Broward man tried to kill his mother with a frying pan over health, police say
A Broward man is behind bars after admitting to trying to kill his mother with a frying pan due to her declining health, according to police.
On Sunday, Keith Evan Woodward, 53, hit his mother in the head with a frying pan several times — and attempted to smother her with pillows — at a Coral Springs home, according to an arrest report. The events leading up to the incident began around 11:20 a.m., when Woodward and his mother were searching for a phone number for a caretaker.
By then, Woodward said he had planned to kill his mother “due to her early dementia and need for constant assistance,” according to police.
He grabbed a frying pan from the kitchen and struck her as she lay on the bed, the report says. A scuffle ensued — and Woodward climbed on top of his mother and tried to smother her.
Woodward’s mother pushed and pinched him, while also yelling that she couldn’t breathe, police say. Then Woodward hit his mother at least two more times with the frying pan, police say.
She broke free and ran out of the house. Woodward followed her outside but stopped, “feeling guilt for his actions and called emergency services,” the report says.
Shortly after, Woodward told a 911 operator what occurred and said he was “going to hell,” according to police. Woodward, police say, also confessed to detectives, although what exactly he said is redacted in the report.
Woodward’s mother was taken to Broward Health Coral Springs, where she has been treated for her injuries. She is conscious, but the extent of her injuries is unclear, according to the report. Police did not release her name and age.
Woodward, who is facing an attempted murder charge, is being held at the Broward Main Jail without bond.
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 11:20 AM.
