In a case that has shaken Indian River County, Christopher Michael Balter, the county's former Planning and Development Services Director, stands accused of delivering a controlled substance to his grandfather, leading to his death, and of forging legal documents. According to ClickOrlando, Balter was arrested on August 3, with the incident surrounding the alleged killing having taken place months prior.
The affidavit for his arrest reveals Balter, who is 35, might have administered his prescription medication to his grandfather, who was in hospice care in his nineties. A friend, to whom Balter had confided, reported the suspicious conversation to Palm Bay police on February 3. The depth of their discussion unveiled a grave scene. "I didn’t kill him. I helped him out," Balter claimed during an argument caught on a phone call recorded by officers, which ClickOrlando reported. Police later confirmed with an autopsy that Balter's grandfather had indeed been given Ambien, not included among his prescriptions, with the drug combination potentially contributing to the death.
Besides the charges related to the alleged killing, Balter is also suspected of property fraud. Investigators accuse him of forging a quitclaim deed for his grandfather's property with the connivance of a witness' signature. A childhood friend, whose signature was found on the document, denied ever signing it, as per the police reports mentioned by ClickOrlando. This has led to additional forgery charges against Balter.
Following his arrest, Balter parted ways with the county and relinquished his directorial role. As detailed by WFTV, he has since been released from the Brevard County Jail after posting bond.
