Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Police: Woman survives suicide attempt, arrested in death of disabled son

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Joann Hafer

A Las Vegas woman has been arrested on a count of murder after she forced her mentally disabled son to overdose on prescription medication but survived an attempt to kill herself, Metro Police alleged.

Joanne Hafer, 51, was arrested Sunday on a count of open murder after telling police she fed herself and her son, Matthew Hafer, a mixture of prescription medication in an attempt to end both of their lives, according to an arrest report.

Joanne Hafer wanted to kill herself but was concerned that her son, who required constant supervision, could not take care of himself, so she decided to end both of their lives, the report said.

She told officers she was responsible for her son’s death and when asked what should happen to her, she told officers, “I should die,” according to the arrest report.

On Saturday, officers were called to a rented room of a mobile home in the 6000 block of Castlemont Avenue by a resident on the other side of the trailer who heard a woman screaming for help, police said.

They found Matthew Hafer unresponsive on a recliner and his mother on the floor.

The mother and son moved into the room after another of Joanne Hafer’s sons departed the state and left them with no money, the report stated.

According to the arrest report, Joanne Hafer left behind notes and letters detailing her frustration with caring for her son, who had the demeanor of a small child and suffered from seizures. She also sent a friend a will, directing her how to deal with her cats and personal belongings.

She is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

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