By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that a Florida woman has been arrested and charged with attempted premeditated murder and aggravated child abuse after allegedly orchestrating a failed suicide pact with her husband?
Barbara Bates, 59, Neil Bates, 64, and their son, all made a suicide compact which was driven by an impending eviction, job losses, and her son’s medical problems. An eviction notice was filed against the family in August, requiring them to pay $4,408 or leave within three days. The suicide and attempted murder incident occurred in Lehigh Acres where Bates cut her family members’ throats, waited over 40 minutes, and then injured herself before calling 911 to ensure their dog would be cared for. All three family members survived and were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the family planned the suicide pact due to an imminent eviction that would leave them homeless, and they consumed alcohol and sleeping pills as part of the process. According to the arrest report, Neil Bates reportedly cut his own throat with a box cutter but was deepened by Barbara Bates, who also cut her son’s throat toward the larynx. Reportedly, the son panicked and no longer wanted to die during the attack, but was losing consciousness. The investigation also revealed that Bates had discussed the suicide plan with her family on four separate occasions in the past several months and used her phone to search for information on overdose quantities
When Bates was arrested, she expressed no remorse, stating she still wished the plan had succeeded, and voiced displeasure that law enforcement responded quickly, preventing the family from completing the act.
As of November 8, 2025, Barbara Bates was in custody and scheduled for a Nov. 7 motion hearing, though her bond had not yet been set. Neil Bates was also arrested on charges of aggravated abuse against an elderly or disabled adult and criminal attempt of a life felony.
Editor’s Note: the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).