Edana Chokey, aged 57, tragically died on January 30, 2019, in Jupiter, Florida. Her death was the result of a murder-suicide carried out by her husband, Arthur Fred Horlbeck. The incident occurred in their condominium located in the Villas on the Green community off U.S. Highway 1. On that fateful day, Horlbeck attempted to kill a neighbor by firing multiple shots before retreating to his condo. He then fatally shot Edana before turning the gun on himself.
The police responded to reports of gunfire and, after an hours-long standoff, discovered the bodies of Edana and Arthur inside their home.
Arthur Horlbeck had a history of erratic behavior and legal troubles. Prior to the murder-suicide, he had been involved in a physical altercation with the brother of the housing complex manager, for which he pleaded guilty to simple battery. He was also known for his bizarre social media posts, where he claimed to be harassed by law enforcement and neighbors. These posts painted a picture of a man struggling with paranoia and delusions.
The investigation into the incident revealed that Horlbeck had barricaded himself inside the condo after the initial shooting at the neighbor. The SWAT team was deployed, and after several hours of attempting to make contact, they forced entry into the residence. Inside, they found both Edana and Arthur deceased. The police confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the community following the incident.
In the aftermath, the community was left in shock, grappling with the sudden and violent loss of Edana Chokey. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of untreated mental health issues and the importance of community awareness and intervention. The legal proceedings related to Horlbeck's previous altercation and the couple's financial disputes with their condo association added layers of complexity to the narrative, underscoring the troubled history leading up to the tragic event.
