A Florida woman accused of stabbing her husband to death in January reportedly married him after his second wife—her mother—died of cancer.
A family friend told WFTV that Michael Redlick was dating Danielle Redlick’s mother when she got cancer. Investigators reportedly believe Michael married his last wife’s mother so she could get better health insurance.
After her death, Michael, 65, reportedly fell for Danielle, 45, and the pair wed. However, family friends claimed the couple had a tumultuous relationship which entailed Michael moving out of their Winter Park home so their children wouldn’t witness them fighting.
The news station also reported that the couple’s kids, ages 11 and 15, told authorities that their mother was typically the aggressor, but believed their relationship was improving in the months prior to Michael’s murder.
People magazine reported that authorities found Michael dead and bloodied near the entrance of his upscale Winter Park home on January 12. His wife reportedly called 911 and claimed Michael had a heart attack before saying that her husband stabbed himself, which might have “triggered” the heart attack.
Danielle, who allegedly waited 11 hours before calling for help, told a 911 dispatcher that she fell asleep next to her husband’s body after performing CPR, according to WKMG.
People reported that police believe Danielle used a dating app and checked messages on her phone while her husband bled out from a fatal shoulder wound.
Responding officers wrote that the home reeked of bleach. They also located a trail of blood leading to the master bedroom. The trail had circular stains, suggesting someone tried to clean the crime scene before their arrival.
In March, Danielle pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. She remains jailed as she awaits trial.
[Featured Image: Danielle Redlick/Orange County Jail; Michael Redlick/University of Central Florida]
