Elderly Woman Kills Terminally Ill Husband in Botched Suicide Pact

Ellen Gilland, 76, shot and killed her bedridden husband Jerry Gilland, 77, at a Florida hospital, sparking an hours-long standoff with police.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:07pm

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An elderly woman named Ellen Gilland, 76, fatally shot her terminally ill husband Jerry Gilland, 77, at AdventHealth Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida on January 21, 2023. The couple had agreed to a suicide pact, but when Jerry couldn't lift the gun, Ellen pulled the trigger. This sparked an hours-long standoff with police before Ellen was arrested.

Why it matters

The case highlights the difficult end-of-life decisions some couples face, especially when one spouse is terminally ill. It also raises questions about mental health, assisted suicide laws, and how law enforcement responds to such sensitive situations.

The details

According to police, Ellen and Jerry Gilland had agreed to a suicide pact around New Year's, as Jerry's health was failing due to depression and dementia. When the time came, Jerry was too weak to shoot himself, so Ellen took the gun and killed him. This triggered a hospital lockdown and standoff with police that lasted several hours before Ellen was arrested.

  • On January 21, 2023, Ellen Gilland shot and killed her husband Jerry at AdventHealth Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida.
  • Around New Year's, the couple had agreed to a suicide pact as Jerry's health was declining.

The players

Ellen Gilland

A 76-year-old woman who shot and killed her terminally ill husband in a botched suicide pact at a Florida hospital.

Jerry Gilland

Ellen's 77-year-old husband who was terminally ill with depression and dementia.

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What they’re saying

“I basically was going to take my own life, but I got hysterical.”

— Ellen Gilland

“There wasn't anything else to do.”

— Ellen Gilland

What’s next

Ellen Gilland entered a no contest plea to manslaughter, aggravated assault with a firearm, and aggravated assault on law enforcement. She was released from prison in November and is now serving 12 years of probation, plus monthly community service.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the difficult end-of-life decisions some couples face, especially when one spouse is terminally ill. It raises complex questions about mental health, assisted suicide laws, and how law enforcement responds to sensitive situations involving vulnerable individuals.