LARGO, FL – A Largo man faces charges of attempted murder following a violent Christmas Day incident in which he allegedly tried to kill his wife before attempting suicide, according to local authorities.

Jonathan McPhee, 78, was charged with first-degree attempted murder after police say he attacked his wife, Lainy McPhee, with a sledgehammer while she was sleeping in their home.

Following his wife’s assault, McPhee reportedly phoned emergency services and admitted to the attack, expressing intentions to end his own life, police said.

When emergency responders arrived, McPhee was discovered outside his residence, suffering from a knife wound he allegedly inflicted on himself. Inside the house, officers found his wife unconscious, the result of significant head trauma. Both individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Police reports indicate that McPhee communicated with his wife’s daughter before the authorities reached the scene, claiming he had killed his wife and citing severe financial and health woes as motives for his actions. He provided instructions for funeral arrangements and life insurance details in the message.

Remarkably, both McPhee and his wife survived the incident. Despite suffering a substantial brain injury, medical professionals continue to treat her injuries. In statements to medical personnel, McPhee expressed a wish to die, confessing he believed he had killed his wife.

The situation has left neighbors in shock. One resident described McPhee as someone who appeared extremely despondent and suggested he may have experienced a significant mental health crisis, leading to the tragic events of that morning.

Authorities in Largo continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack while McPhee remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.