Claremore, OK – A 73-year-old Oklahoma woman has been arrested and charged with solicitation for murder and caretaker abuse after allegedly trying to kill her 77-year-old husband by disconnecting his oxygen supply and telling him to “just die,” according to local authorities.
The Incident: Husband Calls for Help After Oxygen Is Cut Off
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a distress call from a Claremore residence late Saturday evening after the husband claimed his wife, Naomi Austin, had unplugged his oxygen machine and refused to reconnect it.
According to officials, the man — who relies on oxygen to breathe — managed to call emergency services and alert authorities that his wife was attempting to kill him.
When first responders arrived, they found the man visibly shaken but alive. Austin was taken into custody and later booked into the Rogers County Detention Center on Sunday morning.
Sheriff Scott Walton said the decision to arrest Austin was difficult given her age, but necessary.
“I have no enjoyment putting anybody that age in jail,” Walton said. “But in the interest of his health and the crimes that she’s committed, it was the thing to do.”
Investigation and Prior Incidents
Authorities revealed that this was not the first time law enforcement had been called to the couple’s home for a similar incident. On October 11, firefighters reportedly responded to a previous emergency where the husband’s oxygen line had also been disconnected.
At the time, Austin denied wrongdoing, allegedly telling responders that her husband had “gone cuckoo.” However, investigators began collecting evidence that painted a different picture — one suggesting that she had been contemplating her husband’s death for months.
Evidence and Arrest Affidavit Details
An arrest affidavit obtained by investigators included a series of text messages allegedly sent by Austin, which appear to express her desire for her husband’s death.
“I hate the victim,” one message read.
“He needs to die soon,” she allegedly wrote in another.
These messages were reportedly shared with deputies by a family realtor, who also told investigators that Austin had asked her and her husband during a phone conversation whether they would help “facilitate” her husband’s death.
Sheriff Walton stated that the combination of physical evidence, prior incidents, and digital communications made the intent clear.
“I think in more ways than one, we were able to show easily, beyond any reasonable doubt, that this lady wanted her husband dead,” Walton said.
Court Proceedings and Charges
According to Rogers County jail records, Naomi Austin is charged with:
- Solicitation for Murder
- Abuse or Exploitation by a Caretaker
She is currently being held without bond, with a court hearing scheduled for November 12.
Prosecutors say they plan to argue that Austin deliberately endangered her husband’s life, citing both the oxygen disconnection and the documented messages as clear evidence of premeditation.
Community Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
The case has shocked residents of Claremore, a quiet community located 30 miles northeast of Tulsa. Many expressed disbelief that a woman in her seventies could be accused of such a crime.
Sheriff Walton said while the situation was tragic, the priority was protecting the victim’s safety and ensuring he continued to receive medical care.
“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “But sometimes, when you see the extent of what someone’s done, you can’t ignore it — no matter their age.”
Background and Broader Context
Elder-related domestic abuse cases, though less common, are a growing concern in the U.S., particularly among couples where one spouse is a caregiver for another with chronic health issues. Experts say stress, resentment, or caregiver burnout can sometimes escalate into dangerous behavior.
Authorities in Oklahoma have urged families to report any signs of elder abuse or neglect early to prevent such incidents from turning deadly.
Conclusion
Naomi Austin’s arrest marks a disturbing case of alleged domestic violence within a vulnerable household. As investigators continue reviewing evidence ahead of her November court date, the victim remains under medical supervision, and officials emphasize the importance of speaking up about elder abuse and caregiver misconduct before tragedy strikes.
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