Florida man cites exorcism in wife's death

Bobby McGee, 60, found guilty of first-degree murder

CLEARWATER, Fla. – A Florida man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 1998 stabbing death of his wife.

Bobby McGee, 60, was sentenced to life in prison Friday after his wife, Helene Ball, was stabbed 19 times. McGee's defense team said McGee was attempting an exorcism to cast out demons inside her.

Recommended Videos



McGee's defenders argue he never tried to kill his wife. In 1998, McGee wrote in his diary that he thought Ball was possessed by the devil. The defense team said he thought an exorcism would help save his marriage.

His defenders, Jane Matheny and John Swisher, said McGee received psychiatric treatment while in custody for much of the last two decades. They maintain their client was insane at the time of the killing.