Brevard County, FL – A former Florida county official is facing serious charges after allegedly admitting to friends that he killed his 90-year-old grandfather with a mix of Ambien, morphine, and other prescription drugs while the elderly man was in home hospice care.
Former County Official Under Investigation
Authorities say Christopher Balter, 35, was arrested on charges of delivery of a controlled substance and forgery. According to an arrest affidavit, Balter attempted to forge signatures on a quitclaim deed for his grandfather’s home just weeks before the death of Gilbert Balter on February 1, 2025.
Investigators allege Balter openly discussed “helping” his grandfather die, telling a friend, “I didn’t kill him. I helped him out.” The friend, Kristen Rutherford, later reported him to police and handed over text messages and call recordings where Balter admitted giving his grandfather drugs he was not prescribed.
Disputed End-of-Life Claims
Balter allegedly told friends that Gilbert “never wanted to live like that” and had asked him to take his life. But according to hospice records reviewed by Brevard County investigators, Gilbert was still alert and communicative two days before his death — contradicting Balter’s claims that he had been in a vegetative state for four days.
Nineteen days before his death, Gilbert reportedly told a hospice case manager he wanted to “live longer,” further challenging the notion that he consented to his grandson’s actions.
How the Incident Allegedly Happened
According to court records, Balter told Rutherford during a recorded call that he gave the drugs orally rather than by injection. “People do that all the time to help people out. That is what hospice is,” he allegedly said. Rutherford responded that hospice professionals handle such care, not family members.
During hospice visits from January 29 to February 1, Gilbert was given Haldol, liquid morphine, Lorazepam, and the unprescribed Ambien. Authorities say Balter had been prescribed Ambien in the past.
Property Dispute Raises More Questions
Police say that the night before Gilbert began hospice care, Balter asked Rutherford to sign a quitclaim deed transferring his grandfather’s property. When she refused, he allegedly forged her signature on the notarized document.
In a text message to another friend, Rutherford described Balter as “such a user” and said he “makes my skin crawl.”
Official Position and Resignation
Before his arrest on August 3, Balter was serving as Indian River County’s director of planning and development. He has since resigned from the position.
Do you believe the charges against Christopher Balter should include homicide? Share your thoughts in the comments.
