A Florida man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking his wife on Christmas Day, citing “financial and health issues” as his reasons.
Jonathan McPhee, 78, is accused of bludgeoning his wife, Aileen McPhee, with a sledgehammer while she was sleeping in their home in Largo, Florida, on December 25.
According to police reports, Jonathan called 911 after the attack, saying, “I clubbed her, and I’m going to try to stab myself in the heart.”
In a chilling text message to his wife’s daughter, Jonathan claimed he had killed Aileen and planned to take his own life.
READ ALSO: ‘Boy in the Box’ Identified After 65 Years, But His Killer Remains a Mystery
The message, sent shortly after the attack, also detailed funeral arrangements and life insurance information, authorities said.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Jonathan outside the house with a self-inflicted knife wound. Inside, Aileen was discovered in the bed with severe injuries to her head.
The sledgehammer used in the attack was found nearby. Both Jonathan and Aileen were rushed to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital for treatment.
During his hospital stay, Jonathan reportedly told police, “Just let me die. I killed my wife.” He was arrested later that morning and charged with first-degree attempted murder.
As of December 29, Jonathan remains in custody, with no word yet on whether he has legal representation.
Aileen’s condition remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities say that financial and health struggles may have played a role in the violent attack.
The details of the case have shocked both the community and investigators, as it unfolded on what should have been a day of holiday celebration.