Florida man cites exorcism in wife's death Bobby McGee, 60, found guilty of first-degree murder No description found
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.
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.
Copyright 2015 by Graham Media Group. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions ▶ 1:15
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational ▶ 0:32
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:15
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend ▶ 0:55
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville ▶ 0:57
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's ▶ 1:54
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs ▶ 0:49
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches ▶ 1:14
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral ▶ 1:57
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′ ▶ 0:33
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years ▶ 0:51
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations ▶ 0:34
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations
Man killed in officer-involved shooting ▶ 1:15
Man killed in officer-involved shooting
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia ▶ 1:17
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week ▶ 0:59
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ▶ 0:31
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:31
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike? ▶ 0:41
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike?
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning ▶ 0:27
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO ▶ 0:43
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire ▶ 1:12
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show ▶ 0:58
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show
Defense team in Jared Bridegan murder case wants ‘crucial’ witness to answer written questions ▶ 0:57
Defense team in Jared Bridegan murder case wants ‘crucial’ witness to answer written questions
Sinkhole on apartment property leaves Westside residents without water since Friday ▶ 1:52
Sinkhole on apartment property leaves Westside residents without water since Friday
Jacksonville street racers will have new option with groundbreaking of Callahan drag strip ▶ 0:59
Jacksonville street racers will have new option with groundbreaking of Callahan drag strip
Previous photo Next photo 