Florida mom arrested after attempting to kill severely autistic sons

A Florida mom was arrested after admitting she intentionally tried to kill herself and her two adult sons who are severely autistic, police said.

Read more DeSantis temporarily halts Miami killer’s execution amid concerns about dementia

Authorities went to Marilyn Elise Therrell’s Kissimmee home Sept. 8 in reference to an overdose call. Therrell, 68, and her two sons, ages 32 and 30 were transported to a local hospital.

Once Therrell was released from the hospital, she spoke with detectives Sept. 17.

“She admitted that since her husband died last year, it has become harder to take care of her adult sons,” according to a statement the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department provided USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. “She admitted to detectives that she purposely overdosed her sons on medication, in an attempt to kill them.”

What is the status of the autistic sons a Florida mom tried to kill?

The two unidentified men were still being treated at a hospital as of Sept. 18.

Sheriff officials said they are both expected to recover. Once released from the hospital, Therrell’s sons will be placed in the state’s care.

Read more DeSantis temporarily halts Miami killer’s execution amid concerns about dementia

Charges mom who allegedly tried to kill autistic sons is facing

Therrell was booked into Osceola County jail.

She is facing two counts of attempted first degree murder and two counts of aggravated abuse of a disabled adult.

Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida mom arrested after attempting to kill severely autistic sons

Read more DeSantis temporarily halts Miami killer’s execution amid concerns about dementia

Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK / Florida Today

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published September 18, 2026 at 5:15 PM.