70-Year-Old Florida Woman Attempts To Have Her Daughter-In-Law Killed Recounts Criminal Defense Attorney

Lakeland, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 4 , 2013 – Jacksonville police arrested a 70-year-old Florida woman after she approached an undercover detective to kill her daughter-in-law.

“This case is decidedly unusual for several reasons. The woman allegedly paid an upfront deposit of $500, with the balance due on the death of the discussed target, handed over the woman’s address and picture, met with the supposed ‘hitman’ for a second time, advanced him another $1,000 and indicated the man could rob the intended victim of her expensive jewellery,” outlined Lakeland criminal defense attorney, Thomas Grajek, who is not involved in the case.

The woman soliciting a killer-for-hire, also stated her daughter-in-law’s diamonds would bring the man extra money for his trouble. When the undercover officer asked her if she was sure she wanted the job done, the woman allegedly replied that if the ‘killer’ did not complete the job, that she would do it herself. It was further stated the target was a bad mother and drunk all the time.

Aside from the question of why the woman would want to have her daughter-in-law killed, for allegedly drinking too much, it is obvious that she likely has not only a personality disorder, but may also suffer from some form of mental illness. “These are things that need to be considered in any defense mounted in this woman’s favor,” indicated Grajek.

On arrest, the elderly woman was taken to jail, read her Miranda rights and charged with two capital felony crimes: criminal conspiracy and criminal solicitation. A capital felony is a crime that may be punishable by execution. The woman immediately requested a criminal defense lawyer. While this may appear to be an open and shut case, there are many underlying factors that could change the course of how this situation unfolds. If, for instance, the woman has a history of mental issues or suffers from delusions of persecution, this needs to be factored into her defense.

“She may well have said that she wanted her daughter-in-law dead, but have no sense of the reality of the situation. She may also not be taking any medications for mental issues, if they have been prescribed,” Grajek pointed out. Everyone is entitled to a well thought out defense, no matter what the facts may be.