Palm Beach County, Florida – A Florida woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after investigators say she admitted to strangling her 97-year-old mother inside their shared home, claiming she was honoring her mother’s repeated request to die “with dignity.”
Incident Overview
According to deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Martha Jo Blake, 66, was arrested following the death of her mother, Patricia Blake, whose body was discovered on the morning of December 26. What initially appeared to be a natural death quickly turned into a homicide investigation after an autopsy revealed signs of suffocation and strangulation.
What Deputies Found at the Scene
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home after Martha Blake reported finding her mother unresponsive. She initially told investigators that her mother had suffered from Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid disorder, and that she had last seen her alive the night before.
Because Patricia Blake’s primary care physician was located in Maine, the body was referred to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
Autopsy Raises Red Flags
The medical examiner concluded that Patricia Blake’s death was not consistent with natural causes. According to the probable cause affidavit, the autopsy revealed:
- No post-mortem blood pooling in the nose, suggesting an object had been placed over her face
- Petechiae in the eyes, cheeks, and inside the mouth
- Internal bleeding in multiple areas
- A fresh fracture in the neck with hemorrhaging on both sides
Investigators determined the manner of death to be homicide.
Body Camera Footage and Behavior
Deputies reviewed body camera footage from the initial response and noted that Martha Blake insisted on remaining with her mother’s body at all times. Investigators described the behavior as unusual given the circumstances.
After obtaining a search warrant for the home, deputies later spoke with Martha Blake again inside a police vehicle. She was not under arrest at the time and agreed to speak voluntarily.
Admission to Police
According to investigators, Martha Blake told deputies she had been her mother’s full-time caregiver for five years. She said that approximately 18 months before her mother’s death, they had discussed “death with dignity” with Patricia Blake’s doctor in Maine.
She told police the physician explained that her mother was not eligible for assisted dying because she did not have a terminal illness.
Martha Blake allegedly said that she and her mother later discussed ending her life with pills, but they did not have access to anything lethal enough. She told deputies that her mother had repeatedly said she “did not want to live anymore.”
Police say Martha Blake ultimately admitted she helped her mother die by strangling her, claiming she believed she was fulfilling her mother’s wishes.
After being read her Miranda rights, investigators say she maintained the same account.
Charges and Custody Status
Martha Jo Blake was formally arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She is currently being held without bond at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 25, 2026.
Legal Context
Assisted suicide is illegal in Florida, and “death with dignity” laws apply only in limited states under strict medical and legal criteria. Authorities emphasized that regardless of intent or family consent, intentionally causing another person’s death remains a criminal offense under Florida law.
Conclusion
What began as a reported natural death has become a deeply troubling homicide case involving caregiving, aging, and end-of-life decisions. Investigators say the medical evidence and the suspect’s own statements were critical in determining criminal responsibility.
The case remains under review as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
If you have thoughts on how end-of-life care and caregiver support should be handled, share your experiences in the comments below.
