Largo murder suspect dies from self-inflicted wound following Christmas Day sledgehammer attack: Police

A Largo man accused of attacking his wife on Christmas Day before turning a knife on himself, died from injuries this week, according to the Largo Police Department. 

Christmas Day attack

What we know:

Police say Jonathan McPhee, 78, called them on Dec. 25, 2024, about a domestic disturbance on Pinecone Way.

McPhee told police he killed his wife and was going to take his own life. 

According to an affidavit, McPhee attacked his wife with a sledgehammer over financial and health issues. 

When officers arrived, they said they found a woman suffering from blunt-force trauma and McPhee suffering from a self-inflicted stab wound. 

"I clubbed her, and I'm going to try to stab myself in the heart," McPhee reportedly told investigators. 

Both were taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

On Dec. 30, 2024, McPhee’s wife died from her injuries and his charges were upgraded to first-degree murder. 

Police said McPhee died from his self-inflicted injuries on Jan. 15, 2025. 

The murder-suicide is still under investigation. 

The Source: This story was written using information from the Largo Police Department and previous FOX 13 News reports. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:

Pinellas CountyCrime and Public Safety