Four Corners, Florida — A 68-year-old Florida woman is accused of deliberately giving her two adult sons an overdose of medication before allegedly attempting to harm herself, authorities say.
Marilyn Therrell is facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult, according to Osceola County jail records.
The case began Sept. 8, when deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home on Indian Ridge Trail South in Four Corners following a report of an apparent drug overdose.
Therrell and her two sons, both in their 30s and described as having severe autism, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Deputies Say Mother Admitted Giving Sons an Overdose
Authorities later interviewed Therrell and other family members as investigators worked to determine what had happened inside the home.
According to authorities, Therrell told investigators that caring for her sons had become increasingly difficult after her husband died the previous year.
She allegedly acknowledged that she had intentionally given her sons an overdose of medication.
Investigators also determined that Therrell had apparently attempted to harm herself with medication after giving the drugs to her sons. The circumstances surrounding the alleged overdose remain part of the criminal investigation.
Sons Expected to Survive
Despite the seriousness of the incident, authorities said Therrell and both of her sons were expected to survive.
The two men remained hospitalized following the incident, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Once they are released from the hospital, authorities said the brothers are expected to be placed under the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Adult Protective Services.
The arrangement is intended to provide care and protection for the men as the criminal case involving their mother moves forward.
Woman Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Therrell was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail following the investigation.
Jail records show she faces two attempted first-degree murder charges, along with two counts of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult.
She remains in custody and is awaiting an arraignment, where the allegations against her will proceed through the court system. The charges are allegations, and Therrell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Husband’s Death Cited in Investigation
According to investigators, Therrell’s explanation focused on the increasing difficulty she said she experienced while caring for her sons following her husband’s death.
The two men, who are adults and have severe autism, apparently depended on their family for significant care and support. Authorities said Therrell told investigators that the responsibility had become progressively harder for her to manage.
Her alleged decision to administer medication to her sons and subsequently attempt to harm herself is now at the center of the criminal case.
The investigation also highlights the challenges that can arise when adults with significant disabilities depend heavily on aging caregivers, particularly following the death or loss of another primary caregiver.
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Case Moves Toward Arraignment
The investigation began after emergency responders were called to the Four Corners home on Sept. 8.
What initially appeared to be a medical emergency involving an overdose eventually led investigators to question family members and interview Therrell about the circumstances.
All three people survived the incident, although the two sons remained hospitalized while arrangements for their future care were being made.
Therrell’s next major court proceeding will be her arraignment, where she will face the charges filed against her.
Osceola County is located in central Florida, just south of Orlando, and includes communities such as Kissimmee and parts of the broader Orlando area.
The case remains ongoing as authorities continue the legal process and the two brothers receive medical care.
What do you think about this case and the challenges families can face when caring for adults with significant disabilities? Share your thoughts in the comments.
