A Florida woman who began a relationship with her mother’s boyfriend following her mother’s death from breast cancer ultimately stabbed him to death after marrying him.
Danielle Redlick, 22 at the time she started dating Michael Redlick, 65, confessed to killing her husband and former stepfather in self-defence on January 11, 2019. However, her adult daughter, Jadyn, has raised concerns about Danielle’s behavior, describing her mother as wearing an “incredible mask” and expressing fear for her younger brother’s safety.
According to Danielle, she and Michael grew close after her mother passed away from aggressive breast cancer. Michael began visiting the bar where Danielle worked, and their relationship reportedly evolved into a romantic one. The relationship ended tragically when Danielle fatally stabbed Michael in their Orange County home.
Danielle’s account of the incident changed over time. She initially told a 911 operator she believed Michael had suffered a heart attack. While she avoided a conviction for second-degree murder, she was sentenced to one year of probation for tampering with evidence, having cleaned the scene after the stabbing.
At trial, Jadyn urged the court to enforce a no-contact order to protect her and her brother from Danielle. She wrote that although others may be deceived by Danielle’s outward appearance, she recognized the danger and pleaded for legal safeguards.
Prosecutors argued that Danielle’s actions went beyond self-defence. They noted she did not attempt to seek help or administer aid and was found using a dating site while Michael lay dead. She reportedly tried to take her own life 11 hours after the incident before calling 999.
Jadyn testified that her mother was manipulative and toxic, and a primary source of dysfunction in the family. Danielle ultimately received credit for time served and was released in 2022, supported by letters from volunteers at the local jail.
