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Couple Sentenced in Lehigh Acres Suicide Pact
29 Aug
Summary
- Mother changed her plea to no contest in attempted murder-suicide pact.
- Couple faced charges due to impending homelessness and eviction.
- Sentenced to prison, followed by probation for their actions.
Barbara Bates, 60, pleaded no contest to charges related to an attempted murder-suicide pact. She was sentenced to 14 years in prison with credit for time served, followed by 10 years of probation. Her husband, Neil Bates, 65, also pleaded no contest to related charges and received a 12-year prison sentence with credit for time served, followed by five years of probation.
The couple's actions stemmed from an eviction notice, as they faced becoming homeless. Authorities responded to their Lehigh Acres residence where they discovered evidence of the attempted pact, including a bloody box cutter and medication bottles. Both Barbara Bates and two family members were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
