Michael Bitterman, aged 74, was found dead on May 31, 2017, in his home in the Collier's Reserve community in North Naples, Florida. The tragic incident was a murder-suicide, where Michael Bitterman killed his wife, Barbara Bitterman, before taking his own life. The couple was discovered by a maintenance worker who went to their home to retrieve the mail and check on the house, as they were supposed to have left on a trip the day before.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office conducted an
investigation into the incident but ultimately closed the case without finding a definitive motive for the murder-suicide. Reports indicated that both Michael and Barbara Bitterman had gunshot wounds to the head, and a shotgun was found at the scene. The couple was found in a guest bedroom, with Michael Bitterman lying on his back in a dark blue bathrobe.
During the investigation, detectives learned from family members and friends that the Bittermans were experiencing marital problems, and Barbara Bitterman was considering a divorce. Some relatives mentioned that Barbara had begun to fear her husband. However, Michael Bitterman's children stated that they were unaware of any issues between the couple. Despite these accounts, investigators could not establish a clear motive for the killings.
A friend of the couple revealed that Michael Bitterman had planned a month-long European cruise with his wife to repair their marriage. Additionally, Michael had been diagnosed with a heart condition and was planning to undergo surgery after their return from the trip. This information added to the confusion, as it seemed Michael was planning for the future. The investigation concluded without any evidence suggesting that the murder-suicide was premeditated.
The deaths of Michael and Barbara Bitterman left their family and friends devastated. Barbara's brother-in-law expressed his sorrow, stating that Michael had taken the life of a wonderful, caring person and left her 93-year-old mother heartbroken. The community in Collier County and Lake Placid, New York, where Barbara grew up, mourned the loss of the couple.
