Kissimmee Woman, 68, Accused of Attempting to Kill Autistic Sons with Medication Overdose

A 68-year-old Kissimmee woman faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated abuse of a disabled adult after investigators say she intentionally overdosed her two adult autistic sons earlier this month. Marilyn Elise Therrell was arrested following an incident on September 8 at her home on Indian Ridge Trail South.

Deputies responded to the residence just after 10 a.m. on September 8 for a reported overdose. They found Therrell and her two sons, ages 30 and 32, suffering from apparent medication overdoses. All three individuals were transported to Celebration Hospital for treatment.

Detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the incident. Evidence collected at the home, along with interviews conducted with a family member and the property's landlord, led investigators to suspect the overdoses were intentional.

On September 17, investigators interviewed Therrell. She admitted to detectives that she intentionally gave her sons medication in an attempt to kill them. Therrell stated that caring for her severely autistic sons became increasingly difficult after her husband's death last year. She was subsequently booked into the Osceola County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.