UPDATE 3:30 p.m.:
Fox 4 has received the report of Neil Bates where it explains why deputies also charged him with crimes connected to the planned family suicide pact.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Barbara Bates, Neil's wife, called 911 and they responded to the suicide-related call in Lehigh Acres on Monday.
Deputies said they found Barbara, Neil and their disabled 18-year-old son with knife injuries.
Report: Lehigh mother said she wished suicide pact plan "had succeeded"
Barbara was charged with two counts of attempted murder and aggravated child abuse. On Wednesday, Neil was arrested and charged.
After his arrest, deputies questioned Neil.
According to court documents, Neil said he and his family were dealing with financial struggles while caring for their son. Other court documents related to the case said their son is developmentally challenged.
Neil told deputies their son was diagnosed with Asperger's and that he had several physical limitations and conditions. The report said he only went through fifth grade, and was informally homeschooled.
The report said he did not follow an official program, but was only taught subjects that Neil knew. Neil said his son was more intelligent than most people his age.
However, Neil told deputies he did not believe his son would be able to live by himself.
About a month ago, the report said they got an eviction notice and Neil claimed their son wanted to die because of that.
The dad claims the son came up with the idea of a family suicide pact.
Neil said they had their final meal before going forward with the self-harm, and he claims the son became impatient and wanted to pass away.
According to the documents, they all consumed either alcohol or sleeping pills.
Neil said he did not harm his son and "out of cowardice," he hurt himself. Then, the report said Neil passed out and woke up at the hospital that night.
"Neil refused to admit that the suicidal plan was his idea or Barbara's claiming that [the son] was the one wishing to die," the report said.
Deputies said that Neil changed his story at least twice during the interview.
Neil is charged with criminal attempt to commit a life felony for the conspiracy to murder his son. He's also charged with aggravated abuse of a disabled adult.
He will be in court on Friday for a pre-trial detention hearing.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Lee County Sheriff's Office says Neil Bates has been arrested in connection to a Lehigh Acres investigation involving a planned family suicide pact.
Bates has been charged with crimes against a person (elderly or disabled) and public order crimes (conspiracy to commit attempted murder).
FOX 4 is working to learn more about Bates' connection to this investigation.
