Search Results for: Palm Beach

Florida woman charged with murder of 97-year-old mother

West Palm Beach, FL A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 97-year-old mother. Martha Jo Blake, 66, was arrested after her mother, Patricia Blake, was found dead at home on Tuesday.

An autopsy revealed that Patricia Blake’s death was a homicide, with indications of strangulation. Martha Blake reportedly told police she assisted her mother in ending her life at her request.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Martha Blake stated that her mother had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid disorder. Following the autopsy, evidence led officials to reassess the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

The medical examiner found details inconsistent with natural death, including a lack of post-mortem blood pooling. There were also several signs of violence present.

Martha Blake had previously stated that she and her mother discussed options for “death with dignity” with her mother’s doctor in Maine, who indicated that Patricia was not eligible due to a lack of terminal illness.

She told authorities that discussions on suicide had occurred but no lethal means were available at the time.

Martha Blake is currently being held without bond at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. Her next court appearance is set for January 25, 2026.

Florida man charged in fatal shooting of teen trying to break up argument

Boynton Beach, FL A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the shooting death of a 17-year-old during a domestic altercation. Trenton Robinson faces second-degree murder charges with a firearm, according to court records.

The incident occurred on December 28 at a residence on Northwest Ninth Avenue. Josiah Jones was shot in the abdomen and later died at Delray Medical Center.

Witnesses say Robinson was picking up his son from the boy’s mother when an argument broke out. The 17-year-old attempted to intervene and separate the parents during the escalating conflict.

During the confrontation, Robinson and Jones ended up on a bed while grabbing hold of each other. At that moment, Josiah was shot.

Robinson was taken into custody at the scene. He reportedly said, “I f–d up. It was an accident,” following the shooting.

The mother of the deceased teenager told police she heard the argument and asked Josiah to intervene. After hearing a “pop,” she found her son on the ground.

Both of Josiah’s sisters provided similar accounts of the events leading up to the shooting. They described how Robinson attempted to remove his gun while stating, “get off me.”

The defendant maintained the shooting was accidental in a post-arrest interview. He claimed he was trying to secure the gun from his sweatshirt pocket when it discharged.

Robinson is currently held at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 26, 2026.

Florida woman faces lengthy prison term after infant death

West Boca Raton, FL

A Florida woman entered a guilty plea for the death of her newborn son. Bianca R. Desouza, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm on Thursday.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2022. At 4:56 p.m., emergency responders arrived at a residence in West Boca Raton following a call about an unresponsive infant.

The infant’s grandmother reported finding the baby unresponsive in Desouza’s bedroom. The child was transported to West Boca Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Desouza gave birth to the child in her bed but did not seek medical assistance after the birth. She reported that after holding the infant until he stopped crying, she left him on the bed while taking a shower.

Desouza indicated she was unaware the child had died until her mother entered the room. The mother reported Desouza had experienced significant stress regarding the impending birth and potential adoption of the child.

Desouza was released from a psychiatric facility on May 11, 2022. She later expressed regret and explained her confusion during the labor process.

The Palm Beach County medical examiner classified the infant’s death as a homicide due to asphyxia. The report noted that the mother did not attempt to reposition the baby during or after the birth.

Desouza’s plea agreement stipulates a prison sentence of up to 45 years. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.