A Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after police say he attacked his wife with a sledgehammer on Christmas Day, blaming financial struggles and health problems.
Jonathan McPhee, 78, allegedly hit his wife, Aileen McPhee, in the head while she was asleep at their home on December 25, according to court documents. After the attack, Jonathan reportedly called 911 and confessed, telling the dispatcher, “I clubbed her, and I’m going to try to stab myself in the heart.”
Authorities say he also sent a chilling text to Aileen’s daughter, claiming he had killed her mother and planned to end his own life. In the message, he explained funeral plans and life insurance details.
When police arrived, they found Jonathan outside with a stab wound to his chest. Inside the house, Aileen was discovered in bed with severe head injuries. The sledgehammer was found nearby, still in the bed, according to the complaint.
Both Jonathan and Aileen were taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. While being treated, Jonathan allegedly told officers, “Just let me die. I killed my wife.”
Later that day, he was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder. He remains in custody, and it’s unclear if he has an attorney representing him.
Family friend John McCann told local news that Jonathan had been struggling with depression and seemed to be in a dark place. “He must have been in so much pain to break like this,” McCann said.