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…