Florida Woman Charged in Mother’s Death

A woman in Florida, Martha Jo Blake, is facing serious charges in connection to the death of her mother, Patricia Blake, who was 97 and suffering from Parkinson’s and thyroid diseases. Authorities report that Martha Jo allegedly suffocated her mother after they had been discussing alternatives to medically assisted suicide, especially after a doctor denied their request.

Patricia was discovered deceased at her residence in Palm Beach, with Martha claiming the last time she saw her mother alive was around 10 p.m. on Christmas Day. An autopsy revealed that Patricia had several injuries consistent with homicide, including a fractured neck and signs of asphyxiation.

By the time Patricia’s body reached the county medical examiner, a noticeable discoloration around her nose suggested that something had been placed there prior to her death. When deputies reviewed body camera footage from their initial visit to Martha’s home, they spotted a red mark on her neck, prompting further investigation.

Martha eventually confessed to having conversations with her mother about “death with dignity” over the past year and a half. A doctor from Maine had previously turned down their request for physician-assisted suicide, which, according to state law, is limited to those with terminal illnesses.

Interestingly, although Parkinson’s disease itself is not classified as terminal, it can certainly lead to severe complications. Martha Jo mentioned that she sought alternatives, such as using medication for suicide, but, it appears, she didn’t have anything lethal available.

During a search of the property, authorities discovered a calf-length white sock in a shopping bag on the porch, which they collected as evidence. In Florida, Martha Jo now faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder, a serious offense that could result in either life imprisonment or even the death penalty.