Deputies: Woman tried to smother disabled husband

LAKELAND (FOX 13) - A college professor is under arrest, accused of trying to kill her disabled husband.

Cherry Olds, 59, has been charged with attempted murder and abuse of a disabled adult.

"Whatever prompted her to do this, I know my baby snapped and I know my condition is what caused it," said the alleged victim, James Olds.

Deputies were notified by Olds' adult son, who tipped them off to the alleged crime.  When investigators went out to the home and interviewed Olds' husband, they say he told them his wife tried to smother him twice with a pillow last Wednesday.

He is a paraplegic, and suffers from multiple sclerosis.

"I know she sees other old couples walking around and enjoying their retirement years and she'd never enjoy those with me, and she snapped," he continued.

He said he was able to turn his head to the side to get air.  His son heard the altercation, and was able to free his father. He says he is offering forgiveness.

"I've always loved that woman, I always will love that woman, I still love that woman today.  I'm deathly afraid to be alone with her, but I'll always love her," he said.

Olds is a professor at Polk State College. She's on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.