WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A 66-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder after she allegedly assisted her elderly mother in ending her life, responding to her mother’s own wishes.
Martha Jo Blake was taken into custody following the discovery of her 97-year-old mother, Patricia Blake, who was found dead in their shared residence on December 26. Initially, Martha Blake reported that she last saw her mother alive the previous evening, but further investigation revealed troubling details about the circumstances surrounding the death.
Patricia Blake reportedly suffered from Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid condition. Since her primary physician practiced in Maine, local authorities enlisted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office to conduct an autopsy. The results indicated evidence that contradicted a natural death, raising red flags for investigators.
The medical examiner’s findings included a lack of typical blood pooling associated with natural causes, indicating possible obstruction to the victim’s face prior to death. Additionally, the examination revealed internal bleeding in various areas and notable hemorrhaging in the neck, alongside petechiae—tiny red or purple spots—that suggested potential suffocation or strangulation. Further examinations indicated a fracture in the neck and significant bleeding, enhancing concerns about the circumstances of her demise.
Authorities reviewed body camera footage from the investigation and noted Martha Blake’s insistence on remaining at her mother’s side during initial questioning. As the inquiry progressed, detectives secured a search warrant to further examine the residence and to interview Martha again without placing her under arrest.
In follow-up discussions, Blake discussed the care she had provided her mother for five years and her awareness of her mother’s ongoing health struggles. She mentioned conversations about “death with dignity” that had taken place with her mother’s healthcare provider in Maine about 18 months prior, although the doctor had deemed Patricia ineligible for assisted dying due to the absence of terminal illness.
Martha Blake described extensive discussions between her and her mother regarding her desire to end her life and sought methods to facilitate this. Allegedly, they contemplated taking an overdose but were unable to locate medications that would provide a painless option. During interviews, Martha Blake maintained that her actions stemmed from her mother’s desires and ongoing suffering, insisting that she had acted out of love and compassion.
After thorough interviews and an examination of forensic evidence, authorities decided to charge Martha Blake with first-degree murder. She is currently held without bond at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. Court records indicate that her next court appearance is scheduled for January 25, 2026, as the case continues to unfold.