Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Volusia County Great-Grandmother Charged With Attempted Murder in Alleged Plot to Kill Disabled 13-Year-Old

Deputies cite typed notes plus prescription bottles indicating a planned murder-suicide linked to caregiver strain.

Overview

  • Deputies began a search on Dec. 29 after family members found a suicide note at Deborah Collier’s home in DeLand, Florida.
  • A deputy stopped Collier near Seville and found her great-granddaughter unresponsive with white pill residue, though Collier said the child was sleeping.
  • The 13-year-old was airlifted to an Orlando-area hospital and is listed in stable condition in a pediatric ICU.
  • Investigators recovered prescription medication bottles and a typed note describing plans to end both lives, and WESH reports the arrest affidavit cites amphetamines and benzodiazepines.
  • Collier is being held without bond on an attempted first-degree murder charge, and detectives say the child requires round-the-clock care and that Collier opposed placement in assisted living.