Jacqueline Ghislaine "Jackie" Juhlin, an 80-year-old woman from Venice, Florida, passed away on October 14, 2019. Born on September 14, 1939, in Charleroi, Belgium, Jackie lived a long life before her tragic death. She was residing in an independent living facility in Venice at the time of her passing.
The circumstances surrounding Jackie's death were deeply tragic and involved a murder-suicide attempt. On the evening of October 14, 2019, her 94-year-old husband, Wayne Juhlin, called 911 to report her death. He informed the dispatcher that his wife had died and requested an ambulance and police assistance. When emergency services arrived, they discovered that Jackie had been shot. Wayne Juhlin admitted to killing his wife, who was suffering from dementia, and then attempting to take his own life. However, his attempt was unsuccessful due to a malfunction with the firearm.
Wayne Juhlin was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
He was cooperative with law enforcement and left a lengthy suicide note explaining his actions. The case highlighted the immense stress and challenges faced by caregivers, particularly those caring for loved ones with dementia. Wayne Juhlin was held in the Sarasota County jail without bond following his arrest.
The tragic incident underscored the importance of support and resources for caregivers. Local organizations, such as the Venice Friendship Center, emphasized the need for caregivers to seek help and utilize available resources to prevent such devastating outcomes. Unfortunately, Wayne Juhlin passed away before the trial could take place, leaving many questions unanswered about the full extent of the circumstances leading to Jackie's death.
