Crawfordville, FL – A 73-year-old Florida man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing his 69-year-old wife in the neck and threatening to kill his daughter because he was “tired of everyone suffering” and wanted to “get them up to heaven,” according to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, Allison Hubert Hatton, is charged with attempted felony murder, aggravated battery on a person over 65, and assault with intent to commit a felony following a violent attack at his home early Friday morning.
The Incident: Wife Stabbed, Daughter Threatened in Midnight Attack
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies responded to a 911 call around 4 a.m. on October 11 from a residence on Shadeville Road in Crawfordville, about 15 miles south of Tallahassee. The call came from Hatton’s 42-year-old daughter, who told dispatchers that her father had just stabbed her mother and that she was “bleeding profusely.”
When Wakulla County deputies arrived at the scene, they found Hatton’s wife suffering from two puncture wounds and a laceration to her throat. She was immediately taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.
Hatton was disarmed and arrested without incident inside the home. Investigators later recovered two knives believed to have been used in the attack, along with blood evidence throughout the house, according to the sheriff’s report.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Detectives interviewed Hatton’s daughter, who said she woke up to the sound of her mother screaming “stop” and “don’t do it.” When she entered the living room, she saw her father standing over her mother with a knife in his hand.
“She managed to get the knife away from Mr. Hatton,” the affidavit said. “However, Mr. Hatton then went back into the kitchen and retrieved a second knife. Mr. Hatton then advised [his daughter] that if she didn’t let him kill her mother, he would kill her too.”
After his arrest, Hatton confessed to detectives that he planned to kill his entire family — including the family dog. In his own words, he said he was “tired of everyone suffering” and was “trying to get ‘em up to heaven.”
Authorities also learned that Hatton had been acting erratically in recent days, talking to God out loud and seeking signs that his actions were justified. His daughter told deputies that he had asked God, “If this isn’t right, tell me.”
Court Proceedings and Criminal Charges
Hatton was booked into the Wakulla County Jail on three felony charges and is being held without bond. He faces the following counts:
- Attempted Felony Murder
- Aggravated Battery on a Person Over 65
- Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
Court records show Hatton’s next appearance is scheduled for Friday, when a judge will determine his custody status and appoint counsel.
Sheriff’s officials said Hatton’s statements during the investigation indicate a clear intent to kill, supported by the recovered weapons and his own confession.
Mental and Medical Background
Investigators noted that Hatton had not been diagnosed with a mental disorder, though he was being treated for medical complications requiring a feeding tube. According to his daughter, Hatton had recently refused to eat despite doctors at the Veterans Affairs clinic confirming there was “nothing mentally wrong with him.”
His daughter added that her father had become increasingly religious and withdrawn in recent weeks. He frequently talked about suffering and mortality, which she now believes were signs of an emerging crisis.
“She didn’t know what he meant by his comments until today,” the affidavit stated.
Statements and Reactions from Authorities
The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office released a statement confirming the arrest and the disturbing nature of Hatton’s confession.
“Mr. Hatton admitted he intended to kill his entire family because he was tired of everyone suffering,” the statement read. “He said he wanted to get them up to heaven.”
Authorities said this was one of the most disturbing domestic violence incidents they had investigated this year and urged families to seek help if they notice signs of emotional instability in loved ones.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Hatton remains in custody at the Wakulla County Jail pending trial. His wife is recovering from life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive. The daughter, who intervened to stop the attack, is cooperating with investigators.
Deputies have submitted the case to the State Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to pursue additional charges related to premeditation or elder abuse.
Conclusion
Authorities say Hatton’s alleged attempt to end his family’s lives under the belief he was sparing them from suffering highlights the tragic intersection of mental health and domestic violence. The investigation remains ongoing as his wife continues to recover and the community awaits his court hearing.
What are your thoughts on this disturbing case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
