Executive Summary
- Palm Beach County deputies discovered Patricia Blake deceased on December 26.
- The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide after finding evidence inconsistent with natural causes.
- Martha Jo Blake, 66, was arrested and charged with murder following an interview and search of the residence.
A 66-year-old woman has been charged with murder following a homicide investigation in West Palm Beach, where authorities discovered a deceased woman inside a residence the day after Christmas.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 2800 block of Ashley Drive West on December 26 regarding a death investigation. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies located Patricia Blake deceased at the scene.
Due to the victim’s primary care physician being located out of state, the case was referred to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The Medical Examiner reported findings inconsistent with a natural death and subsequently ruled the death a homicide.
Detectives from the Violent Crimes Division executed a search warrant at the residence as part of the follow-up investigation. Authorities interviewed 66-year-old Martha Jo Blake and, based on the gathered evidence, determined she was involved in the killing. She was subsequently arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
Judicial Proceedings
This case underscores the pivotal role of forensic pathology in reclassifying unattended deaths as homicides, triggering the involvement of the Violent Crimes Division. As the investigation transitions from law enforcement to the judicial system, prosecutors will review the evidence gathered during the search warrant execution. It is important to note that all individuals, including Martha Jo Blake, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
