An Oklahoma City woman, Jaye Dee Watts, 44, is facing serious charges after allegedly tormenting her 72-year-old mother, who suffered from dementia, to the point of suicide. The mother, Lynda Watts, ended her life with a firearm that her daughter had given her. The incident occurred on September 10, but the details were only recently revealed by local law enforcement.
Jaye Dee Watts, who was the primary caregiver for her mother, is now charged with felony murder by caretaker abuse and kidnapping. The police have stated that they hold her accountable for her mother’s death. The charges stem from the alleged mental and emotional abuse that led to the elderly woman’s suicide.
According to local news outlet KOCO, home security footage allegedly showed Jaye Dee Watts verbally abusing her mother. She reportedly referred to her mother as a toddler and made cruel remarks such as “take your pill or choke on it and die.” She also allegedly told her mother that she could speak to her in any manner she chose.
The footage also showed Jaye Dee Watts leaving the room and returning with a handgun, which she then demonstrated to her mother how to remove from its holster. She then allegedly told her mother to do whatever she wanted with the gun. Shortly after, Lynda Watts fired two shots, ending her life.
In addition to the verbal abuse, Jaye Dee Watts also allegedly threatened to lock her mother in the bedroom using a drill. This led to the kidnapping charge, as reported by KOCO.
Police Sgt. Dillon Quirk confirmed to the media that Jaye Dee Watts had suggested her mother take her own life, and tragically, she did. When questioned by the police, Jaye Dee Watts reportedly said, “it sucks being a 24/7 caregiver.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Jaye Dee Watts was able to post a $1 million bond. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the dark side of elder care and the potential for abuse within the caregiver relationship.