbara apparently acknowledged to planning the scheme, claiming that the planned “group suicide” had been discussed for months after she initially proposed the concept to her family. According to the probable cause report, she stated that she did not want to live because of their anticipated eviction, job losses, and medical concerns with their son and Neil.
Meanwhile, according to Neil’s probable cause report, he claimed the deal was their son’s idea after being arrested.
Barbara faces two counts of attempted felony murder and one count of aggravated assault of a disabled adult, according to online court records seen by PEOPLE.
Neil has been charged with severe abuse of a disabled adult and attempting a criminal act.
Barbara and Neil have both pleaded not guilty to their individual counts, according to online court records. Their respective attorneys did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in over 170 languages.
